AJRA rowers are in their final phase of preparation for the USRowing Southeast Youth Championships this coming weekend. The team will head down to Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota, Florida, for a full schedule of racing on Saturday and Sunday. All boats entered will be competing for a regional title against crews from Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
Atlanta Juniors will be racing in thirteen events: Men’s and Women’s Varsity 8+’s, Men’s and Women’s 2nd Varsity 8+’s, Women’s 3rd Varsity 8+, Men’s and Women’s Lightweight 8+’s, Men’s and Women’s Novice 8+’s, Men’s Varsity 4+, Men’s Lightweight 4+, Women’s Varsity 4x, and Men’s Varsity 2x. Crews rowing in varsity events are eligible to qualify for USRowing Youth Nationals with a top 3 finish at this regatta (V8+, Light8+, V4+, Light4+, V4x, V2x).
The coaching staff is excited to see rowers perform this weekend, building from a strong year of training and racing locally. Coach Jordan has the women’s program in a strong position, saying, “The team is ready and wants to take the next step as a program. We’ve been talking about putting all the pieces together, and I’m eager to see them let the animal out of the cage.” Coach Rob is equally as excited about the men’s racing this weekend, adding, “We look forward to our 
championship race, and the state-of-the-art race site will make this regatta special. Our athletes have been preparing for this race all season, and I think we are primed for our best race. It makes me wish I were still racing!”
There will be a full contingent of friends, families, and AJRA supporters in Sarasota, and many more cheering on the team from home. For the heat sheet and live results, please click here to follow along.
Good luck, fast water, and fair winds to all crews racing! GO AJRA!