Norfolk Academy crew finds success at state, national levels this spring
NORFOLK, Va. — Becoming good in the sport of rowing requires both physical attributes – power and strength – and internal fortitude – willingness to be a good teammate, learn from mistakes, and commit to getting better no matter the amount of hard work needed.
Several Norfolk Academy crew teams put those skills together during the spring season, leading to success at both the state and national levels.
The Bulldogs’ women’s quad boat finished fourth at the state championships, which were held in northern Virginia in mid-May. The men’s varsity four boat earned the bronze medal at that event, only 3 seconds behind the winners.
And the Bulldogs’ men’s junior four boat of Quinn Carroll, Carter Lucas, Ethan Eveleigh, David Denson, and Cole Houfek won gold in their competition, finishing 18 seconds faster than the second place team. That effort earned the team a spot in the Stotesbury Cup Regatta, the world’s largest high school regatta.
The Regatta, held in late May in Philadelphia, annually attracts top teams from around the nation. The Bulldogs were not daunted, earning fifth place out of 51 in their category.
“To compete that well against such a high level of rowing, it was very impressive,” Academy crew coach Katie Roberts said.
While those achievements were high points, Roberts said she had much to be pleased with this season. All 85 of her student-athletes were able to get on the water and learn, not an easy task considering the spring season is only three months long (with breaks).
Also, the Bulldogs held their own throughout the season, even against some club teams that practice for longer than three months. Academy won an Efficiency Award at the Eastern Virginia Scholastic Rowing Association event and placed in numerous other competitions.
Seniors did a great job serving as role models and leading the way for younger rowers, Roberts said. Also, individually talented athletes bonded well with teammates, forming a strong team.
“Throughout the season everyone improved. As a coach that’s great to watch,” Roberts said.
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