Eight rowers from Wilton are among the 13 Norwalk River Rowing Association (NRRA) athletes who recently qualified for the prestigious USRowing 2017 Youth National Championships, to be held June 9-11 in Sarasota, FL. The athletes qualified by posting top-3 finishes at the USRowing Youth Northeast Regionals held last weekend in Worcester, MA.
Wilton rowers who will represent NRRA at the Youth Nationals are Olivia Bernadini, Mackenzie Cote, Mackenzie Holmgren, Liam Jenkins, Kevin Lenihan, Oliver Peacock, Ethan Reichgut and Jamie Trentos. These qualifiers were among a total of 13 who posted top-3 finishes in Men’s and Women’s Pairs and Lightweight Doubles, as well as Men’s Lightweight Doubles and Men’s Lightweight Four.
In addition, several Wilton rowers helped NRRA capture gold medals with first-place finishes: MacKenzie Holmgren won the Women’s Lightweight Single; and the club also won a first-place finish Gold medal in the U17 8+, with a crew that included Wilton’s Adam Harley, Liam Jenkins, Alex Stepnowsky and Austin Crowell.
NRRA also medaled in the Men’s Lightweight Single with Luke Briglin from Wilton, and in the Men’s 2nd Quad with Wilton’s Matt Rauccio, Briglin and Max Schwartz.
The 2017 Youth National Championships in Sarasota will bring together 1,500 athletes from some 150 teams – all vying for national titles in 18 boat classes.
Norwalk River Rowing Association (NRRA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which promotes a lifelong passion for the sport of rowing. It is dedicated to providing wellness and competition among adult members, and athletic and educational opportunities for the youth of all surrounding communities, including Darien, Fairfield, Norwalk, Ridgefield, Stamford, Westport, Weston, and Wilton in CT, as well as Bedford, Cross River and Pound Ridge in NY. The coaching staff provides a comprehensive program of rowing courses and activities for both youth and adults of all ability and income levels, in a fun and friendly environment from their site on the Norwalk River. Visit the NRRA website for more information on the club and programs.