After a successful indoor SWEAT earlier this month, the Rangers are back on the water to test out their boat-racing skills.
Jesuit Crew traveled to Austin Sunday (2/9) to participate in the Carson Smith Memorial Regatta. Founded last year in remembrance of Carson Smith, a varsity rower and member of the Texas Rowing Center, the regatta is a tribute to Carson’s commitment to hard work and his unforgettable presence. You can read more about Carson here.
The Races
Jesuit boats dueled TRC for 2000 meters on Lady Bird Lake, just outside downtown Austin. Overcast and windy, racing conditions were not ideal, but the Rangers took on the challenge! All varsity boats placed first in their respective entries, while novice boats placed second.
Races ran just longer than six minutes, 6:12.9, 6:33.6, and 6:06.9 from the varsity A, B, and C boat respectively.
The team brought three eight-man boats and two four-man boats to the event. Many varsity rowers raced both in the eight and in the four. In rowing, both boat types pick up significant speed when all rowers match their stroke style together. The weather conditions during the regatta made this a challenge.
Matthew Sorenson ’20 described the duel as “invigorating, especially as the first race of spring season.”
Part of what creates good racing habits, according to Coach Randy Dam, is “the ability to consistently perform wherever the team rows.” Jesuit has faced local teams like TRC and Parati Rowing in Austin, at home in Dallas, and in Oklahoma City for Youth Regionals. It’s necessary for the team to be adaptable when traveling, as this will help when preparing for championships later this year. Youth Nationals will take place in Sarasota, Florida this summer.
The Rangers will race TRC again later this spring back home at White Rock Lake. Additionally, Jesuit Crew will travel to California to duel against several West Coast teams.
Stay tuned to The Roundup for more Jesuit Crew updates!
