From June 12-15, the fastest junior rowers in the United States will compete at the USRowing Youth National Championship at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota, Florida. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, this year’s Championship will draw nearly 10,000 athletes, coaches and supporters to revel in the pinnacle of US junior rowing at the premier racecourse in the country. Drawing from regional and state championships, with the addition of worthy petitioners, the USRowing Youth National Championship will deliver top-notch racing and a memorable experience for all athletes and fans. The women’s youth eight features 34 entries from almost 20 different states.
RowAmerica Rye
RowAmerica Rye enters as the defending champions after their breakthrough win in 2024. With a 16:09 course record at the Head of the Charles and dominant victories at the New York State Championship, KCRA Regatta and Mercer Sprints, they have shown impressive form, with only a Henley Royal Regatta finals loss last summer to blemish their reign. Led by athletes like Claire Van Praagh, who won a gold medal in the eight at the 2024 U19 World Rowing Championship, RAR has the speed, tenacity, and experience to repeat as champions. They are the clear favourites in this event if they maintain their rhythm and execute their race plan.
Newport Aquatic Center
On the West Coast, Newport Aquatic Centre (NAC) has dominated their region, winning the San Diego Crew Classic and Southwest Regionals with commanding performances. They were second to RAR at last year’s Youth National Championship, and will be looking to even the score. This crew has been focused all year on avenging their loss, and can put themselves in contention if they can hang with RowAmerica Rye early in the race. However, NAC cannot afford to look too far forward, as Southwest Regional rivals like Marin have been closing the gap this season and will be keen to put their bow in front when it matters most.
Winter Park Crew
Coach Mike Vertullo has shaped Winter Park women’s eights for decades, with a recent hot streak unrivalled in American schoolgirl rowing. At the Scholastic Rowing Association of America’s championship, Winter Park made it four national titles in a row, throwing down a blistering 4:49 for 1500m in the final. Wins at the Florida State Sweep Championship and the USRowing Southeast Youth Championships (breaking 6:30 for 2000m) will give them the confidence to step on the main American junior stage for the first time in many years. This crew will go for it early in the race and look to run with the leaders.
Saugatuck Rowing Club
After finishing just off the podium in the 2024 final, Saugatuck is ready to rebound. They’ve had the better of local rivals Greenwich all season, and have been the closest the East Coast has had to offer against RowAmerica Rye. The northeast has had a record spring of wind and rain all season, culminating in the cancellation of the Northeast Regional Championship, which has deprived these athletes of a final speed check. While they have yet to match RAR’s relentless base, this crew races furiously from the start and aims to be in the fight when the medals are decided.
Prediction
RowAmerica Rye will cap off a dominant year by repeating as champions. They may have clear water on the field crossing the line, depending on the conditions. Newport Aquatic Centre should be in for a strong second-place performance if they can execute. Saugatuck will be in the fight early, but will have to fend off challengers like SRAA National Champions Winter Park, who want to make a name for themselves this weekend. In addition to the featured crews, don’t be surprised to see some magic from Saratoga, a fast-starting Chicago Rowing Foundation, and a new look Marin Rowing Association crew come finals morning on Sunday.
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