Triad Rowers Celebrate Year of Rowing at Sedgefield Country Club

Greensboro, North Carolina – Duke University’s head women’s rowing coach Megan Cooke Carcagno gave the keynote address at the 2018 Celebration of Rowing banquet held at Sedgefield Country Club on Saturday night and it was a inspiring rowing story of triumph over challenge.

After an hour of cocktails and silent auction, almost 200 rowers, parents and friends from High Point Rowing Club and Greensboro Crew gathered into the Sedgefield Country Club ballroom for what has become the most prestigious social event on the rowing calendar.

Jack and Harry Kininmonth, serving as Master of Ceremonies, then opened the evening by introducing Greensboro youth coxswain Eleah Stewart to give the invocation.

Jack and Harry Kininmonth served as emcees at the 2018 Celebration of Rowing banquet.

After enjoying a delicious feast, Jack & Harry then returned to the podium to begin the formal ceremonies, which began with High Point rower Natalie Earnhardt, who recited “The Triad Navy” a poem written for the occasion by club founder Gene Kininmonth.

Mary Hollingsworth then presented the High Point Parent of the Year award to Shelli and Brandon York for their service to the crew. Greensboro parent Julie Higgins then presented the Greensboro Parent of the Year award to Holly Messick.

‘Girl Jeanne’ MacPherson, last year’s Masters MVP winner, was then invited to the podium to announce the 2018 recipient – Erin Sanders. Congratulations Erin – High Point Masters MVP Rower of the Year!

Coach Katie Ognovich then talked about the progress of Greensboro Crew and concluded by presenting the Katherine Dickson Award for youth service to Greensboro Crew to Benjamin Huitt and the Greensboro Masters MVP award to Julie Higgins.

Coach Gene Kininmonth then thanked all the Triad United Rowing coaches for their service to the club and presented the Caroline Howard Cup for youth service to High Point Rowing Club to Jamie Atkinson.

It is not every year that the club is fortunate enough to have youth rowers sign with college rowing programs but this year three high school seniors are signing so the club held a special signing ceremony at the banquet to recognize their success. Lindsay York has signed with Drake University, Junior Ognovich has signed with Syracuse University and Ashley Walker has signed with the University of Minnesota.

And then  it was time to welcome world champion rower Megan Cooke-Carcagno to the podium. But before her speech, guests watched on the big screen her USA women’s eight world record breaking victory at the 2006 world championships. The win began a streak for the USA women that lasted almost a dozen years.

But it was the story of Megan’s journey to that record breaking moment that inspired guests at the banquet. Perseverance and resiliency only begin to describe Megan’s effort to make the USA team.  Her years of struggle and never give up attitude up prove that it takes more than talent alone to become the world’s best.

At this point there was just one last piece of business to attend to – the drawing of the raffle ticket to see who would win the brand new Concept2 ergometer. Erin Sanders held out the bucket of tickets and Megan drew the ticket – and the winner was Lisa Thompson (William’s mum). Congratulations Lisa!

Coach Gene then thanked Coach Megan for sharing her story and also Jaree Todd, who chaired this year’s record breaking auction.

The final honor of the evening was to thank our amazing 2018 Banquet Chair Jackie King. Without Jackie there would be no banquet and we were all richer for the experience of this year’s Celebration of Rowing.

Jackie King and Megan Cooke Carcagno at the 2018 Celebration of Rowing banquet.
Jamie Atkinson with the Caroline Howard Cup for service and inspiration to his fellow rowers at High Point Rowing Club.
Three High Point rowers signed with colleges this past week and were recognized at the 2018 Celebration of Rowing banquet. Lindsay York signed with Drake University. Junior Ognovich signed with Syraces and Ashley Walker is going to the University of Minnesota.
Greensboro Crew youth rowers gather at Sedgefield Country Club for the 2018 Celebration of Rowing banquet.

 

Save the Date: Celebration of Rowing banquet set for November, 17, 2018

Refreshments with Hors d’oeuvres, Silent and Live Auctions, Dinner, Guest Speaker, & Award Presentations 

Cocktail attire with ‘team colors’.

B U Y   T I C K E T S

The rowing clubs of the Triad are pleased to announce the fourth annual Celebration of Rowing banquet, scheduled for Saturday, November 17, at Sedgefield Country Club.

The Celebration of Rowing banquet is in its fourth year of recognizing an appreciation for our sport and our local rowing community. Celebration of Rowing is the one time each year when the Triad rowing community gathers to honor its own and enjoy hearing from a keynote speaker who has made a national impact on the sport of rowing.

An incredible keynote speaker for 2017 will be announced shortly. He or she will follow a talented line of speakers in recent years who have each had a national impact on the rowing community:

2014 Caroline Lind, 2X Olympic gold medalist
2015 Misha Joukowsky, Resolute shells
2016 Jack Carlson, Rowing Blazers
2017 Jason Read, 911 firefighter & Olympic gold medalist
“The Celebration of Rowing banquet is a special night for rowers,” says the event chair Jackie King. “It is about coming together to celebrate the sport we all love and for many of us a sport that has held a profound transformational effect on our lives.”
Double Olympic gold medalist Caroline Lind was inducted into the Triad Rowers’ Hall of Fame at the High Point Country Club on November 19, 2016.
Greensboro Crew rower MaryBlake Murphy with Jason Read at the 2017 Celebration of Rowing banquet.
Maddie Mullins was awarded the Caroline Howard Cup for service and inspiration to her fellow rowers at the 2016 Celebration of Rowing banquet.
Author, archeologist, and international rower Jack Carlson regaled the almost 200 rowers at the Celebration of Rowing banquet with his historical account of rowing’s social attire.

High Point Rowers Celebrate Career of Olympic Champion Caroline Lind

Caroline Lind, who won two Olympic gold medals, was inducted into the Triad Rowers' Hall of Fame on at the High Point Country Club on November 19.
Caroline Lind, who won two Olympic gold medals, was inducted into the Triad Rowers’ Hall of Fame at the High Point Country Club on November 19.

High Point, NC – Rowers and parents from High Point Rowing Club joined almost 200 rowers from Wake Forest University, Greensboro Crew, and High Point University at High Point Country Club on Saturday night to induct double Olympic gold medalist Caroline Lind into the Triad Rowers’ Hall of Fame.

The occasion was the Celebration of Rowing banquet, the annual dinner to show appreciation for the sport of rowing and the local Triad rowing community. Celebration of Rowing is the one time each year when the Triad rowing community gathers to honor its own and enjoy hearing from a keynote speaker who has made a national impact on the sport of rowing.

Jack Carlson, author, archaeologist, and national team rower served as guest speaker at this year’s prestigious gala. Jack is a three-time member of the United States national rowing team.

Author, archeologist, and international rower Jack Carlson regaled the almost 200 rowers at the Celebration of Rowing banquet with his historical account of rowing's social attire.
Author, archeologist, and international rower Jack Carlson sports his new HPRC cricket jumper at the 2016 Celebration of Rowing banquet

Jack Carlson is also the author of the acclaimed book Rowing Blazers and on Saturday evening he gave a riveting presentation on the many traditions and secrets of club rowing social attire. 

Jack continued a banquet tradition of introducing world renowned rowing leaders to the Triad. Cutting edge rowing boat maker, Misha Joukowsky, spoke in 2015 and Caroline Lind was the inaugural guest speaker in 2014.

Co-chaired by Jackie King and Caren York, the evening began with an hour of cocktails, hors d’eouvres, and bidding on wonderful auction items, donated for the occasion and organised by Masters rowers Mandy Greene and Girl Jeanne MacPherson.

Guests were soon seated in the formal ballroom, finding their seats as designated by beautiful place cards, hand written by Jennifer Burton.  The night proceeded with introducing Morgan Epling, Lizzy Knorr, and Anna Lewis to sing the National Anthem. Junior Ognovich then gave the invocation, giving thanks for all the blessings the rowers enjoy in their lives at this time of year.

Caren and Greg York hold their silver cup for 'service above and beyond' to the youth rowing program at the 2016 Celebration of Rowing banquet at High Point Country Club.
Caren and Greg York hold their silver cup for ‘service above and beyond’ to the youth rowing program at the 2016 Celebration of Rowing banquet at High Point Country Club.

A feast of filet mignon was then enjoyed whilst Burt Whicker played the country club’s grand piano. There is not much Burt doesn’t do these days. When he’s not rowing for High Point, he coaches rowing for both Greensboro Crew and High Point University and keeps the rowing equipment race worthy for all three clubs.

Connie Curri, who has spear headed parent involvement with the youth program this year, then presented the Mary Hollingsworth Cup to Greg & Caren York for their years of service ‘above and beyond’ to the crew.

Former Masters MVPs Erin Sanders and Mandy Greene presented the 2016 MVP Cup to Jackie King (center).
Former Masters MVPs Erin Sanders and Mandy Greene presented the 2016 MVP Cup to Jackie King (center).

The next highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Masters MVP Silver Cup. Former MVPs Mandy Greene and Erin Sanders were honored to present this year’s award to Jackie King.

Maddie Mullins was awarded the Caroline Howard Cup for service and inspiration to her fellow rowers at the 2016 Celebration of Rowing banquet.
Maddie Mullins was awarded the Caroline Howard Cup for service and inspiration to her fellow rowers at the 2016 Celebration of Rowing banquet.

Each of the Triad’s head coaches and club Presidents were then invited to the podium to speak briefly about their programs. During his moment, Gene Kininmonth took the opportunity to present the Caroline Howard Cup for service and inspiration to the club from a youth rower to 2016 senior Maddie Mullins.

But the highlight of the night was the induction of Caroline Lind into the Triad Rowers’ Hall of Fame. Lind, a Greensboro native won two Olympic gold medals – first at the Beijing Games in 2008 in the United States women’s eight-oared crew and then again at the London Games in 2012. Lind also won world championship titles for the USA in 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2013, and 2014.

She was declared the World’s Female Rower of the Year in 2014 by FISA, the international governing body of the sport.

On Saturday, Caroline was presented with an oar blade mounted on a cherry wood plaque, denoting her many significant rowing achievements. Coach Gene Kininmonth returned to the podium to read the induction proclamation before presenting the oar blade to Caroline Lind, who concluded the evening with an inspirational speech, reflecting on her rowing career.

The banquet co-chairs and team captains would like to thank Jack Carlson and Caroline Lind for being such gracious guests at this year’s event, as well as all the volunteers and auction item donors for their support of this year’s Celebration of Rowing – you know who you are. Thank you!!!

High Point Rowing Club founder Gene Kininmonth (left) with Caroline Lind, Jack Carlson, Keziah Beall, and Jackie King at the 2016 Celebration of Rowing banquet.
Two hundred rowers and parents gathered at High Point Country Club for the 2016 Celebration of Rowing.
Two hundred rowers and parents gathered at High Point Country Club for the 2016 Celebration of Rowing.

 

The Rowing Clubs of the Triad Cordially Invite You to the 3rd Annual Celebration of Rowing Banquet

banquet-invitation-final

CELEBRATION OF ROWING BANQUET

HONORARY CO-CHAIRS
Jackie King
Caren York

HOST COMMITTEE
Michael Brown
EJ Caughlin
Sam Dempsey
Morgan Epling
Scott Jones
Gene Kininmonth
Chelsea Klein
Elizabeth Knorr
Maddie Mullins
William Scarpa, III
Charles York

Refreshments with Hors d’oeuvres, Silent and Live Auctions, Dinner, Keynote Speaker, Award Presentations & Triad Rowers’ Hall of Fame Induction

Cocktail attire with ‘team colors’.

B U Y   T I C K E T S

The rowing clubs of the Triad are pleased to announce the 3rd annual Celebration of Rowing banquet, scheduled for Saturday, November 19, at the High Point Country Club.

Co-hosted by High Point Rowing Club, High Point University Rowing, Wake Forest Rowing Club, and Greensboro Crew, the Celebration of Rowing banquet is in its third year of recognizing an appreciation for our sport and our local rowing community. Celebration of Rowing is the one time each year when the Triad rowing community gathers to honor its own and enjoy hearing from a keynote speaker who has made a national impact on the sport of rowing.

This year the banquet will also serve as the occasion to induct Greensboro’s double Olympic gold medalist, Caroline Lind, into the Triad Rowers’ Hall of Fame.

rowing+blazersJack Carlson, author, archaeologist, and national team rower has accepted an invitation to speak at this year’s prestigious gala. Jack is a three-time member of the United States national rowing team. He is also the author of the acclaimed book Rowing Blazers. 

Jack Carlson continues a banquet tradition of introducing world renowned rowing leaders to the Triad. Cutting edge rowing boat maker, Misha Joukowsky, spoke in 2015 and Caroline Lind was the 2014 guest speaker.

B U Y   T I C K E T S 

From left, rowers Adam Alt, Andrew Wright and Charles York pose with two time Olympic gold medal winner Caroline Lind at the 2014 Celebration of Rowing banquet.
From left, rowers Adam Alt, Andrew Wright and Charles York pose with two time Olympic gold medal winner Caroline Lind at the 2014 Celebration of Rowing banquet.

Fall Parent Meeting Minutes

Oak Hollow Lake, High Point – Following a parent mingle with coffee and donuts, Connie Curri (Charlotte’s mom) opened the Fall Parent Meeting for High Point Rowing Club on August 20.

McDonalds - High Point is one of our 2016 corporate sponsors!
McDonalds – High Point is one of our 2016 corporate sponsors!

Connie outlined several changes to the team’s travel arrangements this year. To reduce the burden placed on any one parent, the team would ask for two parent volunteers to ride the bus with the team, with different parents volunteering for each team trip. Parents are required on the bus to provide supervision and to also offer independence from club coaches in the case that issues arise.  Additional parent volunteers would also be needed to prepare lunches at regattas.

When it comes to team travel, parents can choose to have their child ride the team bus and stay in hotel rooms with the team or drive their child themselves and have them stay with them.

October 8: Head of the James (Richmond, VA) – Middle School included.

November 5-6: Head of the Hooch (Chattanooga, TN) – High School rowers.

November 12: Head of the South (Augusta, SC) – High School rowers.

TEAM UNIFORMS: New rowers will race in High Point t-shirts and should purchase navy spandex shorts in the Fall (about $20 from Target). A newly designed unisuit will be introduced in the spring season for all rowers.

MEDICAL FORMS – These will now be done ONLINE. An email will go out to parents with a link to the form.

Connie then asked parents to introduce themselves and say who their child is and where they go to school. Following this Connie introduced head coach Gene Kininmonth.

Gene stressed that safety of the rowers at all times is the first priority of High Point Rowing Club. “If we are not sure, we stay on shore.” Gene pointed out that the strict safety protocols that the club uses at Oak Hollow Lake will be maintained when the team attends regattas, pointing out that at Dogwood Regatta last spring the club had held its varsity crews onshore for finals when thunder was heard across the course, even though regatta officials continued racing.

With safety first and foremost in mind, our MISSION STATEMENT is that High Point Rowing Club is a recreational rowing club where we strive to meet every athlete’s most competitive personal goals.

“Each year my goal for the club is not just to be better than the last but the best ever. This year that is a bigger challenge than ever with so many recent rowers graduating, and that makes it exciting and a challenge i am looking forward to,” said Gene.

“This year we have some terrific, hard working young rowers on our squad. And the best way we can support them is by helping to recruit a strong team. The club relies almost entirely on Facebook for marketing. Remarkably, we have no connections to any of the public schools in High Point. Any direction you could offer to make introductions to High school guidance counselors or PE instructors, or athletic directors would be invaluable.”

Gene then discussed the new developments for the club.

Coaching staff updates:
With the departure of Allie Davis, Gene began an immediate search for a new coach for the varsity girls squad. However, at almost the same time the NCAA changed its rules to permit university women’s rowing programs to hire a 4th assistant coach to its staff. Previously they were restricted to only three. This has lead to a hiring binge for rowing coaches making the market for available coaches extremely small and the cost to hire an appropriate coach significantly more. Meanwhile, the club’s revenues fell significantly over the summer. Masters membership dropped 50% from the previous year and youth summer membership was down as well. Gene attributed this to a hotter summer than usual and an improved economy where families were travelling for vacation more. Gene will continue to search for a new coach and expects to announce the hire  in time for the spring season.

Greensboro Crew: 
Last month we started Greensboro Crew. Gene went into the thinking behind this decision:

  • A large percentage of High Point rowers were travelling 35 minutes or more each way on the roads each day. Many of these students are from Greensboro. This is not a way to build a successful program.
  • Local competition. We need more local races and the media profile that accompanies local competition.

How will Greensboro work with High Point?  We are all one club but with separate local identities. We are each other’s competition when we race each other several times a year. We will come together as crew mates for outside competition. Team GHP or GHP Rowing or whatever catches on. In 12 months we see the best rowers from both locations merging at a special camp after the regular spring season to form super crews for SE Regionals to qualify for Nationals.

From an operational standpoint each base will operate separate books. So, when you make a donation to High Point Rowing Club your money will be invested right here and gifts to Greensboro Crew your money will stay invested there.

CREW ADVISORY BOARD
This Fall the club will be supported by an advisory board. This will be a working board comprised of coaches, masters, and parents who are engaged in the volunteer efforts of the club. For example, it will include our Celebration of Rowing co-chairs, Jackie King and Caren York, our High Point Autumn Rowing Festival regatta co-chairs Mandy Greene and Jeanne MacPherson, our parent volunteers such as Connie and others who will be riding the bus to regattas and feeding the rowers and coaches.

The advisory board is expected to meet at least 4-5 times each year to provide counsel and feedback on the club’s projects, events and other endeavors.

Following brief questions the Fall parent meeting concluded. The Club would like to express its thanks to Jackie King for providing coffee from her High Point McDonalds restaurant for the meeting.

Announcement: Celebration of Rowing Banquet

High Point, North Carolina – The date has been set and a special guest speaker is confirmed for the 2016 Celebration of Rowing banquet, the event co-chairs Jackie King and Caren York are pleased to announce.

Jack Carlson, author, archaeologist, and national team rower has accepted an invitation to speak at this year’s prestigious gala set for Saturday evening, November 19 at High Point Country Club.

jackcarlson

Jack is a three-time member of the United States national rowing team and 2015 World Championships bronze medalist.  He has also won the Head of the Charles Regatta, Henley Royal Regatta, and Royal Canadian Henley Regatta. Jack earned his doctorate in archaeology at the University of Oxford, where he was a Clarendon Scholar, and his undergraduate degree at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service.  His research interests include the visual trappings of status and power; the art and archaeology of the Roman Principate and Qin-Han period China; menswear; and Neapolitan pizza.  Jack is the author of the acclaimed book Rowing Blazers (Thames & Hudson, 2014), A Humorous Guide to Heraldry, and a wide variety of academic and popular articles.

“The Celebration of Rowing banquet is such a special event,” says club founder Gene Kininmonth. “Being in the presence of such unique thought leaders of our sport, such as Jack Carlson is what make this night such a not to be missed occasion.”

Jack Carlson continues a banquet tradition of introducing world renowned rowing leaders to the Triad. Cutting edge rowing boat maker, Misha Joukowsky, spoke in 2015 and double Olympic gold medalist, Caroline Lind, was the 2014 guest speaker.

All members of the Triad rowing community including High Point Rowing Club, High Point University, and Greensboro Crew are invited to attend. Parents and rowers wishing to volunteer to help should extend their expression of support to the co-chairs.

rowing+blazers