Oak Hollow Lake, High Point – High Point Rowing Club will host a free Open House for high school and middle school students (ages 12+) to learn more about the sport and meet members of the team at 2pm on October 29 & 30.
Use 3700 Waterview Road, High Point, NC for GPS directions. This will bring you into the lake entrance and our boats are on the right hands side of the parking lot. Participants should arrive on time and expect to stay 90 minutes. Wear flip flops and clothing suitable for the weather on the day.
“Rowing is one of the most beautiful sports imaginable,” says club founder Gene Kininmonth. “There is this zen like rhythm to rowing that makes it a deeply personal experience and yet at the same time one of the ultimate team at the same time.”
The High Point youth program has competitive boys and girls rowing crews, making it the ideal cross over sport for serious athletes and students just looking for a new sport.
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!
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.
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.
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.
High Point Rowing Club will celebrate its 4th birthday on Saturday, September 10 with a Bridge to Bridge Time Trial for club members at Oak Hollow Lake. Students will be boated by their class year. A potluck brunch for rowers, families and friends will follow the boat races.
The club will have much to celebrate after four years, with record number of rowers joining the Masters program for adults and the scholastic program for students from public and private schools across the Triad.
Last year 9 eight-man crews as well as some smaller boats lined the start of the race course at Skeet Club Bridge to race the full extent of Oak Hollow Lake to Johnson Street Bridge and club founder Gene Kininmonth predicts there could be more crews this year.
All rowers participating in the Crew’s 4th Anniversary Boat Races should arrive at Oak Hollow Lake by 8am and be dressed appropriately for the weather on the day. A Signup Genius email will be sent to all members and parents with details of the potluck.
Boys and girls attending any Triad area school (Grade 6 -12) are eligible to join the team. No experience necessary. Adults will have the opportunity to join a learn to row class in August. Email contact@highpointrowing.com or see the Registration page for details.
Oak Hollow Lake, High Point – High Point Rowing Club’s youth program capped off its spring season with one last row before celebrating at the Crew Banquet with coaches and parents on Wednesday evening.
“This is always my favorite annual rowing event of the year,” said coach Gene Kininmonth following a delicious pot luck feast. “We are here this evening to celebrate victories won, battles hard fought, and to send off our high school seniors.”
Mary Hollingsworth, who is parent liaison to the team and a director of the non-profit board, then thanked parents of the rowers for their generous support of the team, in particular those who hosted the food tables at all crew regattas, the ‘Duck Committee’ of fathers, who ran the on water activities of the club’s regattas, and the group of mothers, who managed the timing systems and greatly assisted crews in launching and returning the boats to shore at home regattas.
Coach Gene thanked Mary Hollingsworth and Scott Jones, Mandy Greene, and Allie Davis for their coaches service to the Crew.
The coaches then presented The York Cup to the crew that recorded the fastest time from Skeet Club bridge to Johnson Street bridge during the previous twelve months. The York Cup crew of 2016 is coxswain Morgan Epling, stroke Junior Ognovich, Kyle Koval, William Scarpa, Adam Alt, Emma Lloyd, Olivia Corriere, Ainsley Fox, and bow seat Alexis Berg. The crew set a new record time of 14 minutes 7 seconds.
The 2016 York Cup winners from left Alexis Berg, Ainsley Fox, Olivia Corriere, Emma Lloyd, Adam Alt, William Scarpa III, Kyle Koval, Junior Ognovich, and Morgan Epling. The crew set a new record of 14 minutes 7 seconds.
Coach Gene and Coach Allie then presented individual awards to rowers for ‘Middle School MVP’, ‘Most Improved’, ‘Rookie of the Year’, and ‘Rower of the Year’.
The most important part of the ceremonies then arrived as seniors Victoria Goldin, Adam Alt, Mac Warwick, Emma Lloyd, Kevin Capps, Jaclyn Hronich, Olivia Corriere, Austin Young, Kyle Koval, and Aliute Udokawere honored and thanked for their service to the crew. The evening then took an emotional turn with each senior passing on their jersey to a younger rower before reflecting on their rowing experience with High Point Rowing Club.
HPRC Rowers of the Year for 2016 are Kyle Koval and Victoria Goldin.HPRC Middle School MVPs for 2016 are Alexander Berg and Charlotte Curri.High Point Rowing Clubs 2016 Rookies of the Year are Lauren Brodeur and William Scarpa III.HPRC Senior Class of 2016 with their coaches Allie Davis and Gene Kininmonth.Crew board director and parent liaison Mary Hollingsworth thanks parent volunteers at the 2016 Crew Banquet.The traditional crew photo is taken on the dock after the spring Crew Banquet.
Sarasota, Florida – Two of three High Point crews qualified for the finals at the USRowing Southeast Regional Championships on Saturday.
Adam Alt and Kyle Koval earned a grand final spot in the Men’s Youth Double sculls event on Saturday morning with a third place finish in the heats. The duo are the first High Point male crew to qualify for a final at the regional regatta.
On Sunday, Adam and Kyle finished in 5th place ahead of Atlanta in the six boat final.
Men’s Youth Doublesculls
1. Miami 6 minutes 53.37 seconds
2. Jacksonville 7:01.809
3. Sarasota 7:06.363
4. Miami Beach 7:12.898
5. High Point 7:30.918
6. Atlanta 7:33.981
“It’s good to see everyone come together and put in that work,” said Adam after racing. “I’m proud with the double, breezing to the finals and then pulling off a good sprint at the end to walk on Atlanta. Taking 5th did feel good. Sad that’s there’s no second chance at it next year but I guess four years ultimately led up to this.”
“You can’t fake your way into a final like this,” says boys varsity Coach Gene Kininmonth. “To make a final at this level of competition you have to commit in the fall season and carry that commitment through the winter. Kyle and Adam have earned this result and they can be proud of their efforts.”
Kyle Koval and Adam Alt return to shore after a 5th place finish in the Doublesculls final of the 2016 USRowing Southeast Regional Championships.
High Point’s second finals appearance on Sunday was in the Women’s Youth Eights event.
High Point was seeded 7th out of eight teams in the event but on Saturday the crew of cox Morgan Epling, stroke Victoria Goldin, Maddie Mullins, Junior Ognovich, Aliute Udoka, Emma Lloyd, Jaclyn Hronich, Olivia Corriere, and Shelby Reece upset the pundits by beating St Andrews in the first round, which earned them a place in the final.
On Sunday, the High Point crew continued to show its surprising pedigree in the final with a 4th place finish ahead of in state rival Asheville and Sarasota.
Women’s Youth Eights
1. Atlanta 6 minutes 58.65 seconds
2. Oarlando (OARS) 7:02.85
3. Nashville 7:04.608
4. High Point 7:14.056
5. Asheville 7:14.982
6. Sarasota 7:22.85
The result matched the crew’s 2015 performance. “We tell our crews to go out and have fun before each race,” says the varsity girls coach Allie Davis. “There is nothing more fun for a crew than performing at your peak on race day.”
High Point coxswain Morgan Epling with her women’s youth eight crew at the 2016 USRowing Southeast Regional Championships in Sarasota, Florida.
High Point, NC – Final selections have been made for USRowing’s Southeast Youth Championships to take place in Sarasota, Florida on May 14-15, the coaches have announced.
The two day championship event will consist of heats, semi finals and finals and the top three crews in each event at the regional championships will qualify for the national championships, which take place in Princeton, NJ in June. The southeast region is comprised of the Carolinas, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, and Tennessee.
Girls’ varsity coach Allie Davis has selected coxswain Morgan Epling, and rowers Victoria Goldin, Maddie Mulins, Junior Ognovich, Aliute Udoka, Emma Lloyd, Jaclyn Hronich, Olivia Corriere, and Shelby Reece to represent High Point in the Youth Eights event in Sarasota. High Point finished fourth at the event in 2015.
Boys’ coach Gene Kininmonth has selected Austin Young, Adam Alt, Kyle Koval, and Kevin Caps to represent High Point in the Youth Quad Sculls event. Kyle and Adam may also race in the Double Sculls event subject to the availability of a shell and performance at the upcoming Dogwood Regatta.
“High Point will be well represented by these rowers and coxswain in Sarasota,” says Kininmonth. “The philosophy of the club is to select crews to the Southeast Championships that we believe are capable of qualifying for the final on their best row. This is a strong squad that has proven in training and spring results that they are ready to achieve this standard.”
The event will take place at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle Sarasota, FL 34235.
High Point will be represented by coxswain Morgan Epling, stroke Victoria Goldin, Maddie Mullins, Junior Ognovich, Aliute Udoka, Emma Loyd, Jaclyn Hronich, Olivia Corriere, and Shelby Reece in the Women’s Youth Eights event at USRowing’s Southeast Youth Championships in Sarasota, FL in May. .Austin Young, Adam Alt, Kyle Koval, and Kevin Capps row to victory in the quad sculls against Charlotte on Oak Hollow Lake on April 23.
Festival Park at Oak Hollow Lake was the venue for the 2016 High Point Regatta.
Festival Park at Oak Hollow Lake, High Point – Triangle Rowing Club, the premier youth rowing program from Raleigh, turned the tables on High Point in dramatic fashion at the 2016 High Point Regatta on Saturday.
The Raleigh squad notched up 14 wins in the youth events compared to High Point’s three. High Point won the Girls First Eights, the Boys Double Sculls, and the Girls Quad sculls events.
“This was a reversal from last year when High Point dominated the regatta,” says Coach Gene Kininmonth. “I give full credit to Triangle for bouncing back the way they have. Now it is our turn to find ways to bounce forward from this weekend.”
Kininmonth says anyone watching Saturday’s races would assume that Triangle is significantly better than High Point. “The difference between the two squads isn’t that deep and is likely only 3-4 rowers on each of the boys and girls sides of the roster. Small roster differences can have big impacts on rowing squads and that is why we can see such huge swings in the results from one year to the next. Full credit to Triangle for raising the bar this year.”
In other racing action, High Point’s Masters squad raced rowers from Raleigh Rowing Center and Belmont Rowing Club on Saturday. Opening the day was the Masters Maiden Eights in which two High Point crews battled each other to the line.
High Point’s ‘most adorable couple’ of Scott and Katie Jones then led High Point to victory in the Masters Mixed Double Sculls. Scott and Katie won the Head of the South in Augusta, South Carolina last Autumn and have their sights set on the Virginia Boat Club Masters Sprints in Richmond later this summer.
In the Women’s Masters Eights final, High Point’s ‘A’ boat lost narrowly to Belmont Rowing Club in the 1,000m sprint, with High Point ‘B’ completing the field.
High Point Rowing Club is pleased to announce a new indoor rowing clinic starting on Monday. The two day a week clinic will take place on Monday and Wednesday evenings at 6:15pm at the club’s indoor rowing studio at 124C Wade Street in Jamestown.
HPRC founder Gene Kininmonth says the clinic is suitable for adults of all ages and fitness levels.
“This is an opportunity for folks who are looking for a low impact recreational activity that utilizes 85% of the muscles in their body,” says Kininmonth. “Working out in a team environment is a key ingredient for most adults to successfully maintain a healthy fitness regiment.”
The spring indoor rowing clinic will comprise of 14 classes continuing through to Wednesday, April 20. The fee is $160.
New participants should register online and bring their payment and waiver with them to the first class. Email Gene with any questions: contact@highpointrowing.com
The new clinic is open as an indoor rowing opportunity for current Spring Unlimited Masters at no additional charge.
November 23, 2015 – Greensboro, NC: Resolute racing boat maker Misha Joukowsky was welcomed as the guest speaker at the 2015 Celebration of Rowing banquet held at Starmount Country Club in Greensboro last night. The annual event hosted by High Point Rowing Club is a highlight on the rowing social calendar.
“This is a celebration of our Triad community of rowers and our shared love for the sport,” says Club founder, Gene Kininmonth. “To have Misha Joukowsky join us is an honor we do not take lightly.”
Emcee of the evening Allie Davis with guest speaker Misha Joukowsky at the 2015 Celebration of Rowing banquet.
Over 150 rowers, family members, and friends crammed into the Starmount Country Club ballroom for what has quickly become the most prestigious social event on the rowing calendar. Coach Rich Richards opened the evening by playing a rousing rendition of the National Anthem on the Club’s grand piano.
Coach Allie Davis, serving once again as Master of Ceremonies, then introduced youth rower Will Scarpa to give the invocation.
Coach Allie then returned to the podium to begin the formal ceremonies, which included inviting the team’s parent liaison, Mary Hollingsworth to the podium to recognize three of the Club’s high school seniors who signed National Letters of Intent with majoy Division I University women’s rowing programs.
Aliute Udoka signed with Clemson University, Olivia Corriere signed with the University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill) and Victoria Goldin signed with the University of Louisville.
Recruited rowers Aliute Udoka, Victoria Goldin, and Olivia Corriere sign ceremonial National Letters of Intent to top collegiate women’s rowing programs.
Mrs Hollingsworth then presented the Volunteer of the Year award to Susie Alt for her service to the crew. Susie manned the BBQ at the youth team’s food tent at each regatta during the year preparing sumptuous feasts of grilled chicken and other restoratives for the rowers.
Coach Allie then presented the ‘Masters’ awards.
Erin Sanders, last year’s MVP winner was then invited to the podium to introduce the 2015 recipient – Mandy Greene. Congratulations Mandy – Rower of the Year!
Misha Joukowsky was then introduced to guests by Coach Gene: “When I think of Misha Joukowsky,” said Gene. “I think of the best of Rowing and its traditions. When I am in his company, I know I am beside one of the great thinking philosophers of our sports community. Misha knows more than how to build boats. He understands how the rowing experience can contribute to a full life.”
And our keynote speaker did not disappoint. Sporting his Brown University rowing blazer and bow tie, Misha regaled the audience with stories of Henley Royal Regatta, the Israeli national team, and co-founding a cutting edge boat building company. He then mesmerized rowers and parents alike with his message of the bonds of friendship that make the sport such a personal experience and “how important it is to always remember that what ever you do, others are watching. Wake up each day and seek to achieve excellence.”
The evening then concluded with dancing.
Crew board directors Gene Kininmonth, Mary Hollingsworth, and Kye Strance with guest speaker Misha Joukowsky at the 2015 Celebration of Rowing banquet.
b
High Point Masters with Resolute boat maker Misha Joukowsky at the Celebration of Rowing banquet.
b
High Point Rowing Club women’s youth eight crew at the 2015 Celebration of Rowing banquet.
High Point Rowing Club will celebrate its third birthday on Saturday, September 12 with a Bridge to Bridge Time Trial for club members at Oak Hollow Lake. Students will be boated by their class year. A potluck brunch for rowers, families and friends will follow the boat races.
The club will have much to celebrate after three years, with record number of rowers joining the Masters program for adults and the scholastic program for students from public and private schools across the Triad.
Last year six eight-man crews lined the start of the race course at Skeet Club Bridge to race the full extent of Oak Hollow Lake to Johnson Street Bridge and club founder Gene Kininmonth predicts there could be 9 crews this year.
In a hard fought battle that played out from start to finish, last year’s race was won by the High School Junior Crew, led by Victoria Goldin, who were finally able to pull away from the Seniors in the closing stages to win by 10 seconds.
Victoria Goldin lead her crew of fellow high school juniors to victory at the 2014 Class Races. The crew was comprised of coxswain Olivia Corriere, stroke Victoria Goldin, Colin Howard, Adam Alt, Aliute Udoka, Olivia Mangus, Mac Warwick, Quinn Eury, and bow Kyle Koval.High Point Rowing Club director Gene Kininmonth observes the launching of the crews at the team’s 2nd Anniversary Row.
All rowers participating in the Crew’s 3rd Anniversary Boat Races should arrive at Oak Hollow Lake by 8am and be dressed appropriately for the weather on the day. A Signup Genius email will be sent to all members and parents with details of the potluck.
Boys and girls attending any Triad area school (Grade 7 -12) are eligible to join the team. No experience necessary. Adults will have the opportunity to join a learn to row class in August. Email contact@highpointrowing.com or see the Registration page for details.
It is now tradition for High Point’s youth rowers to close out the ceremonies of the spring banquet with a team photo on the dock.
High Point, NC – High Point Rowing Club celebrated the 2015 spring racing season for its youth program tonight at Oak Hollow Lake with the ‘Last Row & Crew Banquet’ at which the team honored its high school senior rowers and recognized individual and team achievements.
Following a delicious pot luck feast, the evening’s celebrations were kicked off by Grimsley HS students, Quinn Eury and Aliute Udoka, and Kiana Davis, who sang an inspiring version of the National Anthem.
Mary Hollingsworth, who is parent liaison to the team and a director of the non-profit board, then proceeded with introductory remarks by thanking parents of the rowers for their generous support of the team, in particular those who hosted the food tables at all crew regattas, the ‘Duck Committee’ of fathers, who ran the on water activities of the club’s regattas, and the group of mothers, who managed the timing systems and greatly assisted crews in launching and returning the boats to shore at home regattas.
Fine silver cups are a hallmark of the sport of rowing and the awards table at the High Point Rowing Club Spring Crew Banquet did not disappoint.
The evening then took on a humorous twist with the traditional rower awards based on fitting superlatives, following which coach Gene Kininmonth thanked Mary Hollingsworth and the coaches Maria Santoyo, Scott Jones, and Allie Davis for their service to the Crew. Gene then presented The York Cup to the crew that recorded the fastest time from Skeet Club bridge to Johnson Street bridge during the previous twelve months. Coach Gene and Coach Allie Davis then presented awards to rowers for ‘Most Improved’, ‘Rookie of the Year’, and ‘Rower of the Year’.
The most important part of the ceremonies then arrived as seniors Andrew Wright,Bethany Brake,Kim Pollard, and Addy Millsap were honored and thanked for their service to the crew. Emotions ran high as the four seniors made stirring individual speeches, each reflecting on their own personal experiences of High Point Rowing Club.
High Point Rowing Club sent off its 2015 seniors Andrew Wright, Bethany Brake, Addy Millsap, and Kim Pollard with commemorative silver champagne buckets at the Spring Crew Banquet. High Point Senior rowers Kim Pollard and Addy Millsap present the senior gift to the team, a plaque commemorating each senior of the team since the club was formed. The High Point Alumni Banner was also a gift from the Senior Class of 2015. The Middle School squad enjoyed its most successful spring season ever in 2015.
By Gene Kininmonth
“It is the horses, not the chariot that win races,” is a saying probably every High Point rower has heard me say at least once since our Club was formed less than three years ago. This is an old line used often by rowing coaches when preparing their crew to race against a team with vastly superior equipment.
And while generally true, it never hurts to have better equipment. Thanks to a generous gift from Caren and Greg York, this spring we purchased the black Vespoli M2 eight for the boys team. This shell was also raced by the girls youth eight at SE Regionals, where they improved their previous best time by 17 seconds. Both our squads were grateful for the chance to race in this boat.
So, I am pleased to announce that we are now commencing our annual Fleet Fundraiser Campaign. The goal is to raise $25,000 by late June to purchase two fours that can also be rowed as quad sculls. Sculling oars would also be purchased as part of the fundraising campaign and we have identified a university that has these boats for sale.
Four-man shells that interchange as quad sculls have a unique value to the club at this point in our history. As identical fours, the boats are perfect for evaluating the rowers in our eights by breaking the eight into two crews of four to race each other in practice. Rowers could then be switched between the two boats one at a time between races to evaluate each rower on an individual basis against their peers. This is called seat racing.
Seat racing assists coaches to determine who the best boat movers are on the squad and who needs more work technically. It also establishes a fair system of selection that is less reliant on subjective judgment.
A benefit of the fours converting into quad sculls is the doors that open to more racing opportunities for the team. Sculling races are increasing in popularity among both the Junior and Masters ranks across the country. And with the rise of our history making youth squad, why not consider sending our best to the world’s most prestigious rowing event, the Henley Royal Regatta in England next summer. The junior events at Henley are raced in quad sculls.
The men’s Junior event at Henley Royal Regatta is the quad scull race for the Fawley Challenge Cup.
The junior women compete for the Diamond Jubilee Challenge Cup and the junior men race for the Fawley Challenge Cup. Over 200,000 rowing fans from across the globe flock to the Thames over 5 days to watch Henley. What a venue to showcase our rising talent!
The Diamond Jubilee Challenge Cup is raced by junior women in quad sculls at Henley Royal Regatta.
Did I mention that Masters race at Henley too? In England, Masters are called Veterans!
We have an exciting vision for the future of High Point Rowing Club and I hope you will consider supporting the team with a gift at this time. We are fortunate to have such a talented squad of rowers of all ages representing High Point with such passion and I am grateful to all who have supported the team to get it to this point. We still haven’t scratched the surface!
High Point Rowing Club is a 501(C)3 non-profit. Gifts are fully tax-deductible and should be made payable by check to “High Point Rowing Club” and mailed to 1107 Johnson Street, High Point, NC 27262.
Cold winds did not deter High Point’s rowers at the 2015 High Point Regatta. The home town favorites won 11 of 21 boat races they entered. Photo credit Steve Eury.
High Point, NC – Strong winds, cold weather, and choppy water were among the standout memories of the 2015 High Point Regatta. But the race conditions paled in comparison to the races themselves as High Point Rowing Club’s youth and newly formed masters squad earned a swag of medals.
Winds became so strong late in the morning that race organizers were compelled to move the race course away from the dam to the protection of the treeline on the north east side of the lake to maintain safety for the rowers.
“It was a seamless transition,” said Regatta Chair Mary Hollingsworth. “Full marks to our on the water officials for being able to switch the race course in under 5 minutes.”
Other rowing boat races across the eastern seaboard were not so fortunate on Saturday with regattas cancelled due to high winds from Sarasota, FL to Occoquan, VA.
High Point won each of the first six boat races, including the blue ribbon girls and boys First Eights events, and went on to ultimately earn victories in 11 of 21 of the events raced on the day.
Opening the day’s racing was the Masters Maiden Eights event. This boat race was exclusively for rowers engaging in their first ever race and was battled between two High Point crews, most in the first few weeks of rowing. “It was nerve-racking,” said Allison Falls of Jamestown. “You didn’t know what to expect. But we did what we do in practice. We stayed focused and didn’t look around and get distracted. We just tried to do as well as we can.”
Key Race Results:
Girls First Eights
1,500m
1. High Point 5 minutes 36 seconds
2. Triangle 5:47.3
3. Charlotte 6:47
Girls Novice First Eights
1,500m (altered race course)
1. High Point 5 minutes 32 seconds
2. Triangle 5:55
3. Charlotte 6:12
Boys First Eights
1,500m
1. High Point 4 minutes 54 seconds
2. Charlotte 5:02
3. Triangle 5:15
Women’s Division I Masters Eights
1,000 m
1. High Point 3 minutes 51 seconds
2. Cape Fear River 3:56
High Point chief coach Gene Kininmonth said he was delighted with the team’s results across the board. “It was a special day for High Point Rowing Club,” said Kininmonth. “When you look at the performances of the masters crews and the girls squad you have to give a lot of credit to Coach Allie Davis for building these programs.”
“Organizing and running a regatta is hard work. The regatta is bigger this year and I give special thanks to Mary Hollingsworth for organizing all of our volunteers to make it look so easy – which it never is!” said Kininmonth.
Next up for High Point’s youth squad is the Clemson Sprints on April 11 in South Carolina.
High Point’s Masters Women’s Crew launches their shell on Oak Hollow Lake.
High Point Rowing Club is excited to announce the Spring season of “Masters Rowing” for adults at Oak Hollow Lake. The purpose of Masters Rowing is to foster healthy living in a fun team environment for adults through the wonderful sport of rowing.
No prior rowing experience is necessary.
“Masters” is High Point Rowing Club’s answer to the high interest in rowing among adults in the Triad. In addition to rowing in High Point, participants will have the opportunity to race at the Rockets Sprints in Richmond, VA on June 20 for a small additional race fee.
“This is a recreational and social adult rowing program that welcomes new members,” says club founder Gene Kininmonth. “Rowing is not like joining a gym or having a personal trainer. When you join the Masters you will join a community of adults of all ages encouraging each other to be their best in a fun team environment.”
The Masters Crew program is led by coach Allie Davis.
Format: Participants with no prior experience will start with a learn-to-row format. As technique and stamina improve, a more competitive format will be adopted. Experienced rowers will row together in boat orders as assigned by the coaches. For safety reasons, participants must be confident swimmers. In addition to rowing, participants will be expected to serve on occasions as coxswains, the member of the crew that steers the boat and makes the calls.
Dates and Times: Participants may sign up for either weekday or weekend sessions, or both for an additional fee.
Weekday Session (Mornings): Tuesday and Thursday mornings starting April 7 ending June 18, from 8:45am to 10:15am.
Weekday Session (Evenings): Tuesday and Thursday evenings starting April 7 ending June 18, from 6pm to 7:30pm.
Weekend Session: Saturday mornings at 7:30am and Sunday afternoon at 2pm starting April 11 ending June 21.
Attire: Tee shirt, form-fitting shorts, and flip-flops are usual attire. Loose fitting shorts will likely catch in the “slide” (where the rowing seat moves back and forth in the boat). Bring a water bottle too! Sunglasses are good.
Cost: $210 per rower for the spring sessions. No partial refund for missed sessions or weather related cancellations. Check with your company’s wellness program for full or partial reimbursement.
More Info: Call Gene at 257-9009 or email contact@highpointrowing.com
High Point – Oak Hollow Lake will be the venue for High Point Rowing Club’s 2nd Annual High Point Regatta on Saturday, March 28th, the program’s Board of Directors has announced.
The 2015 High Point Regatta marks the opening day of the boat racing season in North Carolina. Competition will take place between youth, collegiate, and Masters (adult) rowing crews.
The Youth races will feature a duel between High Point and Triangle Rowing Club, the premier rowing program of Raleigh.
Adult races will be between High Point and Cape Fear River Rowing Club, Asheville Rowing Club and possibly Virginia Boat Club of Richmond.
“The City of High Point is very supportive of emerging sports and recreational activities,” says Kininmonth. “Oak Hollow Lake is a tremendous venue for crew and especially for hosting aquatic events and I expect the 2015 High Point Regatta to draw hundreds of competitors and spectators from across the region.”
Racing will commence at 9:00am with a coaches and coxswains meeting at 8am.
Crews will launch from Oak Hollow North Ramp and this location will also provide for the best spectator viewing. Free parking is available. Directions.
Gorgeous silver punch cups are presented to the rowers of each winning crew.
Jamestown, NC – High Point Rowing Club is excited to announce a new season of Youth Indoor Rowing for high school and middle school students at its Jamestown Indoor Rowing Studio. The purpose of the Youth Indoor Rowing is to foster healthy living in a fun team environment for students through the wonderful sport of rowing. Students will be be prepared for the challenges of the spring boat racing season after completing the indoor rowing program.
No prior rowing experience is necessary.
“Indoor rowing has taken off as the new spinning and we have received lots of interest from students wishing to try out this sport,” says club organizer Gene Kininmonth. “Rowing is non-impact making it safe from injuries, which is especially appealing to student-athletes who have been injured in other sports such as football, soccer and lacrosse.”
In addition to indoor rowing, students will also participate in strength and conditioning as well as a boxing fitness regimen, which does not involve students hitting each other.
The Youth Indoor Rowing program for girls is led by women’s varsity coach Allie Davis and the boys program is led by Gene Kininmonth.
Format: Participants with no prior experience will start with a learn-to-row format on the Concept2 rowing machines. As technique and stamina improve, a more competitive format will be adopted.
Dates and Times: Each day, Monday – Friday from 4:15pm – 6:00pm (students travelling from further away can arrive later) and at 9am on Saturday mornings. Students are not expected to be at every session. The season begins December 1 and will go through to the beginning of the spring season, which begins in late Feb-mid March depending on the weather.
Attire: Tee shirt, form-fitting shorts, and running shoes are usual attire. Loose fitting shorts will likely catch in the “slide” (where the rowing seat moves back and forth on the rower). Bring a water bottle too!
Address: 124-C Wade Street, Jamestown, North Carolina.
Cost: $245 per participant. No partial refund for missed sessions or weather related cancellations.
More Info: Call Gene at 257-9009 or email contact@highpointrowing.com
Caroline Lind displays her two Olympic gold medals with Mary and Jim Hollingsworth.
GREENSBORO, NC – Over one hundred rowers and their friends and families from across the Triad, including members of the High Point University rowing team, joined two time Olympic gold medalist Caroline Lind for a ‘Celebration of Rowing’ at the Starmount Country Club on Monday evening.
The banquet, hosted by High Point Rowing Club, was a homecoming for Lind, who is a Greensboro native. Lind won gold on board the United States women’s eight crew at both the Beijing and London Olympics.
Serving as master of ceremonies, High Point rowing coach Allie Davis, introduced varsity rowers Kiana Davis, Aliute Udoka, and Quinn Eury, who sang a moving rendition of the National Anthem to open the evening.
Master of Ceremonies: Allie Davis
Westchester Country Day School sophomore Charles York then gave the invocation, after which guests dined on a sumptuous feast while listening to the talented Rich Richards, also a rower and coach, play on the club’s grand piano.
Coach Davis then returned to the podium to begin the formal ceremonies, which included recognizing several of High Point Rowing Club’s new ‘Masters’ with awards, including Erin Sanders who won ‘Rower of the Year.’
‘Masters Rower of the Year’: Erin Sanders.
Mary Hollingsworth then thanked and recognized former volunteer coach Caroline Howard, former HPRC rower Sarah Catto, and current HPRC rower Margaux Blanchard for their service ‘above and beyond the call of duty’ to High Point Rowing Club. Mrs Hollingsworth is herself a Director of HPRC, a volunteer coach, parent of two rowers (Katie and Jackie) and the parent liaison for the team. To recognize her generous contributions to the club, Coach Gene Kininmonth commissioned an award in her name “The Mary Hollingsworth Cup” to be presented to a parent each year for outstanding contribution to the Club.
This year, the Mary Hollingsworth Cup was awarded to Kathy Howard, mother of High Point youth rowers Colin and Drew.
The evening then took a twist with the arrival to the podium of club founder and coach Gene Kininmonth to introduce Olympic great Caroline Lind. Kininmonth, an Australian native, said the theme of his introduction would be ‘Play, Listen, and Watch.’
High Point Rowing Club founder Gene Kininmonth introduces double Olympic gold medalist Caroline Lind at the Celebration of Rowing banquet.
“Let’s play!” said Kininmonth. “The name of the game is Two-Up, an Aussie game that began in the days of Australia’s Gold Rush and a fitting one to play in the presence of our double Olympic gold medalist, Caroline Lind.”
Kininmonth then explained the game involved tossing two coins in the air with everyone choosing whether they would fall ‘heads’ or tails’ or one of each. Allie Davis returned to the stage to illustrate how folks would indicate their choice by placing a hand on either their head or the ‘tail.’ Those choosing correctly remained standing and the coins would continue to be tossed until only one remained standing – and the winner was Caroline Lind!
After thanking Mary Hollingsworth and Allie Davis for their service and recognizing the club’s youth captains Adam Alt, Colin Howard, Addy Millsap, and Kim Pollard for their team leadership, Kininmonth then invited guests to ‘Listen’ to Victoria Goldin recite “Time: a Rowing Poem” by Celeste Dulillo.
Then it was time to ‘Watch’ as the lights were dimmed and the projector screened Caroline Lind’s USA women’s eight at the World Cup in France this past summer. With Canada out in front by a boat length half way through the race, a technical glitch halted the video at which point Kininmonth exclaimed “Those Canadians!”
But the United States prevailed (click here to watch the race) and Caroline Lind took center stage to great applause. A poignant speaker, Lind held the audience captive as she shared the experience of her rowing journey, with a message emphasizing the importance of living a life of character and integrity.
It was an amazing night for rowing in the Triad and High Point Rowing Club would especially like to thank Caroline Lind, her parents Fred and Mary Lind, and High Point University rowers Zach Astran, Kylie Flynn, Angelica Bryan, and their coach Jessica Mahon for their presence on this occasion.
Starmount Country Club in Greensboro was the venue for the Celebration of Rowing with Caroline Lind.
With Olympic gold in hand, Caroline Lind with High Point rowers (from left) Bethany Brake, Kim Pollard, Sarah Catto, and Emma Lloyd.Double Olympic gold medal rower Caroline Lind with the High Point Masters and their coaches Gene Kininmonth and Allie Davis.
From left, rowers Adam Alt, Andrew Wright and Charles York pose with two time Olympic gold medal winner Caroline Lind.
