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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.

 

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Rowing Club to Host Youth Open House on Oct 29 & 30

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.

R E G I S T E R    H E R E 

“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.

Click here for a list of the many reasons to row. 

For more information email Coach Gene contact@highpointrowing.com or call (336) 257-9009.

HPRC Senior Class of 2016 with their coaches Allie Davis and Gene Kininmonth.
HPRC Senior Class of 2016 with their coaches Allie Davis and Gene Kininmonth.

 

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Rowing Festival Attracts Thousands to High Point

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High Point, North Carolina – The 2016 High Point Autumn Rowing Festival attracted thousands of rowers and spectators to Festival Park at Oak Hollow Lake on Saturday.

After a brief delay to the start of racing due to early morning fog, spectators thronged the banks of the lake to watch almost 450 rowers in 151 boats from 20 different clubs, universities and high schools from as far away as Annapolis, MD to Atlanta, GA.

The rowing festival, now in its third year, attracted a number of marquis college names, including local favorite High Point University, as well as NC State, Wake Forest, and Davidson College. Event officials Mandy Greene and Jeanne MacPherson say they have plans to lure in ACC powerhouse programs from Virginia, Clemson, Duke and UNC Chapel Hill in 2017.

“High Point is now established as the convention center for rowing in the region,” says Greene. “There is no other event venue in the Carolinas that can match Festival Park at Oak Hollow Lake for spectator viewing, parking, lake access for rowing shells, and local hotels. We now have an established regatta management team of volunteers with a track record of running a large rowing event so there is no reason why we cannot double the Festival next year.”

Also competing on Saturday were Masters (adult) and youth programs from Atlanta, Raleigh, and Charlotte.

HPRC – 2016 Fall Regatta from Carolina SkyWorks on Vimeo.

The head racing course for the Festival is one of the most unique in rowing in that it requires the crews to steer around multiple turns including a 180 degree turn ‘Around the Duck.’ The ‘duck’ is an inflated rubber duck almost as tall as a three story building. Unfortunately, the duck tipped over for afternoon racing but this didn’t diminish the enthusiasm of the rowers.

Opening racing on Saturday was the men’s youth eights, which saw the squad from Atlanta dominate. High Point got tangled up with Raleigh’s Triangle’s ‘B’ boat on the turn around the duck, which delayed both crews from finishing.

High Point coach Gene Kininmonth, who witnessed the boats collide, said it was the result of High Point crews having perfected the turn to such a degree that crews entering the turn behind them could not react quickly enough to turn as quickly and so ended up T-Boning the High Point crew.

High Point's varsity crew needed to be rescued after their shell had a hole punctured through it during a boat collision.
High Point’s varsity crew needed to be rescued after their shell had a hole punctured through it during a boat collision.

High Point was involved in an even more serious boat collision several events later in the women’s youth varsity eights. Having passed the crew from Belmont prior to entering the turn around the duck, High Point then executed a quick 180 degree turn only to have the Belmont crew smash its bow directly through the side of their boat. Fortunately, no rowers were injured in the collision. With the risk of their shell taking on water, the High Point rowers were quickly rescued by a safety launch as the Belmont crew continued on to finish the race. Atlanta won in convincing fashion ahead of Triangle.

Race officials will widen the turn in 2017 to avoid similar collisions in the future.

Six of the High Point Crew quickly recovered from the shock of the collision to later win the J16 girls eights event over Triangle.

High Point youth crews also won the Men’s Youth 4X, and mixed middle school eights event.

Fog delayed the start of racing at the 2016 High Point Autumn Rowing Festival.
Fog delayed the start of racing at the 2016 High Point Autumn Rowing Festival.

In collegiate racing, High Point University held off NC State to win the men’s varsity eights. HPU also won the women’s varsity eights race over Davidson College.

In Masters racing, High Point (average age of 50) showed a dashing display of skill and stamina to win the Burton Whicker Cup over Greensboro (average age 38). High Point ‘s Masters women (average age 47) finished in a close second place Carolina (average age 40) but ahead of Greensboro and B-boats from Carolina and High Point.

Greensboro Masters won the Mixed Masters eights, and the Masters Maiden Eights events.

Andrew Neils won the Open Single Sculls and Clarence Pfaff won the Masters Single Sculls at the 2016 High Point Autumn Rowing Festival.
Andrew Niels won the Open Single Sculls and Clarence Pfaff won the Masters Single Sculls at the 2016 High Point Autumn Rowing Festival.
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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.

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Youth Rowing FAQs

Who is High Point Rowing Club for and how long has the team been around? 

Best in class: The High Point Youth squad adorned in medals won at the High Point Autumn Rowing Festival and wearing their new look Cricket Jumpers.
Best in class: The High Point Youth squad adorned in medals won at the High Point Autumn Rowing Festival and wearing their new look Cricket Jumpers.

High Point Rowing Club is the Triad’s first community rowing club and provides opportunities to row for youth (Grades 7-12) and adults through the Masters program. The team was formed in 2012 and now has over 140 members.

Does it cost money to try-out rowing to see if I like the sport?
The Club welcomes students to try out rowing with the team for two sessions at no charge. Email the coaches at contact@highpointrowing.com with any questions.

 Where does the team row? 
The team trains indoors during the winter in Jamestown and during the warmer months at beautiful Oak Hollow Lake. For directions see this link

When are practice times?
Practice days/times during the Spring & Fall seasons are 4:15pm to 6:15pm for during the week and at 9am on Saturdays. The team makes allowances for students who attend school from further away to arrive at 4:30pm. Note, middle school students practice on fewer days, which are generally Monday – Thursday – Saturday.

Are all practices mandatory?
No. If you cannot make it to all practice sessions that is OK. Keep in mind that like anything in life you only get out of something what you put into it. We find that the longer our rowers are on the team the more committed they become.

When is the Crew season?
Crew is a year round sport comprised of four distinct seasons.

Fall Season: This season begins in August and the team will row through to early December, competing in scrimmages and boat races called regattas against other rowing programs in October and November.

Spring Season: Rowing begins in mid-February and races begin in late March and continue through May.

Summer season: A great time to participate in a Summer Rowing Camp to learn to row.

Winter Indoor Season: The team trains inside at the Jamestown Indoor Rowing Studio.

Do I have to row all seasons?
No. For example, a student may wish to row in the fall season and then play another sport such as Baseball or soccer in the spring. Rowing is a great conditioning activity for other sports and many athletes use it for cross-training purposes.

Will rowing help me get into college?
For many high school students, experience in rowing may just be the best extra curricular activity they could take on outside of the classroom for getting into college. For girls especially, there are serious advantages to being a rower. Colleges need lots of female rowers to balance out large male football teams. Consider this, UNC has 60 girls on their women’s rowing roster. Princeton University has 140 women on their rowing team. Wisconsin has even more!

Do you want to be applying to great colleges like UNC, Princeton or Wisconsin as a volleyball player or as a rower?

What are the costs to join the team?
Dues are payable per season – see the registration link for specifics for the current or upcoming season. In addition to dues, all members will need to purchase a uniform (~$20) and pay race fees.

Why row?
There are lots of reasons HERE!

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Open House for General Public on August 6

High Point's youth eight at the Clemson Sprints regatta in South Carolina.
High Point’s youth eight at the Clemson Sprints regatta in South Carolina.

High Point Rowing Club is pleased to offer an Open House to the general public on Saturday, August 6, 2016 from 8am to 12pm at Oak Hollow Lake. Guest participants will have an opportunity to receive a free rowing lesson by the club’s coaches and row in the club’s boats.

Participants must be able to swim for safety reasons.

should wear athletic attire suitable for the weather on the day and flip flops (not running shoes) as we walk the boats into the water.

The Open House is suitable for adults of all ages and youth ages 12 and up. The Open House will take place at 3700 Waterview Road, High Point. 

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High Point Rowing Anniversary Set for September 10

10639690_10152639569904376_4959141144622408802_nHigh 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.

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Join the Youth Summer Rowing Season!

The Spring season is over and the Youth Summer season starts on Monday. This is the ultimate time of year for new students with no experience to try rowing for the first time! 

R E G I S T E  R   F O R   S U M M E R

High Point Rowing Club is pleased to announce details of the scholastic summer rowing program. The summer season is from now through August 20. Students rising to grades 7-12 are welcome to participate and all students should be at least 12 years old.

Sessions take place mornings Monday – Saturday from 7:00am – 9:00am at Oak Hollow Lake.

Address: 3700 Waterview Road, High Point, NC 27265.

Cost: The cost of summer membership is $295.  Register here!

What to wear: Students should regular athletic attire suitable for the weather. Shorts should not be loose as they could get caught in the sliding seats. Wear flip flops and bring a pair of socks. Also wear sunscreen and bring a refillable water bottle.

The summer season is one of the best times of year for new high school and middle school students to join the team. The coaches will teach you all the basics of rowing on your first day and you will soon be swinging along with the crew.

It really is that easy!

Students are not expected to attend every practice and the coaches understand that many rowers will be away for parts of the summer on vacations and summer camps. New members under 18 must have a parent complete the waiver and swim form found on the registration page.

The traditional crew photo is taken on the dock after the spring Crew Banquet.
The traditional crew photo is taken on the dock after the spring Crew Banquet.

 

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Crew Celebrates with Last Row & Spring Banquet

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.
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 Udoka were 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 Rowers of the Year for 2016 are Kyle Koval and Victoria Goldin.
HPRC Middle School MVPs for 2016 are Alexander Berg and Charlotte Curri.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The traditional crew photo is taken on the dock after the spring Crew Banquet.

 

 

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Crew Sets York Cup Record


Oak Hollow Lake, High Point –  A new record time was set in a York Cup challenge on Wednesday night. Two High Point Youth boats raced each other from Skeet Club Bridge to Johnson Street Bridge but only one of the boats was comprised of an eligible York Cup crew.

To be eligible a crew must meet the following requirements:

1.) All members of the crew must be currently enrolled in high school or middle school. (the Summer following your senior year makes you ineligible!)
2.) At least two and no more than four male rowers in the boat. A coxswain may be a fifth male member of the crew.
3.) At least four of the rowers must be in their novice year (or freshman grade or below).

Aided by a brisk Nor’easterly tail wind, the record setting crew was comprised of coxswain Morgan Epling, stroke Junior Ognovich, Kyle Koval, William Scarpa, Adam Alt, Emma Lloyd, Olivia Corriere, Ainsley Fox, and bow seat Alexis Berg and set a time of 14 minutes 7 seconds. The previous record was 14 minutes 45 seconds set in 2014.

Racing in the ‘Spooner’, the crew was further helped with a competitive push by fellow crew mates racing in the black M2.

Crews can attempt a York Cup challenge at any time throughout the year. At the end of the spring season, the crew that has recorded the fastest time in the previous 12 months is recognized at the annual Spring Crew Banquet and earns the honor of drinking a toast from The York Cup.

The York Cup is named in honor of Caren and Greg York, (Charles’ Mum & Dad!) for their generous support of the youth rowing program. The purpose of the ongoing annual event is to bring the club’s youngest and newest rowers together with the clubs most experienced varsity rowers of both genders throughout the year.
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Youth Squad Rocks the Boat in Sarasota

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.
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 coxswain Morgan Epling with her women’s youth eight crew at the 2016 USRowing Southeast Regional Championships in Sarasota, Florida.
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High Point Heads to Sarasota, FL for SE Youth Regionals

Sarasota, Florida – High Point Rowing Club will be represented by three crews at the USRowing Southeast Regional Youth Championships in Sarasota, Florida this weekend.

Boat racing takes place at Nathan Benderson Park, the venue for the upcoming 2017 World Rowing Championships.

First up for High Point will be Adam Alt and Kyle Koval racing in the heats of the Youth Double Sculls event. The crew enjoyed comfortable wins at the High Point Regatta and Charlotte Duel before finishing 4th at the Dogwood Regatta last month. Twelve crews are entered in the event. The duo must finish in the top three crews in its 6 boat heat to progress to the final.

Following this race Kyle and Adam will team up with Austin Young and Kevin Capps in the Youth Quad Sculls event.

Later in the day High Point will race in the Women’s Youth Eights event. The crew, comprised of coxswain Morgan Epling, Victoria Goldin, Maddie Mullins, Junior Ognovich, Aliute Udoka, Emma Lloyd, Jaclyn Hronich, Olivia Corriere, and Shelby Reece has enjoyed historic results for the club throughout the regular season. The crew earned victories at the James River Sprints, the High Point Regatta, and Charlotte Dual and earned a finals appearance two weeks ago at the Dogwood Regatta in Oak Ridge, TN but was unable to race due to thunderstorms over the race course.

The top three crews in each event qualify for USRowing’s Youth National Championships next month.

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.
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.
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High Point Bounces Back Against Charlotte

Oak Hollow Lake, High Point, NC – High Point’s youth squad bounced back from a tough outing against Triangle Rowing Club the previous week to winning form against Charlotte on Saturday.

High Point won eleven of the thirteen youth events against Charlotte on Oak Hollow Lake. Also racing on Saturday were High Point’s masters and middle school crews in a series of 1,000 meter  intrasquad races.

“This was a positive day for our youth program,” said boys coach Gene Kininmonth. “We are grateful to Charlotte for coming to High Point to race us here this weekend. Like last week, the results do not reflect just how the close the two clubs actually are in boat speed. We enjoyed a little more depth at the top ends of both the boys and girls rosters on Saturday and that transferred to wins all the way down the boat classes.”

FULL RESULTS

Crews line up at the start of the Charlotte Duel. Both the first and second High Point girls' varsity eights beat Charlotte on April 23.
Crews line up at the start of the Charlotte Duel. Both the first and second High Point girls’ varsity eights beat Charlotte on April 23.
Audrey Corriere lines up her crew of Jake Bryant, Will Hundley, Tanner Planes, and Will Scarpa at the start for the boys novice fours duel with Charlotte on April 23.
Audrey Corriere lines up her crew of Jake Bryant, Will Hundley, Tanner Planes, and Will Scarpa at the start for the boys novice fours duel with Charlotte on April 23.
High Point rowers stretch prior to racing Charlotte at Oak Hollow Lake on April 23, 2016.
High Point rowers stretch prior to racing Charlotte at Oak Hollow Lake on April 23, 2016.
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High Point Announces Squad for USRowing’s SE Youth Championships

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.

FULL INFORMATION PACKET

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. .
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.
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.

 

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Rowers Prepare for Duel with Charlotte

Oak Hollow Lake, High Point – Rowing battles continue in North Carolina this weekend with High Point Rowing Club’s youth squad hosting Charlotte in a series of 1,500 meter boat races.

High Point’s girls will open the morning against Charlotte with the varsity eights set to clash at 9am. The crew of coxswain Morgan Epling, stroke Victoria Goldin, Maddie Mullins, Junior Ognovich, Aliute Udoka, Emma Lloyd, Jaclyn Hronich, Olivia Corriere, and Shelby Reece will start hot favorite to win after convincing wins the past two weeks against Triangle and at the James River Sprints in Virginia.

However, should the crew clinch victory as many expect, the moment may be bittersweet for the five seniors on board. For Aliute, Emma, Victoria, Olivia, and Jaclyn it will be the final racing strokes on Oak Hollow Lake of their high school careers in their beloved eight-oar shell named ‘Fred’. No doubt the electricity of emotions will be winding through this talented crew as it powers its way through the final few hundred meters on Saturday.

In boys racing, the varsity eight battled hard last weekend only to lose a close verdict to Triangle. Earlier this season the crew enjoyed a run away win at the Jame River Sprints and seeks to return to winning form against Charlotte at 9:10am. Adam Alt, Austin Young, Kevin Capps, Mac Warwick, and Kyle Koval will also graduate this spring and will be counting on their crew mates’ support for a victorious send off.

“These are special moments that can lift a boat club,” says coach Gene Kininmonth, who founded the program in 2012. “This is a time in a young man or woman’s life that they realize you don’t always get ‘do overs’. There isn’t always going to be a next week. Your time is truly now. The effect of these moments can be transformational for a club and I am looking forward to seeing some outstanding rowing on Saturday morning.”

FULL SCHEDULE

HIGH POINT CREW LINE UPS

High Point's boys and girls varsity eight crews in an Autumn practice on Oak Hollow Lake.
High Point’s boys and girls varsity eight crews in an Autumn practice on Oak Hollow Lake.
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Raleigh Emerges as New Force at 2016 High Point Regatta

Festival Park at Oak Hollow Lake was the venue for the 2016 High Point Regatta.
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.

FULL RESULTS

High Point Rowing – Spring Regatta with Triangle and Belmont from Carolina SkyWorks on Vimeo.

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Snow, 40 mph Winds do not Deter High Point Rowers in Virginia

Anna Lewis and Victoria Goldin return their shell from the strong river current of James River.
Anna Lewis and Victoria Goldin return their shell from the strong river current of James River.

Midlothian, VA – High Point youth rowers battled their toughest weather conditions yet when the squad opened its spring season at the James River Sprints on Saturday. And although boat racing was ultimately cut short with afternoon events cancelled due to strong winds and an unrelenting river current, it wasn’t before High Point earned significant victories on the day.

Youth captain, Olivia Corriere, said the wind, current, snow and cold all contributed to challenging conditions for racing on James River. “It was absolutely insane launching, trying to get alignment at the start, and then docking. The weather caused some stress and anxiety, but HPRC remained cool, calm, and collected and performed well.”

High Point’s boys’ novice eight started the day with a decisive 45 second win over James River High School, with Briar Woods Crew trailing.

The next win for High Point was then earned in the blue ribbon women’s varsity eight event. Olivia Corriere said there was some apprehension in her crew about confronting the harsh winds and strong current. “But with support from the coaches, we went for it,” Olivia recounted.

High Point pushed out to an early lead in the shortened 1,000m race until coxswain Morgan Epling made the call to “open things up.” Her crew of stroke Victoria Goldin, Maddie Mullins, Junior Ognovich, Aliute Udoka, Emma Lloyd, Shelby Reece, Ainsley Fox, and Olivia Correire responded by rowing away to an open water lead over Mount Vernon Crew, Granby High School, and First Colonial RC.

High Point’s boys varsity eight also won by a large margin. The crew of cox Charlotte Curri, stroke Adam Alt, Kyle Koval, Charles York, Mac Warwick, Kevin Capps, Austin Young, George Corriere, and Govind Harish finished 25 seconds ahead of Granby HS, with Hickory HS and First Colonial RC rounding out the field.

Olivia Corriere staying warm in the snowy conditions at the James River Sprints.
Olivia Corriere staying warm in the snowy conditions at the James River Sprints.

HIgh Point also earned second place ribbons in the boys quad sculls, and girls’ 2nd varsity four, and novice four events.

As winds continued to strengthen and two high school crews needed rescuing after their shells were capsized on the water, River City officials made the call to cancel many of the afternoon races. This meant that many of the club’s middle school crew members did not get to race. “Nonetheless, every member of this team will have multiple opportunities in the near future to show everyone what they’re made of,” says Olivia. “I especially look forward to seeing my little sister, Audrey Corriere, race for the first time this spring season. She and I both are confident that the middle school team will be extremely competitive.”

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Next up is the High Point Regatta this coming Saturday at Festival Park on Oak Hollow Lake. The event will be a dual meet between youth squads from High Point and Triangle Rowing Club, the premier youth rowing program from Raleigh, as well as regional Masters clubs.

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High Point Hosts 124C Erg Sprints

Jamestown, NC – The largest number of rowers ever assembled for an indoor rowing event in North Carolina gathered in the warehouse district in Jamestown on Saturday morning for the 124C Erg Sprints.

High Point's Aliute Udoka set a new 124C Sprints record time of 7 minutes 16 seconds on Saturday.
High Point’s Aliute Udoka set a new 124C Sprints record time of 7 minutes 16 seconds on Saturday.

All up 131 rowers from 12 clubs across the state entered to race at the High Point Rowing Club hosted event and the depth of talent saw fierce competition among athletes of all ages.

Youth ergometer races opened the event, which saw Rylie Murphy win the girls J12 for High Point ahead of Audrey Corriere, Charlotte Curri, and Sidney Briggs. High Point Rowing Club’s success continued throughout the day, ultimately sweeping all the youth events from Belmont, Raleigh, LKN Indoor, Crossfit Vitality, Jordan Lake Crew, and some unaffiliated rowers.

Highlights of the youth races included a new 124C Erg Sprints record earned by High Point’s  Aliute Udoka with the time of 7 minutes16 seconds. Aliute finished ahead of M Bhalla (7:35) and High Point’s Victoria Goldin, who also earned a personal best time of 7:46.6. Aliute is headed to Clemson University and Victoria is headed to the University of Louisville in the Fall.

Coach Allie Davis with her winning rowers Emma Lloyd (lightweight), Jaclyn Hronich (J18), and Maddie Mullins (J16).
Coach Allie Davis with her winning rowers Emma Lloyd (lightweight), Jaclyn Hronich (J18), and Maddie Mullins (J16).
Charles York earned victory in the boys J16 event at 124C Erg Sprints.
Charles York earned victory in the boys J16 event at 124C Erg Sprints.

On the boys side of racing, Keagan OConnell earned victory in the J12 750 meter race and then High Point rowers continued to win events with James Li (J13), George Corriere (J14), Govind Harish (J15), Charles York (J16), Mac Warwick (J17), Austin Young (Lightweight) and Adam Alt (J18).

Additional wins for the club came on the girls side from Molly Hilemn (J13), Ainsley Fox (J14), Junior Ognovich (J15), Maddie Mullins (J16), Emma Llyod (Lightweight), and Jaclyn Hronich (J18).

Racing then continued on to collegiate competition, which was a fierce series of duels between High Point University and Wake Forest University.

Emma Hudson earned the first collegiate contest in the women’s novice event with the winning time of 7 minutes 25.1 seconds. Hudson finished ahead of 12 other rowers from the two colleges.

HPU’s Molly Torres then picked up the win in the women’s collegiate lightweight race and HPU rowers won the men’s collegiate novice race (John Funchion), men’s collegiate varsity (Caleb Spegman), and men’s collegiate lightweight (Michael Marsh).

High Point University rowers won 5 of 6 events at the 2016 124C Erg Sprints.
High Point University rowers won 5 of 6 events at the 2016 124C Erg Sprints.

Wake Forest University narrowly avoided being swept on the day when Kendra Callwood stepped up to win the women’s collegiate varsity event.

Next up at 124C Erg Sprints was the Open and Masters (adult 21+) events. Shelli York quickly raised the roof for High Point Rowing Club, winning the 1,000 meter women’s (40-49) category with a personal best time of 3:56.8. High Point’s fortunes continued with Nancy Yohn winning the women’s (55-59) race, and Burton Whicker winning the men’s (60-69) category.

FULL RESULTS

High Point's Masters at 124C Erg Sprints in Jamestown on February 27, 2016.
High Point’s Masters at 124C Erg Sprints in Jamestown on February 27, 2016.
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HPRC Raises Funds at Ergathon

Jamestown, NC – High Point Rowing Club held its inaugural annual Ergathon today. The goal of the 2016 event was to raise $25,000 for new equipment and permanent boat racks at Oak Hollow Lake – and have a lot of fun doing so!

McDonalds - High Point is one of our 2016 corporate sponsors!
McDonalds – High Point is one of HPRCs 2016 corporate sponsors!
Youth captains Victoria Goldin and Olivia Corierre rowed the first leg of the 100k Ergathon.
Youth captains Victoria Goldin and Olivia Corierre rowed the first leg of the 100k Ergathon.

The rowers, comprised of middle school, high school, and Masters members of the Club were divided into two teams, ‘Navy’ and ‘White,’ on arrival at the Jamestown Erg Room. The two teams then raced each other over 100 kilometers in an erg relay in just under 4 hours. Each rower rowed 500 meters at a time in a duel until the 100 km (60+ miles) was completed.

Club members, local corporations, friends, and families responded to the ambitious fundraising goal with almost $15,000 raised before the first strokes were taken. Youth captains Victoria Goldin and Olivia Corierre then ‘threw out the first pitch’ to start the relays.

“This was a truly wonderful club event that brought together rowers from across all our Club programs,” said Masters rower and 2014 MVP Erin Sanders. “And it was close the entire way between the two teams, which just made it so exciting. Everyone stepped up and gave it their best.”

Ultimately, the Navy team just pipped the White team by meters at the finish line with high school senior Aliute Udoka bringing her team home in the final leg.

High Point 'Navy' pictured here squeaked out victory by the narrowest of margins in the 100km Ergathon.
High Point ‘Navy’ pictured here squeaked out victory by the narrowest of margins in the 100km Ergathon.
High Point Rowing Club is pleased to have the support of High Point Bank.
High Point Rowing Club is pleased to have the support of High Point Bank.

Ergathon director Amy Epling (Morgan’s Mum!) said the club is still receiving donations for the event and does not expect to ‘close the books’ for several weeks. “We are so grateful for all the support we have received,” said Amy. “Donations can still be made on the High Point Rowing Club website and all gifts over $125 will be recognized on our Club banner.”

Club founder, Gene Kininmonth thanked Amy Epling for her leadership to bring the first Ergathon to the club and her committee of Jackie King, Mary Hollingsworth, Mandy Greene, Connie Curri, and Erin Sanders for making it all happen. “You never really know when those truly special club moments will occur. Today is one we will cherish and remember,” said Gene.

The Club received $15,000 in donations before the first strokes were taken at the 2016 Ergathon. The goal is to raise $25,000.
The Club received $15,000 in donations before the first strokes were taken at the 2016 Ergathon. The goal is to raise $25,000.
Despite leading for most of the 60+ mile journey of the 2016 Ergathon, The 'White' team (pictured here) finished a close second behind High Point's 'Navy' team.
Despite leading for most of the 60+ mile journey of the 2016 Ergathon, The ‘White’ team (pictured here) finished a close second behind High Point’s ‘Navy’ team.
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Fitness Friday: High Point Rowing Club Makes Waves on WFMY2 News