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Club Welcomes Misha Joukowsky to Celebration of Rowing Banquet

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.
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.
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.
Crew board directors Gene Kininmonth, Mary Hollingsworth, and Kye Strance with guest speaker Misha Joukowsky at the 2015 Celebration of Rowing banquet.

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High Point Masters with Resolute boat maker Misha Joukowsky at the Celebration of Rowing banquet.
High Point Masters with Resolute boat maker Misha Joukowsky at the Celebration of Rowing banquet.

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High Point Rowing Club women's youth eight crew at the 2015 Celebration of Rowing banquet.
High Point Rowing Club women’s youth eight crew at the 2015 Celebration of Rowing banquet.

 

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High Point Caps Fall Season in Augusta

Broad River, Augusta, Georgia – High Point Rowing Club concluded its Fall season of boat racing at the Head of the South regatta in Augusta, GA on Saturday, winning a bag of medals in a river race that featured over 500 boats.

Highlights of the regatta for High Point Rowing Club included silver medals for the youth squad in the women’s junior four and eights events, and a bronze medal for the Masters in the mixed fours event.

In other racing, the Club finished 5th out of 13 teams in the Women’s Junior Novice Eight and 5th out of 28 crews in the Men’s Junior Four.

Over 500 crews raced down the Broad River in Auguasta, GA at the Head of the South Regatta.
Over 500 crews raced down the Broad River in Auguasta, GA at the Head of the South Regatta.
Scott and Katie Jones dominate the river in the Masters mixed double sculls at the 2015 Head of the South.
Scott and Katie Jones dominate the river in the Masters mixed double sculls at the 2015 Head of the South.
High Point won silver out of 14 crews at the Head of the South in Augusta, GA on November 14. The crew is from left to right Morgan Epling, Victoria Goldin, Maddie Mullins, Junior Ognovich, Aliute Udoka, Emma Lloyd, Shelby Reece, Olivia Corriere, Jaclyn Hronich and coach Allie Davis.
High Point won silver out of 14 crews at the Head of the South in Augusta, GA on November 14. The crew is from left to right Morgan Epling, Victoria Goldin, Maddie Mullins, Junior Ognovich, Aliute Udoka, Emma Lloyd, Shelby Reece, Olivia Corriere, Jaclyn Hronich and coach Allie Davis.
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Crew Anniversary Boat Races Set for September 12

10639690_10152639569904376_4959141144622408802_nHigh 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.
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.

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High Point Autumn Rowing Festival Set for October 3

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High Point, NC – Growth in race entries is expected to explode in October for the 2nd annual High Point Autumn Rowing Festival. Oak Hollow Lake will again be the venue for the rowing regatta, which is scheduled for Saturday, October 3rd, the regatta’s Board of Directors has announced.

The 2015 Regatta is hosted by High Point Rowing Club and will feature open, youth, collegiate, and masters time trial races.

“We look forward to welcoming the best crews from across the Carolinas to compete at the 2015 High Point Autumn Rowing Festival,” says Regatta Chair Mary Hollingsworth. “”The regatta is growing and we expect out of state boat entries to propel the number of total entries from 88 last year to over 140 at this year’s rowing festival.”

The 5,000 meter race course is a particularly exciting one for both rowers and coxswains. The head race begins with a 2,000m straight followed by an almost 180 degree turn to starboard ‘Round the Duck’ and then 500m later there is a 90 degree turn port going into the final straight past the spectator viewing area.

“The City of High Point is very supportive of emerging sports and recreational activities and are a big reason we are seeing this event grow so successfully,” says Hollingsworth.

Racing will commence at 10:00am.

Over 80 boats raced "Round the Duck" at the 2014 High Point Autumn Rowing Festival.
Over 80 boats raced “Round the Duck” at the 2014 High Point Autumn Rowing Festival.

PARTICIPANT INFORMATION
Clubs from within North Carolina and surrounding states wishing to participate can register crews online at RegattaCentral.

Directions
The 2015 High Point Rowing Festival will take place at Oak Hollow Lake in High Point, NC. For GPS please use the address 3700 Waterview Road, High Point, NC 27265. This will bring you to the gate entrance of the parking lot at the lake where boats will launch. Note this is not a mailing address for the Club.

MEDIA: PRESS INFORMATION
Requesting Credentials
Credentials for the 2015 High Point Autumn Rowing Festival are available to all local and national print, radio, television and online media. To obtain credentials, contact Gene Kininmonth at (336) 257-9009. Credentials and parking passes will be mailed out in advance or may be picked up at the gate entrance on arrival.

Media Center
Media headquarters for the 2015 Rowing Festival will be the Media Center at
Oak Hollow Lake. The Media Center is equipped with Wi-Fi access. The Media Center will also accommodate interviews. At the conclusion of each event, as available, race
winners will be brought to the interview area for media access. Limited parking is available for daily print, online and television media (pass required). All television stations that will be bringing in satellite trucks should call Gene Kininmonth (office: 336-257-9009) to arrange for vehicle access.

Photographers
Photographers wishing to obtain action shots on the racecourse may be accommodated in a media boat on a first-come, first-served basis. The media boat will be restricted to designated sections of the course and cannot “race” to keep pace with competing boats. Please arrive at the Media Center 60 minutes before you need to be on the water.

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High Point Rower Selected for Junior National Team Development Camp

Trenton, NJ – High Point rower Jacqueline ‘Junior’ Ognovich has been selected to participate in this summer’s US Junior National Team Sweep Development Camp, the sport’s national governing body USRowing has announced.

Ognovich’s selection to the prestigious national camp squad follows on from her participation in an historic season with High Point’s women’s varsity crew. She rowed in the 6-seat of the crew that won gold at the High Point Regatta, Clemson Sprints and finished a club best 4th place at the USRowing Southeast Junior Regional Championships.

“”I’m so excited for Junior,” said High Point varsity coach Allie Davis. “This is going to be an incredible experience for her. To be united with the best young high school rowers from across the nation that all want to go faster just like she does is going to elevate her to the next level. This is a testament to her dedication to the sport and I’m proud to have that kind of work ethic represented on our squad.”

In all, 49 rowers from across the nation were selected for the 2015 USJNT Sweep Development Camp and Ognovich is the only rower listed from North Carolina.

Congratulations Junior!

Jacqueline 'Junior' Ognovich helps power her women's varsity crew from the six-seat (third from left).
Jacqueline ‘Junior’ Ognovich helps power her women’s varsity crew from the six-seat (third from
Coach Allie Davis with her crew of Bethany Brake, Victoria Goldin, Aliute UDoka, Junior Ognovich, Maddie Mullins, Addy Millsap, Emma Lloyd, Jaclyn Hronich, and Kim Pollard concluded a historic season for High Point Rowing Club with a fourth place finish in the Girls Youth Eight at USRowing's Southeast Regional Championships.
Coach Allie Davis with her crew of Bethany Brake, Victoria Goldin, Aliute UDoka, Junior Ognovich, Maddie Mullins, Addy Millsap, Emma Lloyd, Jaclyn Hronich, and Kim Pollard concluded a historic season for High Point Rowing Club with a fourth place finish in the Girls Youth Eight at USRowing’s Southeast Regional Championships.
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Summer Masters Rowing is Here!

High Point Rowing Club has created the most successful Masters program in the state in just 12 months.

High Point Rowing Club has created the most successful Masters program in the state in just 12 months.

The registration period for High Point Rowing Club’s  “2015 Masters Summer Rowing Program” for adults is almost complete. The purpose of Masters Summer 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.

Crew director Gene Kininmonth says he expects the Tuesday-Thursday evening sessions to be maxed out by early next week. “There is still availability in our Tuesday & Thursday morning sessions and lots on the recently opened Monday-Wednesday evening sessions but the Tuesday-Thursday evening rowing is almost at capacity,” said Kininmonth, who expects participant numbers to pass one hundred this summer. “This is a really cost effective way that adults in the Triad can learn to row and get in great shape in a team environment this summer.”

“Masters” is High Point Rowing Club’s answer to the high interest in rowing among adults in the Triad. Participants can join as an individual and be grouped into a crew. Or, participants can join as part of a group of eight from your corporation or civic or social group such as a Rotary Club or Junior League.

Format: For the 2015 summer season, participants will initially be in two groups – those with rowing experience and those with no prior experience. The beginners will start with a learn-to-row format. For safety reasons, participants must be confident swimmers.  As technique and stamina improve, a more competitive format will be adopted.

Dates and Times: Participants can choose to row in any of the following times: 

Morning Sessions:  Tuesday & Thursday starting June 23, and ending August 13, 2015. Sessions are from 8:45am to 10:15am.

Evening Sessions (M&W): Monday and Wednesday evenings starting June 22 and ending August 12, 2015. Sessions are from 6:00pm – 7:30pm.

Evening Sessions (T&T): Tuesday & Thursday starting June 23 and ending August 13, 2015. Sessions are from 6:00pm – 7:30pm.

Unlimited Summer!: row any and all the above listed rowing sessions! (Note this does not include erging sessions)

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.

Summer Fun Regatta: On August 13, there will be a final 500m sprint race just for fun – OK, and maybe some bragging rights too!

Cost: $200 per rower for 16 sessions. No partial refund for missed sessions. Check with your company’s wellness program for full or partial reimbursement.

Must be 21+. More Info: Call Gene at 257-9009 or email contact@highpointrowing.com

REGISTER NOW

Here’s what the adult rowing program looks like in Pittsburgh.

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Summer Sneak Peek is here – try 3 days of youth rowing for just $10!

Westchester Country Day School sophomore Charles York raises his shell in triumph after earning victory for High Point at the 2014 Carolina Chase.
Westchester Country Day School sophomore Charles York raises his shell in triumph after earning victory for High Point at the 2014 Carolina Chase.

Try out youth rowing this week for just $10 for 3 sessions!

If you are in grades 7-12 (rising), this is your chance to give rowing a try. It is easy!

No experience necessary.

Sneak Peek Week is this week from Monday, June 8 through Friday June 12. Start any of these days this week and row for 3 days.  Our team is located at Oak Hollow Lake in High Point – for GPS directions use 3700 Waterview Road, High Point, NC. When you enter the park, our boats are located to the right end of the parking lot. We meet Monday through Friday at 4:15pm at the lake.

This Sneak Peek Week opportunity is for students who have never tried rowing before. It is the perfect way to try a new sport to see if it is for you.

A parent must accompany each student to their first row and bring the signed waiver and swim form certifying that their child can swim. These forms can be downloaded on the Registration page.

Also bring the following:
• flip flops (we walk the boats into the water)
• water bottle
• dress in close-fitting shorts/t-shirt (Loose clothes get caught in the sliding seat of the boat).

Questions? Just email our coach, Gene, at contact@highpointrowing.com or call him at (336) 257-9009.

High Point men's junior crew of Colin Howard, Andrew Wright, Adam Alt, Charles York, Austin Young, Josh Dasnoit, Henderson Beck, and James Bennett on their way to the team's historic first victory in Clemson. The crew was steered by Katharine Komsa.
High Point men’s junior crew of Colin Howard, Andrew Wright, Adam Alt, Charles York, Austin Young, Josh Dasnoit, Henderson Beck, and James Bennett on their way to the team’s historic first victory in Clemson. The crew was steered by Katharine Komsa.
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Crew Sends off High School Seniors and Celebrates Spring Racing Season

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.
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.

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 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.

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 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.

The Middle School squad enjoyed its most successful spring season ever in 2015.
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Strong Winds Don’t Stop 2015 High Point Regatta

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.

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.

Read the High Point Enterprise report online.

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.

FULL RESULTS

High Point's girls novice eight crew rows away from the field to victory. Photo credit Steve Eury.
High Point’s girls novice eight crew rows away from the field to victory. Photo credit Steve Eury.
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Register for the Middle School Spring Rowing Season

An Open House/Parent Meeting for all prospective new rowers (Year 6-12) will take place at the Jamestown Indoor Rowing Center on Sunday, February 8 at 4pm. Please email the team at contact@highpointrowing.com for more information.

Registration is now open for the Spring Middle Rowing Season. High Point Rowing Club will accept up to 35 middle school students for the spring season on a first come, first serve basis (18 have already registered). Registration is not complete until receipt of payment and waivers so parents should do so quickly to avoid disappointment.

NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY!

The spring season runs from February 23 through May 30.  Rowing sessions are offered Tuesday and Thursday in the afternoons from 4:15pm until 6:15pm and at 9:00am on Saturday mornings. During the week we can accommodate Greensboro and Winston-Salem rowers arriving as late as 4:35pm.

The season begins at the team’s Jamestown indoor rowing facility and then students transition to rowing on the water at Oak Hollow Lake once weather permits in March. Please see the Register page for details on fees.

This program is designed for students in Years 6 – 8.  No experience is necessary but participants must be confident swimmers for safety reasons. New members must have a parent complete the waiver and swim form found on the registration page.

FAQS:
Is rowing for both boys and girls? 
Yes!

Will there be another Crew Interest Meeting to find out more about joining the team? 
Yes. A Middle School Crew Open House/Parent Meeting will take place at the Jamestown Indoor Rowing Center on Sunday, February 8 at 4pm. Please email the team at contact@highpointrowing.com for more information.

 Where does the team row? 

The team rows at beautiful Oak Hollow Lake. For directions see this link

Are all practices mandatory? 
No. Attendance is never taken so you 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 three 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.

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?
Our high school seniors earned rowing scholarships valued on average of $29,000 this year. 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?

I have never rowed before. When is the best day to come down to learn? 
Come to the Crew Open House on February 7th to learn more. Email contact@highpointrowing.com to sign up.

Does everyone get to race? 
Everyone who regularly attends rowing practice sessions gets to race. At rowing regattas we will race in a number of different racing classes such as Varsity, JV, Novice (first year rowers) and Middle School. We will even race in mixed crews of boys and girls.

Team photo on the dock - an annual High Point Rowing Club tradition.
Team photo on the dock – an annual High Point Rowing Club tradition.
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A Look Back at the Most Memorable Moments of 2014

It has been a big year for High Point Rowing Club, from the world class individual performances by Katie Ognovich to the starting of the middle school program then the Masters and running two first rate regattas along the way. We’ve rounded up the most noteworthy High Point moments of 2014. Which is your favorite?

With Olympic gold in hand, Caroline Lind with High Point rowers (from left) Bethany Brake, Kim Pollard, Sarah Catto, and Emma Lloyd.
With Olympic gold in hand, Caroline Lind with High Point rowers (from left) Bethany Brake, Kim Pollard, Sarah Catto, and Emma Lloyd.

Triad Rowers Celebrate with Caroline Lind

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High Point Rowing Club to Open Indoor Rowing Center

Although crews did not get to row Round the Duck' at the High Point Autumn Rowing Festival due to high winds, it was a wonderful day of rowing.
Although crews did not get to row Round the Duck’ at the High Point Autumn Rowing Festival due to high winds, it was a wonderful day of rowing.

North Carolina Comes to High Point for Rowing Festival

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Crew Celebrates 2nd Anniversary of Rowing

Allie Davis, the former chief coxswain at Carolina, is now the varsity girls rowing coach at High Point Rowing Club.
Allie Davis, the former chief coxswain at Carolina, is now the varsity girls rowing coach at High Point Rowing Club.

High Point Hires Allie Davis as New Rowing Coach

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Finally Adult Rowing Comes to the Triad!

Westchester Country Day School sophomore Charles York raises his shell in triumph after earning victory for High Point at the 2014 Carolina Chase.
Westchester Country Day School sophomore Charles York raises his shell in triumph after earning victory for High Point at the 2014 Carolina Chase.

York Family Kicks off Spring GIving Campaign with Leadership Gift

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High Point Triumphs at 1st Home Regatta

Triangle crosses the finish post with High Point in the Middle School/3rd Novice Crew Exhibition event at the 2014 High Point Regatta.
Triangle crosses the finish post with High Point in the Middle School/3rd Novice Crew Exhibition event at the 2014 High Point Regatta.

Middle School Rowing Program Begins March 22

High Point Rowing Club's Katie Ognovich holds her award for winning the MidAtlantic Erg Sprints.
High Point Rowing Club’s Katie Ognovich holds her award for winning the MidAtlantic Erg Sprints.

7th Heaven for Katie Ognovich at Worlds

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L’est We Forget: Stan Pocock 1923 – 2014

stanpocock
The rowing community lost a treasure last week.

Stanley Pocock, oarsman, coach, and boatbuilder died. He was 91.

Stan Pocock attended the University of Washington and was a key member of the school’s storied rowing team. He remained on the team as a coach after earning an engineering degree and later coached U.S. Olympic crews that won gold in 1956, ’60 and ’64. Pocock Racing Shells built all the U.S. Olympic boats from 1948 to ’60, and today the company remains a preeminent shell manufacturer in the United States.

Beyond his noted accomplishments, Stan Pocock’s contribution to the rowing community at large in North America is so special for his continuation of the legacy of his father, the great rowing philosopher, George Pocock and his passion for rowing as an art form.

To appreciate this quote from George Pocock in a speech to rowers in 1965 is to understand the father and son’s perspective on rowing:

“It is very necessary nowadays to attain some manual art. With the machines and how we push buttons, we don’t get any sense of fulfillment in our work unless it is fine craftmanship. Thats the only way to get a sense of fulfillment and rowing is fine craftsmanship.”

In today’s world of social media, how all the more his words still ring true.

In 2000, Stanley Pocock co-wrote “Way Enough! Recollections of a Life in Rowing,” a memoir of his career.

We shall miss him greatly.

For more insight on Stanley Pocock, his father George, and the legends of rowing they shared their lives with, enjoy watching “Rowing: Symphony of Motion”

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124-C Erg Sprints Set for February 28, 2015

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Jamestown, NC – High Point Rowing Club will host the 124-C Erg Sprints on February 28, 2015 at its indoor rowing studio at 124-C Wade Street in Jamestown, the team’s board of directors is pleased to announce.

Competition will take place on Concept2 rowing machines in categories for Youth, Collegiate, Cross-Fit, and adult Masters over varying distances. Entry fee is $15 per athlete.

In the morning, Youth and collegiate competitors will race over 2,000 meters and Cross-Fit and Masters will race over 1,000 meters. After lunch break all competitors will have the chance to race a 500 meter sprint.

While rowing is traditionally a team sport, erging competitions place the individual athlete in the spotlight.

Registration for this event will open January 1 on RegattaCentral.

We can’t wait to see you in February in Jamestown!

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Youth Winter Rowing Season Starts December 1

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

REGISTER NOW

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Triad Rowers Celebrate with Caroline Lind

Caroline Lind displays her two Olympic gold medals with Mary and Jim Hollingsworth.
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
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.
‘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.
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.

Starount Country Club in Greensboro was the venue for the Celebration of Rowing with Caroline Lind.
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.
With Olympic gold in hand, Caroline Lind with High Point rowers (from left) Bethany Brake, Kim Pollard, Sarah Catto, and Emma Lloyd.
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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.
From left, rowers Adam Alt, Andrew Wright and Charles York pose with two time Olympic gold medal winner Caroline Lind.
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High Point Rowing Club to Open Indoor Rowing Center

Masters celebrate after their first regatta on Oak Hollow Lake.
Masters celebrate after their first regatta on Oak Hollow Lake.

Jamestown, NC – High Point Rowing Club, the Triad’s only community rowing team will open a new indoor rowing center for winter training in Jamestown in early December.

The Jamestown Indoor Rowing Studio, a 3,000 square foot fitness facility at 124-C Wade Street, will also include two administrative offices for the coaching staff and a storage area for the team’s boating equipment. The Club’s youth program will begin training in the facility on December 1 and the adult ‘Masters’ team will commence on December 2.

“This is an exciting new addition to our rowing activities,” said club director Gene Kininmonth. “We looked at several locations in High Point but concluded that Jamestown is most central for our rowers who come from across the Triad.”

High Point Rowing Club was founded in 2012 to bring the sport of rowing to the Triad in a high energy, team format for people of all ages. According to the team’s Masters Coach Allie Davis, a graduate of UNC Chapel Hill and former member of her college’s varsity rowing program, the club takes a team approach to healthy living.

“Working out on your own is challenging for even the most dedicated individual,” said Davis. “Here we train together as a team and race together and that makes it fun and worth returning to each week.”.

The club is currently accepting new members for both the youth and masters winter indoor season. For more information on the club and its programs email director Gene Kininmonth at contact@highpointrowing.com or call (336) 257-9009.

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Fall Youth Rowing is here!

Triangle crosses the finish post with High Point in the Middle School/3rd Novice Crew Exhibition event at the 2014 High Point Regatta.
Triangle crosses the finish post with High Point in the Middle School/3rd Novice Crew Exhibition event at the 2014 High Point Regatta.

The Fall Youth Rowing Season has arrived and it is not too late to join the Crew!

NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY!!!

The Fall season runs from now through November 2 (Weekend rowing will continue through December subject to favorable weather). Rowing sessions are offered Monday through Friday in the afternoons from 4:15pm until 6:30pm and at 9:00am on Saturday mornings. During the week we can accommodate Greensboro and Winston-Salem rowers arriving as late as 4:35pm.

The program offers special rates for middle school students and an introductory rate for high school students. Please see the Register page for details on fees.

The program is designed for students entering Year 8 – 12. Mature 7th grade students will be considered in exceptional circumstances. No experience is necessary. New members must have a parent complete the waiver and swim form found on the registration page.

FAQS:
I see lots of photos of girls on your site. Is there a boys team? 
Yes! We have a boys crew and it is one of the most competitive teams in the southeast region of the United States. Numbers are quickly growing as word gets out in the Triad.

Will there be another Crew Interest Meeting to find out more about joining the team? 
Yes. The Crew Open House/Parent MEeting will take place at Oak Hollow Lake on Saturday, August 23 at 9am. Please email the team at contact@highpointrowing.com for more information.

 Where does the team row? 

The team is based at beautiful Oak Hollow Lake. For directions see this link

Are all practices mandatory? 
No. Attendance is never taken so you 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 three 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.

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?
Our high school seniors earned rowing scholarships valued on average of $29,000 this year. 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?

I have never rowed before. When is the best day to come down to learn? 
ASAP! This week is ‘Sneak Peak Week’ for new students to try out rowing at Oak Hollow Lake. These learn to row sessions will take place during the team’s regular practice times. (Cost is $50 for lessons Mon-Fri).  Email contact@highpointrowing.com to sign up.

Does everyone get to race? 
Everyone who regularly attends rowing practice sessions gets to race. At rowing regattas we will race in a number of different racing classes such as Varsity, JV, Novice (first year rowers) and Middle School. We will even race in mixed crews of boys and girls.

Racing in Chattanooga: High Point's youth novice eight crew was comprised of Kess Hendrix, Olivia Mangus, Megan Critchley, Jessica Critchley, Aine Mills, Aislinn Antrim, Zoe Kelley, Cara Mills, and coxswain Miles Hendrix.
Racing in Chattanooga: High Point’s youth novice eight crew was comprised of Kess Hendrix, Olivia Mangus, Megan Critchley, Jessica Critchley, Aine Mills, Aislinn Antrim, Zoe Kelley, Cara Mills, and coxswain Miles Hendrix.
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Youth “Learn to Row” Clinic on Wednesday, Thursday & Friday

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High point Rowing Club will host a 3-day Learn to Row Clinic for students entering 8th grade or above at any Triad area school this week from Wednesday through Friday. The clinic will be held at Oak Hollow Lake each day from 4:30pm – 6:15pm.

No prior experience in rowing is needed. Please click here for directions. Total cost for the three day clinic is $35.

“The purpose of this rowing clinic is to give students the opportunity to try out rowing for the first time before they go back to school. This will give them enough experience to help make a determination as to whether this is the sport they wish to do in the Fall semester,” says chief coach Gene Kininmonth.

Participants should wear flip flops (not running shoes) and general running attire suitable for the weather. Do not wear baggy shorts as these will get caught in the moving seats in the boat.

Participants must be confident swimmers as a safety precaution and should have their parents sign the waiver and swim form on the Register page on this website and bring it with them to the first session with their payment.

Rowing is now the fastest growing sport in the Triad with many students switching from other sports such as swimming, cross country, and soccer. Click here for some of the many reasons why high school students should try out the sport. The average college rowing scholarship of High Point Rowing Club’s high school seniors in 2014 was $29,000.

Students wishing to participate for the first time should email Coach Gene Kininmonth at contact@highpointrowing.com in advance.

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High Point hires Allie Davis as new rowing coach

High Point Rowing Club has hired Allie Davis as its new varsity girls rowing coach, the team has announced.

In addition to her role with the youth program, Davis’ coaching responsibilities will also include the adult Masters Summer program.

“I am so pleased Allie Davis has joined our program,” chief coach Gene Kininmonth said. “There is real artistry to being a rowing coach and Allie brings to our team a skill set built over a lifetime of experience in the sport.”

Communication skills are natural to Davis, who was the NCAA Division I coxswain for the women’s rowing program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill last season after having previously coached competitive Masters programs in her home state of Ohio.

Allie Davis, the former chief coxswain at Carolina, is now the varsity girls rowing coach at High Point Rowing Club.
Allie Davis, the former chief coxswain at Carolina, is now the varsity girls rowing coach at High Point Rowing Club.

Davis takes over the reigns of the varsity girls from Kininmonth, who previously directed both the boys and girls teams. Kininmonth will now continue his focus on the boys program.

According to Davis, High Point Rowing Club has the potential to grow exponentially in the coming years. “There is a really positive energy on this team,” says Davis who sees a big future for the club in both adult and youth rowing. “We have an incredibly enthusiastic new group of adults who have just discovered the sport and that is exciting. With Title IX regulations, women’s rowing is growing in the NCAA making it much more common to find college scholarship money and admissions slots for talented female high school athletes. So, I am looking forward to helping all of our rowers reach their potential in a way that can truly make a significant difference in their lives.”