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.
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.
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.
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.
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!!!
