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.
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.”
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.
