White Rock Rowing’s Mens U16 8+ crew poses with coach Josh Grieger after competing in one of the most difficult races at the 2024 USRowing Youth Nationals in Sarasota, FL. Photo courtesy White Rock Rowing.
White Rock Rowing, the only Dallas rowing club to hold multiple national youth championship trophies (2014, 2021), returned home Tuesday after showcasing the talent of 32 nationally competitive athletes at the 2024 USRowing National Youth Championships at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota, Florida. Of the five races WRR participated in, three of them placed in the top 15 of the nation.
The team rowed against over 4,000 athletes and more than 220 clubs including the men’s under 16 eight boat placing 12th in the nation, the women’s under 16 eight boat placing 14th in the country, and the men’s youth quad boat placing 14th in the nation.
“White Rock Rowing places oars and opportunities in the hands of Dallas area youth, and that’s exactly what we did this season. It’s so rewarding to see these youth compete at the highest level for their age group, and to compete well! They’ve set an excellent example of leadership and perseverance, both on and off the water, for all of Dallas this season. We’re proud to call them our rowers!” said Sue Ellen Chambers, president of White Rock Boathouse, a nonprofit that manages White Rock Rowing.
Photo courtesy of White Rock Rowing.
Recruiters from some of the top rowing colleges including California Berkley, Syracuse, Dartmouth and Boston University, were present at the event and spoke to several WRR athletes following their performance and placements in the B Finals.
“That’s why White Rock Rowing makes it a point to always have a presence at the Youth Nationals – it’s a strategic way to expose our athletes to recruiters and help them achieve their collegiate dreams. It’s our privilege to play a part in these young athletes’ futures,” said Kevin Jones, program director for White Rock Rowing.
More than 220 junior rowing clubs nationwide took to the 2,000-meter race course during nationals from June 6-9.
White Rock Rowing results are as follows:
B Finals
- Men’s under 16 eight boat fourth place (12th in the nation overall)
- Women’s under 16 eight boat sixth place (14th in the nation overall)
- Men’s youth quad boat sixth place (14th in the nation overall)
D Finals
- Men’s youth four boat second place
- Women’s under 17 four boat second place
