The culmination of hard work for twelve local youths ended on a national stage with one teammate earning the top spot, a gold medal in the Men’s Youth Single Scull (1x). The USRowing Youth National Championship hosted its annual regatta at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota, Florida from June 9-12, 2022. Over 2000 athletes from 200 clubs across the country raced in this year’s event. Time trials on Thursday determined whether athletes would go on to race head to head in the semi-finals and an A/B final race or advance to a C/D final. Medals were awarded to the A finals finishers after Sunday’s races. For the second year in a row, Rowing Club of The Woodlands (RCTW) qualified entries to this prestigious event that showcases the best rowers under age 19.
National Champion and RCTW athlete Devan Godfrey implemented his race plan perfectly: holding steady during the first 1000 meters and then surpassing the field during the second. He crossed the finish line of the 2000 meter race in 7:11.876, edging out his nearest competitor by 2 seconds. A fourth-year member of the club, Devan is thankful to his teammates for the support, competition, and motivation to achieve this lofty goal. This gold medal represents the first national champion from The Woodlands and the Greater Houston area.
The event was a family affair with three sets of siblings participating: Simon and Evan Bebak; Jack, Joe and Allison Fruehwirth; and Max and Oliver Hinkle. Teammates Evan Bebak and Joe Fruehwirth were not racing, yet they came to support their siblings and teammates with rigging/de-rigging of boats, carrying oars, and many other helpful jobs. Jack Fruehwirth (senior) and Max Hinkle (junior) started their racing careers together in the novice quad, so it was a fitting end to Jack’s high school racing to join Max in the men’s youth quad event. Joining the club less than a year ago to row with his older brother, Oliver Hinkle tenaciously pursued and achieved the goal of competing in the U17 men’s single scull. Another extraordinary athlete who has been rowing less than a year, Allison Fruehwirth of the U17 women’s quad said, “Nothing could have compared to going to the youth national regatta with my two amazing brothers. They were so supportive!” Coaches, parents, grandparents, siblings and friends cheered the team on from the moment they put the boat in the water to the shore at the finish line.
Novice athletes participating in this year’s event included Carys Luther, Isabella Irarragorri, Allison Fruehwirth, Alisha Muncherjee, Anya Rodricks and Oliver Hinkle. Graduating seniors included Matthew Wainwright, Simon Bebak, Jack Fruehwirth and Michael Bohr.
Final Results:
1st – Men’s 1x – Devan Godfrey
8th – Men’s 1x – Matthew Wainwright
12th – Men’s 4x – Simon Bebak, Jack Fruehwirth, Michael Bohr, Max Hinkle
17th – Women’s U17 4x – Allison Fruehwirth, Alisha Muncherjee, Isabella Irarragorri, Anya Rodricks
19th – Women’s 1x – Carys Luther
21st – Men’s U17 1x – Oliver Hinkle
According to Head Coach Davis Colwell, these outstanding results are “an outward expression of countless hours of effort and dedication by all of the athletes,” and these wins rest on the shoulders of the entire club. Every single member should be proud of their accomplishments this year. He looks forward to building upon the successes of 2022, continuing this trajectory of excellence into 2023 and beyond.
Summer training is already underway, with diligent preparation for a strong and fast fall season. The opportunity is there for those who wish to become champions; openings are available for summer learn to row camps for youth aged 14-18.
Article credit: Hilda Lease and Shelley Hinkle. Photo credits: Gary Godfrey, Jennifer Fruehwirth.