This past weekend the Nipissing Lakers rowing team made its first appearance as a Nipissing University varsity sport at the Head of the Rideau regatta in our nation's capital.
For the varsity athletes, this was their first five kilometer race. As for the novices, this was their first race ever.
All crews put in a good effort as they navigated the tricky course consisting of sharp turns and narrow lanes for passing. Despite little experience with this type of racing, the Lakers did well.
The team's best result was achieved by sisters Briana and
Olivia Jeans in the varsity heavy weight women's double, pulling to a strong third place. The Jeans' began as novices only two years ago and have worked extremely hard to develop the fitness and technical skill needed to compete against some of the best rowers in the province.
The day began with
Jordan Cascagnette in the light weight varsity men's single. As a newcomer to the sport, Cascganette proved he is heading in the right direction with a third place finish and personal best at that distance.
The Laker's second race involved Cascganette switching boats immediately to accompany
Matt Senos in the heavy weight varsity men's double. The men had their most consistent race together, but finished out of the medals.
The heavy weight varsity women's four was next to represent the Lakers. From bow,
Brogan Shaw,
Jenna Littleton,
Lisa Davies,
Angela Hua, and coxie
Hailey Quigley pushed to their limits, but were overtaken by some of the larger, more experienced crews. They did manage to hold off Trent's crew from passing them at the finish line, a small victory as they prepare for next week's racing.
The light weight varsity women's double was next, with
Brogan Shaw jumping out of the four to join freshman
Karly Lockhart. The ladies rowed well, considering it was their first race together and Shaw fatigued from her efforts in the four. They look to refine their form for next week.
The day finished with the novices, which is always an entertaining battle. From bow: Sam Boer, Shelby Thomson, Annie Manion, Justine Bongers, Julia Potts, Olivia Petroff, Hillary Wolfe, MK Rowe, and coxie
Karly Lockhart (still recovering from her lightweight double's race). Despite a few strokes where oars were not in sync, the novices did well for their first race, placing fifth out of eight boats.
The crews would like to send a big thank you to our volunteer coaches, Brian Siebert,
Dean Hay, and especially Rob Matthews, who kindly offered his truck to transport the boats to Ottawa.
The Lakers are looking forward to this Saturday where they will compete in one of the largest one-day regattas in North America: the Head of the Trent in Peterborough, Ontario. Following that, the team will shift gears to race the 2000m distance of the OUA Championship at the historic Henley course in St. Catherines, Ontario.
