Lions’ crew delivered a historic performance at the USRowing Central Youth Championships, highlighted by wins from both the 1V quad and the 1V double boats. The wins resulted in the Lions sending two boats to the national championships for just the second time ever.
The first varsity quad led the way, putting together one of the strongest races in program history. The boat, composed of seniors Ian McGowan, Elijah Kraus, Hewes Lance and junior Walker Stevens, had already established itself as an elite group earlier this season with its performance at the San Diego Crew Classic, and the win positions the team as a serious threat for the national championship. The 1V double of McGowan and Kraus also won gold, adding another major victory to the Lions’ weekend.
The Lions showed depth across smaller boats as well. The 2V finished fourth, an impressive result that bodes well for the future of the program. In the single, Kraus earned second place, giving the Lions another standout performance at the regatta.
With the wins, the program will keep training through the end of the school year and into summer as the quad and doubles boats secured their place in the USRowing Youth National Championships in Florida from June 11-14.
