In the world of competitive rowing, where precision and teamwork are paramount, the story of the Port Rowing team unfolds like a gripping sports drama, marked by resilience, ambition, and camaraderie. Two years ago, heartbreak surfaced for the varsity eight boat, which narrowly missed qualifying for nationals, finishing just 0.158 seconds behind the mark. This painful memory serves as a catalyst for the current squad, propelling them to extraordinary heights.
Senior Tilden Vaezi, a four-seat man and a committed athlete headed to Brown, reflects on that bittersweet moment. “We missed out on qualifying for nationals — we missed it by 0.158 seconds,” he shared, his voice tinged with both nostalgia and determination. The near miss has galvanized not only the current competitors but also the incoming class of 2023 seniors, creating a ripple effect of motivation throughout the North Shore club, which boasts around 100 dedicated young athletes.
The evolution of the Port Rowing team is evident in its record-breaking numbers this season. This year, the program is sending a remarkable 46 boys and girls to nine events at the Youth National Championships, a significant increase from the previous year’s total. This surge in participation underscores a powerful shift in the club’s culture and commitment. “I think it just shows how much everyone wants it,” Vaezi said, highlighting the grueling regimen that often sees athletes spending roughly three hours a day, six days a week in training.
As one steps into the boathouse at Hempstead Harbor, the energy is palpable. The atmosphere is not just about competition; it’s a nurturing environment that fosters growth and confidence among rowers from diverse backgrounds, including those from Paul D. Schreiber High School and beyond. Senior four-boat coxswain Tea Cotronis, who found her footing after feeling out of place in sports like volleyball and basketball, emphasizes this unity. “Knowing and trusting that your teammates are putting in as much hard work as you are makes it a lot easier to come to practice every day,” she remarked. Cotronis is set to continue her rowing journey at the University of Wisconsin, illustrating the pathways that Port Rowing creates for its athletes.
An inspiring narrative also emerges from Lauren Marino, a star in field hockey and lacrosse who took a leap into rowing only two years ago. Initially hesitant, Marino was persuaded by friends to try an ergometer workout. Despite a rocky start on the water, she quickly found her stride and earned a spot in the 2024 nationals, ultimately choosing to row for Notre Dame. “It was all in a five-month time span, so it’s pretty crazy,” she said, capturing the whirlwind of her transformation from novice to team leader.
The foundation for such rapid growth is no accident, as girls’ head coach Pat Clary points out. The athletes face challenging conditions, navigating the choppy waters of Hempstead Harbor—an environment he calls “the crucible for coxswains.” Clary’s dedication to cultivating resilience is evident, as he notes, “We have tough conditions out here… the kids show up every day. They work hard through it.” His sarcastic “best water in America” flag serves as a humorous reminder of the grit required to excel in such an unforgiving setting.
As the team prepares for the upcoming championships, the commitment extends beyond just training; it encompasses a community spirit that binds them together. Clary and boys’ head coach Aaron Bosgang will drive the trailer carrying all nine boats, while the athletes take to the skies, ready to face whatever challenges await them in Florida. “Worst-case scenario, if the water is rough, we have teams that clutch their pearls and get nervous over a little bit of wake — and that’s just a Tuesday to us,” Clary quipped, underscoring the resilience ingrained in the Port Rowing ethos.
In conclusion, the journey of the Port Rowing team is not merely a tale of athletic ambition; it is a testament to the power of perseverance, community, and the pursuit of excellence. With their sights set on the Youth National Championships, these young athletes embody the spirit of their sport, ready to carve their names into the annals of rowing history, one stroke at a time.
