On February 24 and 25, over 1600 athletes, 62 clubs and 3500 spectators from all around the country gathered at Nathan Benderson Park, the site of the 2017 World Rowing Championships, to launch the spring regatta season.
Members of the Lake County Rowing Association (LCRA) were impressive at the 9th Annual Sarasota Invitational, taking home medals in 5 races.
Women’s Novice 8: 1st Place Gold Medal
- Abi Root
- Courtney Burgess
- Erin Fussell
- Rae Blodgett
- Catherine Hann
- Emma Gerlach
- Anne du Croo du Jong
- Violet Hewett
- Kendra Giehl
Women’s Novice 4: 2nd Place Silver Medal
- Anne du Croo du Jong
- Kendra Giehl
- Violet Hewett
- Megan Czarnecki
- Abi Root
Mixed 4: 1st Place Gold Medal
- Ava Gerlach
- Violet Hewett
- Elizabeth Hann
- Liam Machinski
- Jacob Wyrick
Mixed 8: 1st Place Gold Medal
- Anne du Croo du Jong
- Kendra Giehl
- Ava Gerlach
- Violet Hewett
- Elizabeth Hann
- Liam Machinski
- Jacob Wyrick
- Sam Bleser
- Bradley Lockett
Men’s Varsity 4: 3rd Bronze Medal
- Liam Machinski
- Sam Bleser
- Jacob Wyrick
- Bradley Lockett
- Elizabeth Hann
Before becoming Coaching Director at the LCRA, Justin Knust coached at UF, for the Gators and as Head Men’s Coach at OARS in Windermere. The SOUTH LAKE TABLET recently had an opportunity to speak with Justin about LCRA.
TABLET: Can you tell us a little about LCRA?
Justin: LCRA has 4 paid coaches and 1 paid intern on staff. We have an all-volunteer Board of Directors, a number of committees manned by parents, our masters (adult) rowers, and approximately 35 – 40 volunteers that help run the programs.
TABLET: How many people participate in the programs yearly?
Justin: We currently have 29 Middle School Rowers, 35 High School Rowers, and 24 active adult rowers.
TABLET: What is the cost to participate in one of the programs?
Justin: The cost for our high school crew members is $180 per month during the school year (Sept-May). It is important to know that this cost includes races and travel including hotels and food for overnight races. Our middle school program is $300 per semester and also includes travel. This summer our Learn to Row summer camps are $99 a week and open to any students going into grades 6-12 for the 2018-19 school year.
TABLET: Are these school-sponsored programs?
Justin: We have a great working relationship with the local area high schools. We go into the schools during lunches, orientations, and summer events to spread the word about the opportunity LCRA provides the students.
TABLET: Is LCRA a not for profit organization?
Justin: We are a non-profit 501-C-3
TABLET: Is there any additional information you’d like to share with the readers?
Justin: The LCRA was founded in 2011. By November 2015, there were 12 middle and high school participants in the program. We are now over 60 and looking to continue that level of growth to become a nationally competitive rowing club.
Last year, Olivia Gerlach, was the first high-school senior from the Lake County Rowing Association to receive a college scholarship to Jacksonville University, a private university in Jacksonville.
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The home of the LCRA is located at the City of Clermont’s 5,000 square-foot boathouse, located on Lake Minneola near the Clermont Historic Village. The boathouse accommodates rowboats used for crew team competitions.
For further information on the Lake County Rowing Association, visit: LCRA
