Pacifica Christian High starts competitive rowing team

The newly opened Pacifica Christian High School in Newport Beach is preparing to hit the seas with its latest athletic program — the first of its kind among Orange County high schools, according to Athletic Director Brandon Gonzalez.

The school, which is in its first year, will have a rowing team that will compete in scholastic events around Southern California.

Pacifica Christian is partnering with Newport Sea Base Rowing, a program at a youth aquatics center just two miles from the school.

“I reached out to [Newport Sea Base] because I was thinking of starting a sailing program, then they told me two of their rowing kids were students at our school,” Gonzalez said. “We started talking about rowing and that’s how it all came together.”

Thus far, five boys and three girls have shown interest in attending the first practice Monday, Gonzalez said. The school has about 50 students — all freshmen and sophomores.

Pacifica plans to hold practices at Newport Sea Base, where students will first learn the team positions and rules of the boat. Newport Sea Base will also help provide coaches, a boat and equipment the students need for the program.

For rowing competitions, or regattas, Pacifica will participate in events in north San Diego County and Ventura County.

Winter will be the team’s season to prep. They plan to attend their first regatta in early spring.

This winter, the school will also begin its first season for basketball and soccer, both for girls and boys.

“It’s safe to say around 98% of our student body plays a sport,” Gonzalez said. “We’re here to support their interests and make them feel like they’re a part of their school community.”