NAC rowing teams shine at San Diego Crew Classic

The Newport Aquatic Center boys’ rowing team had yet another record-setting performance at the 44^th annual San Diego Crew Classic, held on Mission Bay last weekend.

Both the varsity and second varsity eights won their respective events in convincing fashion, four seconds ahead of perennial rivals and defending national champions Oakland Strokes.

The varsity boat also set a record for the regatta, posting the fastest time ever (5 minutes, 58 seconds) for a winning high school eight. The boys’ novice eight won its race in the third year of the event being contested and the depth has been growing; seeing a much tighter field and more boats competing.

Similarly to the varsity, the novice crew was able to fend off a challenge from Oakland by several seconds and defend its title for a third year in a row.

The San Diego Crew Classic is one of the largest races in the nation and brings competition from across the country to test pre-championship speed. The results are a strong indication that the NAC boys are leading the nation and should be favorites heading to the Southwest Junior Rowing Championships in May.

The varsity 8+ lineup included David Zachry, Simon Dillon, Evan Krum, Will Warwick, John “Jack” Sclafani, Angus Batstone, Trevor Phillips, Spencer Ewanick, and coxswain Zach Casler.

The second varsity 8+ lineup was Jake Marlo, Wesley Reynolds, Justin Coar, Blake Richter, Frank Choumas, Harley Zieper, Jason Goode, John “JT” Russell and coxswain Natasha Ellis.

The novice 8+ lineup featured Brett Beard, Nate Porter, Alex Schweich, Caleb Cowles, Ryan Wilkerson, Christian Boudreau, Jantzen Fenn, Will Gleason and coxswain Kevin Boyle.