Newport Crews Medal at National Regatta

Nine county athletes representing the Newport Aquatic Center Junior Crew team won medals at the 2001 National U.S. Rowing Invitational Regatta last weekend in Cincinnati.

The women’s quad team of Anne Kircher (St. Margaret’s High), Lindsey Hurban (Mission Viejo), Hilary Ellis (Santa Margarita) and Desiree Taormina (Futures) finished third in the Grand Final in 7 minutes 20 seconds over the 2,000-meter course.

The men’s quad of Peter Sims, Dylan Wooters and Matt Elder (Newport Harbor) and Greg Everett (Aliso Niguel) finished fifth in the Grand Final in 6:41.

In the women’s varsity single, Emily McKay (Newport Harbor) won the Petite Final.

SOAPBOX DERBY

The roar of engines won’t be heard Saturday when foster children compete in what may be Orange County’s first Soapbox Derby, beginning at 9 a.m. at 65 Enterprise Rd. in Aliso Viejo. Event finals begin at 2 p.m. on the 475-foot course.

The event benefits SoCal Works Youth Employment Network, a nonprofit program that offers job placement and preparation for foster children.