By Lisa W. Miller
October 22, 2015
Dallas United Crew sent 21 youth athletes to Cambridge, MA, on October 17-19 to race in the prestigious Head of the Charles Regatta. Since its origin in 1965, the Head of the Charles ® Regatta has welcomed the world’s best crew teams to the banks of the Charles River. This regatta is the largest 2-day rowing regatta in the world attracting over 11,000 athletes and over 400,000 spectators.
This was the second appearance of the DUC Women’s Varsity 8+ boat and the first time to field a Men’s Varsity 8+ boat. Their goal was to hold their own among world-class athletes, and they succeeded representing DUC, their schools and the City of Dallas with a strong showing. The DUC Men’s boat finished 26th out of 85 boats that came from the United States, as well as Australia, Italy and the United Kingdom. The DUC Women’s boat finished 40th out of 85 boats with strong crews from around the globe. Both boats earned their invitation to race again in the 2016, an impressive accomplishment for these young athletes. Dallas United Crew is gaining attention on this international stage.
Director of Dallas United’s program, John Gartin says, “The men's eight had a very solid race showing that we are very strong in our region and can be nationally competitive. They had a great race with Sarah Corey steering a solid course. She was really aware and did a fantastic job getting around traffic at the Eliot Bridge. The men had some traffic to contend with, especially being so far back in the start order. I am proud of them earning a solid bow number for 2016!“
Congratulations to our Dallas United Crew Varsity Men:
Men’s Varsity 8+: Sara Corey (coxswain), David Slear, Cannon Williams, Drew Taylor, Charles Mencke, Spencer Lorio, Anson Smith, Ethan Cox, Drake Deuel, Alternate: Scott Lynn
Gartin continues, “The women's eight had a row that we all agreed was strong and a good performance. It was a great experience racing against some of the best in the nation. Taking that lesson home we know we have some work to do to achieve our goals for the end of the year. The race went according to plan and being bow number 45 allowed us a bit of luxury of having good crews in front of us to chase as well as not contending wit too many moments of traffic. Earning an automatic invite back was one of our major goals and allows us to race again 2016 at one of the best regattas in the nation! “
Congratulations to our Dallas United Crew Varsity Women:
Women’s Varsity 8+: Sarah Taylor (coxswain), Olivia Osbourn, Sydney Patton, Lauren Blonien, Caroline Hogan, Kenzie Dunagan, Annie Pelic, Claire Sarfatis, Maggie Boyer, Alternates: Mimi Welborn and Grace McCormack
Gartin concludes by saying, “I want to thank the seniors for their leadership leading up to and racing at the Charles. The seniors did great work and it was great to see both the men and the women leaving behind a legacy allowing us to return next year to this regatta. The mantra of #LeaveYourLegacy is strong and growing at Dallas United. I am very excited to go racing with both the men and the women later this month at the Head of the Colorado in Austin, Texas and Head of the Hooch in Chattanooga, Tennessee!”
About Dallas United Crew
Transforming Lives. DUC has been building community and promoting fitness and teamwork on White Rock Lake since 2002, offering a variety of rowing and dragon boating programs for adults and youth that strengthen participants both mentally and physically. To learn more, visit www.DallasUnitedCrew.org. DUC is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
But We Can Do More. A capital campaign is currently underway to raise funds to build a new Community Boathouse on White Rock Lake, making oar and paddle sports accessible to an even broader audience including those with disabilities. Visit the DUC website for more information.
Contact
Lisa W. Miller, Media Relations / 214-968-1402 / lisawmiller@sbcglobal.net