EVERETT — Last week, the Everett Rowing Association got the chance to shine on the national stage.
The team competed at the USRowing National Championship June 12–15 in Sarasota, Florida.
They got here when in May, the Northwest (NW) Regional Rowing Championships brought together 30 clubs from across the Pacific Northwest to compete. The Everett Rowing Association qualified two boats for Nationals, earning a second-place finish in the Men’s Youth Varsity 8+ and a third-place finish in the Men’s Youth JV8+.
The Men’s Youth Varsity 8+ crew from ERA delivered an impressive performance. Coxswain Dalton Mara expertly guided the boat, maintaining rhythm and executing strategy throughout the race. The rowers, Sean Storseth in the stroke seat, followed by Ethan Wong, Henry Bakos, Brody Schuh, Carter Barrett, Jacob Lindley, Jack Schei, and Ethan Holden, rowed with strength and precision to secure a second-place finish that qualified the team for Nationals.
The Men’s Youth Junior Varsity 8+ also stood out at the NW Regional Championships. Led by coxswain Finn Kluth, the crew demonstrated teamwork and determination from start to finish. Steven Xu set the pace in the stroke seat, with Aiden Keator, Lucas Young, Jacob Poissant, Beckett McAuliff, Finn O’Brien, Luke Schwager, and Alex Klarman powering the boat down the course. Their effort earned them a third-place finish, also qualifying for Nationals.
While the boys were getting ready for Nationals, rowing association members trained on local waterways.
Coach David Steele, who leads Everett Rowing Association’s youth program, spoke to their training routine and the unique challenges of their home water:
“Our team practices six days a week—Monday through Friday from 3:30 to 6:15 p.m., and Saturday mornings from 7 to 9 a.m. We’re a club program for middle school and high school youth, so after school is our best option. Of course, we’d prefer the calm water of early morning, which is why we practice on Saturday mornings.
The Everett Rowing Boathouse is located on the Snohomish River at Langus Park. Depending on the weather and tide, they row up to Lowell Park or out toward Jetty Island. If someone wants to catch them on the water, Langus Park is the most reliable spot.
The river is much more challenging to row on than a lake. Changing currents, winds, and unpredictable weather demand a more well-rounded rowing skill set. We train in all kinds of conditions, which helps prepare our athletes for whatever they might face on race day.”
As summer approaches, the teams are gearing up for its seasonal programs.
“Everett Rowing has multiple summer programming options for youth who want to continue training, deepen their knowledge of the sport, maintain physical fitness, and just have fun without the pressure of the competitive season,” said Jon Campaña, the rowing association’s director.
Everett Rowing Association’s summer programming begins on June 30 and includes a range of opportunities for youth of all experience levels. Offerings include Learn to Row classes for beginners, Skills Clinics for athletes transitioning from middle school or their novice year, and High Performance Camps for experienced rowers aiming to elevate their skills. These programs are open to all youth in grades 6–12 from Snohomish County and surrounding areas. For information, visit www.everettrowing.com/summer-rowing-camps
