Quaker Valley rowers compete at Head of Charles Regatta

By: HSSN Staff
Monday, November 13, 2017 | 11:00 PM

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As many times as she has competed, Quaker Valley senior Tori Trovato never tires of the Head of the Charles Regatta.

Trovato, a Clemson recruit, was one of four Quakers who took to the river in the world's largest two-day rowing event Oct. 21-22 in Cambridge, Mass. All are members of the Three Rivers Junior Rowing team on Washington's Landing.

“This was my third year, and the excitement never gets old,” Trovato said. “It's amazing to see the amount of support the rowing community has and gives to each other.”

Trovato and seniors Tessa Kimmy and Annika Christensen were part of a boat that placed 10th of 84 entries and one scratch in the Women's Youth Fours event. The four, which Christensen coxed, completed the three-mile course in 18 minutes, 53.919 seconds.

The boat took first place last year with Kimmy and Christensen as members. This year was the third in a row it made the top 10 and included at least one Quaker.

“Although they were initially disappointed they did not repeat as champions, I think the crew has come to realize how exceptionally hard it is to repeat at that regatta,” Three Rivers Junior Rowing coach Matt Grau said. “Their finish clearly demonstrates they are one of the top crews in the nation.”

Christensen said 10th place was nothing to sneeze at.

“The fact that we were disappointed really shows how competitive and driven we are to get back to that level,” she said. “I think that mindset is going to help us improve as we head into indoor training.”

Christensen enjoyed competing in the regatta, which she said blows all others out of the water.

“The rowing community isn't huge, especially in the U.S.,” she said. “The Charles brings in so many competitors, there's a chance of spotting anyone from an old teammate or coach to an Olympian.”

Senior Claire Grubb occupied a seat in a women's youth eight that placed 63rd of 85 boats (18:17.289).

“That finish was disappointing, but the crew felt they had a good row,” said Grau, in his first season guiding the team.

Karen Kadilak is a freelance writer.

Tags: Quaker Valley