North Bay Rowing Club Shines with Medals at Historic Youth Nationals

Nathan Benderson Park, Sarasota, Florida, USA - The excitement was palpable as local athletes from the North Bay Rowing Club took to the water at the recently concluded 2025 Youth National Championships. Held from June 12-15 at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota, Florida, this event shattered records, featuring approximately 4,000 athletes from 231 clubs competing in nearly 900 events. It marked the largest Youth National Championships in history. The North Bay Rowing Club made its mark, securing 2nd and 3rd place finishes in prestigious categories, showcasing the burgeoning talent from our region.

In a thrilling display of teamwork and determination, the girls‘ team clinched 2nd place in the Women’s U16 4x+ event. The medaling athletes included coxswain Connor Gehrke, stroke seat Lucy Harstad, along with teammates Alyssa Celli, Marie Weilbacher, and Theia Lytle. Meanwhile, the boys‘ team finished strong, taking 3rd in the Men’s U16 4x+ event, with Mae Stearns as coxswain, supported by Emory DeVol, Owen Washburn, Owen Kinyon, and Garrett Gehrke. It’s clear that these young rowers are not just participants; they are contenders for the future of the sport.

A Showcase of Talent

Individual performances also stood out at the championships. Isabel Bartling and Casey Pasdach rounded out the competitors for North Bay, placing 9th in the Women’s U17 doubles, while Enzo Bass and Elliot Sharp-Biggs finished 11th in the Men’s U17 double event. Lucy Campbell bravely competed in the women’s youth single event, finishing 26th among athletes under 19 years old. Notably, the club had previously earned 4th and 5th place at last year’s national competition, further solidifying its reputation in the national rowing circuit.

The excitement didn’t stop there—across the championships, a total of 43 national champions were crowned, as reported by USRowing. The event’s finals were thrilling, often decided by narrow margins, exemplified by the men’s coxed four final that had a difference of just .46 seconds between gold and silver. Teams like Los Gatos Rowing Club and RowAmerica Rye emerged as notable powerhouses, continuing to elevate the standard for junior rowing.

Community Spirit and Support

Throughout the process leading up to this prestigious event, community support was crucial. The North Bay Rowing Club raised $3,000 of its $3,500 goal through a dedicated online fundraiser to support their athletes‘ trip to Sarasota, demonstrating the communal spirit of our local rowing family.

Despite some weather challenges that affected the initial race schedule—prompting rescheduling of several events and even the graduation ceremony—the determination of both competitors and organizers shone through. The racing updates indicated timely responses to weather conditions, ensuring the athletes’ safety while maximizing competition time.

As we celebrate the remarkable achievements of the North Bay Rowing Club and all participants in this year’s championships, it’s inspiring to see young athletes pushing their limits, embodying teamwork, and setting their sights on future successes. With a keen eye on the next events and a heart full of pride, we look forward to witnessing the journeys of these rowers as they continue to grow and excel in the sport.

For more coverage on the championships, check Petaluma360, USRowing, and Regatta Central.