5/31/2006

Printed in the Tulsa World - 5/31/06

By Veronica Scoggins World Staff Writer

As the boys varsity team rounded the corner at the Central District Youth Rowing Championships, it looked like they were going to come in third place.

But at the last moment, the Tulsa Rowing Club Juniors boys varsity eight pulled into second.

"It was the closest competition we ever had," team captain Nick Berry, Cascia Hall, said. "We placed second by seven-tenths of a second."

It was the first time in 15 years that the team has advanced to the U.S. Rowing Junior Nationals, where they will compete against 40 other teams in a double elimination competition.

The district competition was held at the Chesapeake Boathouse in downtown Oklahoma City.

"In the past, we have only been able to take one team because the competition is so far away," said Neil Bergenroth, head coach. "Since it was held in Oklahoma City, we were able to take 26 kids."

The team competed against 10 of the best junior teams from Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, Louisiana and Colorado.

The boys had to keep in perfect sync to row into victory.

"There is more teamwork involved in this sport than any other," said Chris Light, the team's coxswain, who directs the rowers. "Everyone has to stay together. If one person messes up, it could affect the entire team."

The boys are already preparing for the three-day national competition in Cincinnati on June 10.

When the weather is good and the water is smooth, the boys practice rowing for two hours each afternoon. When the wind is too strong to get in the water, they run, lift weights, and work on ergs, which are rowing machines.

"The boys work hard because they are motivated," Bergenroth said. "We really want to get our name out there and do well."

Bergenroth has been coaching the Tulsa Rowing Club Juniors for nine years.

"I keep coming back because I really like to see the kids build something." he said. "I get a lot out of it."

He said he was excited when the team placed at the district competition.

"It gives the kids great personal satisfaction," he said.

He said when the kids get to this level, they work harder to maintain it.

"It builds a performance tradition," Bergenroth said.

The team agreed they would like to see more people join.

"We're always looking for people to join, guys especially," Berry said.

Rowing provides students who have been injured in the past a chance to stay in a competitive sport.

"We take in some who can't do other sports because of injuries or because they are burnt out on a sport, but still have that competitive spirit," Bergenroth said.

The Tulsa Rowing Club will hold a summer camp for students 13 through 18 beginning June 12.

More information on the summer camp can be found at the team's Web site, www.tulsajuniorsrowing.org.