The Santa Barbara Community Rowing racing team turned in an impressive early-season showing at the President’s Day Invitational Regatta last weekend in Long Beach.
“Every single person on our team medaled this weekend,” Santa Barbara coach Gracie Barbara said. “I am proud of this young team. They have been working hard on their starts in practice, and it really showed at this regatta.
“I am looking forward to the remainder of the spring schedule, which helps us prepare for regionals in May.”
Santa Ynez High sophomore Jacie Dingman led the charge with three medals. She won gold in the U17 Women’s Single, silver in the U19 Women’s Single and brought home bronze in the U17 Women’s Double alongside teammate Elsa Loya.
Meanwhile, Aidan Chase of Alpha School dominated the U16 Men’s Single with a gold-medal finish nine seconds ahead of the rest of the pack.
The U15 Men’s coxed quad of John Asher (Laguna Blanca), Theo Jenkins (Alpha), Finn McCauley (Homeschool), Will Allen (Goleta Valley Junior High) and Campbell Allen (Goleta Valley Junior High) secured a silver medal in their first race as a unit.
In the U16 Women’s Double, Zen Budden (Laguna Blanca) and Lucy Loya (Homeschool) brought home the bronze medal in their first race as a duo.
Santa Barbara Community Rowing is one of the only rowing organizations in Santa Barbara County, based at Cachuma Lake. If you are interested in donating to the club or learning more about rowing, SBCR offers summer camps for youth ages 11+, as well as Learn to Row programs throughout the year for adults and kids. For more information, visit: https://www.rowsbc.org/