2009 US Rowing Southwest Junior Championship Regatta: The CJ's

Photos courtesy of Mark Shaw

This year's CJ's took place under bright skies and beautiful weather. 26 schools and clubs competed, representing organizations from Tempe, Ariz to Humboldt, CA. Saturday morning began with excitement for BHS Crew, as the women's frosh 8+ boat, racing in the third event of the regatta, came within 3.5 seconds of advancing to the finals. A day of strong rowing followed, but each time the BHS crews were shut out of the finals. Until late in the afternoon, when the men's frosh 4+ dueled with Marin for first place in their heat. The BHS guys fell by .1 second, but advanced to Sunday's final - the only Berkeley boat to move on from its heat.

BHS athletes rowed well all weekend long, but fell repeatedly to the stronger clubs. The men's frosh 4 boat improved its time in Sunday's final, only to finish last in that event. The women's 2 came within 2.5 seconds of moving on. The men's lightweight 8+, still a young combination, finished with a fast time of 6:51, but trailed all of the other crews. The men's 4x challenged for the lead in its heat, until an injury hampered their run. What to say? Simply "hats off" to the crews that stood out this weekend - Newport, Marin, Los Gatos, Long Beach and Capital Cities - and to all the rowers from throughout the southwest.

A weekend of "respectable" rowing left the BHS team proud, but determined to improve next year. Strong performances by several women's and men's novice boats, capping a strong season for both squads, provide excitement and hope looking forward as these athletes join the varsity. And then, there's the inevitable sadness of the CJ's: the championships signal the finale for many graduating seniors. It's been a great year, under the guidance of these remarkable young men and women.

Regatta home page, on racetrak.com...
Saturday's full results, with participant names
Sunday's full results, with participant names

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