OAK RIDGE, Tenn. - Racing at the 2009 USRowing Club National Championships kicked off Wednesday on Melton Lake in Oak Ridge, Tenn. with heats in 14 events.
Steel City Rowing Club clocked the fastest time of the men's junior double sculls. Racing in the first of six heats, the duo of Matt Maddamma and Scott Helfrich crossed the line in 7:14.80, nine seconds ahead of Crescent Boat Club.
"It was my first time racing the double and it went pretty well," said Maddamma, who will represent the U.S. in the men's single at the 2009 FISA World Rowing Junior Championships in August and will also compete in the men's junior A single sculls later this week.
Steel City teammate Oliver Salonna followed suit, winning the fourth heat of the men's junior B single sculls in an 8:10:39. San Diego Rowing Club's Zack Dale edged ahead of Maritime Rowing Club's Charlie Campbell in the final strokes to grab the second qualifying spot by just 0.04 seconds.
Community Rowing, Inc. had a strong showing in the women's junior A eight event, advancing four out of five boats to the semifinals. The Community A boat clocked the fastest time in the fourth and final heat in a 7:05:09. The crew of coxswain Caroline Kiritsy, Priscilla Livingston, Hally Sheldon, Tallen Sloane, Maja Chelstowska, Sarah Ratter, Allison Armstrong, Elizabeth Lenczowski and Alex Todorovic crossed 17.37 seconds ahead of the Community C boat. Atlantic Boat Club also advanced from the heat, clocking a 7:29.70.
One of the closest races of the day came in the final heat of the men's junior A quadruple sculls. Crossing the line first was Maritime Rowing Club's Roger Stone, Aaron Tas, Charlie Kelly and Jonathon Rosow in a 6:38:42. With two to advance, Canada-CanAmMex and Narragansett Boat Club finished in a dead heat for second place with a time of 6:39:12. All three clubs will meet again in Saturday's final.
Though not eligible for national champion status, the Mexican Rowing Federation had a strong showing, advancing crews in three of its four events Wednesday including the men's junior A double sculls, women's intermediate double sculls and men's junior A quadruple sculls.
The five-day event features over 1,300 athletes representing 82 clubs in 29 states and three countries. Races will be contested in 71 events, featuring junior, intermediate and senior classification rowing.
Racing continues Thursday at 9 a.m. with heats and semifinals in 22 events. For complete race results, visit www.racetrak.com.