Thrilling Saturday Morning Race: Panthers Shine in High Point University Athletics

High Point, N.C. – The High Point University women’s rowing team had an eventful morning at Lake Brandt, racing against Colgate University and Marist College. This was their second race of the spring season.

Head Coach Jessica Deitrick reflected on the day: "It was a chance for learning and growth. Our goal is to improve with every race. While we didn’t hit our targets, we gained valuable experience that will help us prepare for our next race in Florida."

The team sent out four boats: a first varsity 8 (1v8), a first varsity 4 (1v4), a second varsity 4 (2v4), and a second varsity 8 (2v8).

In the first race, the 1v8 finished second with a time of 6:59.1, just behind Colgate. The team included coxswain Grayson Williams and rowers Kate Concepcion, Saige Wiggins, Mallory Sullivan, Anna Venditti, Alison Sims, Riley Verner, Audrey Houle, and Willow Conley.

Next, the 1v4 and 2v4 raced at 8:55 a.m. The 1v4 secured another second place with a time of 8:05.2, steered by coxswain Arianna Ording and rowers Morgan Bowdish, Emma Spencer, Aliyah Strickland, and Caroline Marchis. The 2v4, with coxswain Lucia Calvert, finished with a time of 8:37.8.

In the final race of the morning, the second varsity 8, led by Carolyn Fox, also took second place, finishing just two seconds behind Colgate with a time of 7:19.5. The crew included Genevieve Alexander, Caitlin Enright, Angelina Ruiz, Gianna Ward, Josie Ganshaw, Sarah Harvey, Price Rinker, and Madelyn Cummings.

Looking ahead, the team is set to travel to Jacksonville, Florida, for the Sarasota 2k from March 28 to March 30. This upcoming competition will be a crucial opportunity for the Panthers to apply the lessons learned from this race.

Rowing requires not only physical strength but also a deep level of teamwork and strategy. Expert insights suggest that mental preparation is just as important as physical training. According to a study from the American Journal of Sports Medicine, elite athletes often benefit from visualization techniques, which can enhance performance by improving focus and reducing anxiety before races.

As the Panthers gear up for their next challenge, their experience at Lake Brandt will definitely shape their approach. Each race is a stepping stone on their path to success.

For more information on collegiate rowing and athlete performance, check out the NCAA’s official website on rowing.

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