Founders Victorious at 2021 US Central Regionals

Oklahoma City, May 2021 - Founders rowing club had a strong performance at US Rowing's Regional Championships this Spring, despite a very junior squad. Founders Varsity Quad - led by Senior Grace Knudsen - came in first in the region; setting the tone for the rest of the group. Also in the quad were Juniors Olivia Weeldryer and Camille Egger as well as Sophomore Maile Nelson. Knudsen also finished first in the Varsity Single, and Nelson earned gold in the U17 Single.

Founders coach, Matt Naifeh, ran a strong Learn-to-Row program in the early stages of COVID, which enabled the club to bring on several underclassmen as well as athletes who could compete in the Novice classification. New rowers, Ashley Hall, Meyers Bell, Sophia Rhodes and Abby Evans earned first place in the Novice Quad. Knight and Rhodes also won the U17 double, while Hall and Knight brought home silver in the Novice double.

Founders Rowing Club is a small team, with only 9 athletes. The team was also awarded what is called the efficiency trophy, based on the highest percent of quality finishes compared to total starts.To win such an award on such a big stage, like regionals, is an accomplishment worth celebrating. In this year of limited competition, mask restrictions and uncertainty, the Founders team is proud of all that it has been able to accomplish and looks forward to competing at Youth Nationals in Sarasota in June.