Crew Rows in National Championship

Three Marksmen traveled to Oak Ridge, Tennessee, to compete in the US Youth Rowing National Championships. After qualifying through the Central District Regatta in Oklahoma City, Harrison Quarls ’13, Cameron Baxley ’14, and Luke Hudspeth ’15, continued training after the season ended to race against the country’s fastest high school crews.

Rowing in the Men’s Varsity Single event, 2013 Team Captain Quarls finished 15th in the nation with a time of 7:40.33 over 2000m. Baxley and Hudspeth rowed together in the Men’s Varsity Double, achieving 14th place in the nation with a time of 7:25.98 over 2000m.

 

This regatta concluded Quarls’ high school career, but he will continue rowing next year for Trinity College in Connecticut. After experiencing Nationals for the first time, Baxley and Hudspeth believe they are poised to come back even better next year.

 

“Even though we had success in the South, going to Nationals was an eye-opening experience,” Hudspeth said. “Most competitors were veteran rowers, and we were a young, small crew by comparison. We gained a greater appreciation of how competitive the sport is and a valuable edge for next year.”

 

Quarls, Baxley, and Hudspeth were accompanied by head coach Pitts Yandell, assistant coach Lisa Boyd, and assistant coach Walt Miga. Former head coach Will Forteith ’96 also made an appearance to inspire the Lion rowers.

 

“St. Mark's boats are competing against top teams whose focus all year long is rowing,” Yandell said. “The fact that we do as well as we do with a one season sport is a testament to the drive and determination of our young men.”

 

Congratulations to Harrison, Cameron and Luke on a great season and regatta!