Submitted by the Orcas Island Rowing Association

After a delayed season start due to a frozen lake in February, the Orcas Island Crew team is finally in full swing. This year’s team consists of 12 returning rowers (varsity): Captains Tim Jenson and Sofia Fleming, Avery Bishop Martin, Tommy Anderson-Cleveland, Birdie Greening, Arla Sutton, Parker Landsman, Grace Gustafson, Izie Janecek, Nisha Woolworth, Anwyn Thompson, and Uma McMurray, and seven new rowers (novice): Kathryn Taylor, Sam Sutton, Emory Sievers, Kendal Spurgeon, Bella Evans, Gray Gailey, and Alexandra van Dongen.

“We really had to bring our novice rowers up to speed fast since most other crews could practice on the water when Cascade Lake still had ice floats. Everyone learned about the value of land workouts until we could get out on the water,” said head coach Tina Brown. “I’m so thankful for our great coaching team!”

OIRA hosted two friendly home regattas: Lake Stevens on March 23 and Duwamish on March 30. Both races were on the 1000-meter course on Cascade Lake and were a great warm-up for new and returning rowers alike. The Varsity squad competed in the Covered Bridge Regatta in Eugene, OR April 12-14 on a 2000-meter course. Upcoming events include “Spring Sprints” on Lake Stevens April 27-28, the 24-Hour Row at Orcas Island Market May 10-11, and the US Rowing Northwest Youth Championships at Lake Vancouver May 17-19.

You can meet the team and support OI rowers at a fun pizza night event at Ship Bay on May 5 from 5-7 p.m.. OIRA is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. The all-volunteer coaching team includes Tina Brown, George Andreadis, Mary Anna Bishop Martin, Toby Cooper, Becca Parish, and Dave Roseberry. To learn more about the program and upcoming events visit www.orcasislandrowing.org.