Community Update

Long Lake Junior Rowers Compete at Prestigious National Regattas
Long Lake, MN – Local Long Lake Rowing Club recently had the privilege of competing in the world's largest rowing regatta; “The Head of the Charles” in Cambridge, MA. With over 9000 competitors from all over the world;  this is the “Super Bowl” of rowing!This year the LLRC sent four junior rowers to the Head of the Charles (“HOCR”): Grace Beck, Mac Bendickson, George Esau and JJ Heflin. Grace Beck, returning for her 2nd year at the HoCR;  racing a single scull  finished in 12th place among the fastest girls nationally & internationally.  Mac Bendickson, a Junior at Orono HS, rowing in his 2nd HoCR also impressed with a top-10 finish in the men’s youth single; finishing in 8th place in this top international field.The youngest crew of the LLRC, George Esau a Sophomore at Orono and JJ Heflin a Sophomore at Wayzata HS– both just 15 and in their first season as competitive rowers, competed in the men’s youth double with an impressive  middle-of-the-pack finish. 
This past weekend LLRC sent 7 Juniors to compete in the 2nd largest regatta of the year, The Head of the Hooch in Chattanooga, TN. Mac Bendickson improved yet again finishing just .4 seconds out of 3rd in a field of 69 of the country's finest scullers.  On the girls side Orono Junior, Avery Rassmussen and Sophomore, Emily Stinebaugh  joined forces in the Womens Youth Double and  posted a fantastic 12 place finish out of 44 crews. Both of these girls are in their first year with the LLRC. Also finishing strong and coming in 15th in their Quad was Gavin Seigert a Sophomore at The Blake School, Brayden Cadwalleder a Sophomore at Orono and George Esau and JJ Heflin.

Head Coach Todd Wilson commented " The hard work that these fine young athletes have committed to their rowing was evident in these superb results; I am very proud of them for successfully  racing to their capacities and conducting themselves as sportsmen/sportswomen  on and off the water."  We now turn our focus to the Regional Championship Regatta in the spring which is the Route to the National Championship and beyond to the 2014 World Champs."

The Long Lake Rowing Club, located on the shores of Long Lake at the former Billy's Lighthouse property, is in it's 2nd year. LLRC offers opportunities for juniors and adults; encouraging all ages and abilities to try the sport of rowing. "Friendly People: Friendly Waters" is the motto of the club and that welcoming approach to this sport has produced very impressive results locally & nationally.
More information at www.longlakerowingclub.us & find us on Facebook