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Tuesday November 14, 2017 Edition
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VUHS Rowing Team Continues Proud Tradition

VUHS Rowing Team is 55 members strong!
photo by provided
VUHS Rowing Team is 55 members strong!
First place team, James Wakefield Rescue Row.
photo by provided
First place team, James Wakefield Rescue Row.
Second place team at recent finish.
photo by provided
Second place team at recent finish.
6 oar experience division winners.
photo by provided
6 oar experience division winners.

Tuesday November 14, 2017

By Cookie Steponaitis

Stopping by the falls in Vergennes on any afternoon from September to mid-November will allow the viewer to encounter a unique sight. Moving down the Otter Creek toward the open waters of Lake Champlain are several boats with young people as the crew. Coxswains yelling out the stoke and oars moving in unison, these teams are the work of many hours of practice and the passion of one VUHS teacher, his crews and their families.
    VUHS Rowing Team Instructor Dennis West gets a grin on his face when rowing season approaches. He simply lets the word out and students come in droves to be a part of the Commodore Rowing Tradition that has grown into one of the largest programs for both middle and high school. To be a rower is fun but also a serious commitment of time, energy, practice and teamwork at a level that many might now expect. Just as there are families locally associated with swimming, football, basketball, baseball, cheerleading, hockey and softball, the VUHS rowing tradition is entering its place in the school where advertising is not necessary and families spanning a decade proudly call themselves Alumni and support however they can.
    “We have fifty-one rowers this year,” grinned Coach West, “who are competing in the 31st annual Head of the Weir race this month. The Vergennes Rowers were able to place three teams in the top five in their division. The Weir is an exceptionally exciting race and a great spectator event in Boston, featuring over 150 of the region’s finest rowers from all over New England and New York. Congratulations to all of the boats and to the top place finishes. Second place was the team of Nathan Devos, Zeke, Mitch, and Holden Clark, Mike Davis, Jackson Hameline, and Aidan Gardner. Third place was the team consisting of Bethany Delgadillo, Brianna VanderWey, Devon Coleman, Richmond Rathburn, Dylan Rapoport, Robert Verburg, and Ben Clark. Fifth place was the team of Marin Howell, Addie Brooks, Karyn Kenfield, AJ Chamberlain, Claire Austen, Dakota Loven, and Ashley De Smitt.
    While the season is winding down with the last race in Boston on November 17th & 18th, it is in fact the premier race of the season. The Icebreaker brings together over 200 middle and high school students from all over New England. The event will draw a large crowd in Boston and the Vergennes group also brings along a huge contingent of fans. “I would like to give a big shout-out to all the parents that come and help tow the boats and provide lunches for the rowers,” shared Coach West. “Moving the Commodore teams and all of the equipment is not an easy task.” So while we are all busy thinking about our upcoming Thanksgiving meals and gatherings, one more blessing to add to our list is the passion, spirit and commitment of people like Dennis West and those of the families who annually help turn Addison County teens into competitive, accomplished and bonded teams of rowers that hold their own with the best in New England.


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