AWL 2017 Team Captain Justin Boatner
April-May: The team took to the water in April after a successful winter training season at our new host Sponsor location CrossFit Adaptation in Arlington, VA. 6 new rowers were added to the roster, bringing the DC team total to 12 for 2017.
April and May were focused on integrating the rowers with the boathouse community, safety on the docks and water, and applying the technique learned on the indoor rowers to the water in preparation for sprint race (1000m) season. Our returning athletes were able to set a good example for the new team members by staying focused as they practiced alongside High School, College, and Master Rowers.
June: Stonewall Regatta, the first Regatta in Washington, DC to have Adaptive Categories, begins the race season as one of the first events in the country for adaptive rowers. With 15 entries over 9 events, the team placed someone the podium in every race they entered. Not only did the team dominate the adaptive races, but our volunteers surprised the field by beating some of the best Master’s teams in the area in the Open events. New rowers Lucia Lecce and Luke Arnold were introduced to the race environment at Stonewall and performed admirably.
AWL Men’s Open 8 takes the surprise victory against some of the best Master’s crews in the country
July: Next up was the Capital Sprints Regatta. Our team fielded 16 entries and was the first race for novice rower, Danny Gulyn, whose excitement and smile resonated to everyone at the event. Athletes Without Limits continued their winning streak with many medals, placing gold in every adaptive event they entered.
“That’s what it’s all about.”
– Regatta Attendee upon seeing Danny after his race.
August: Next up was the Bayada regatta in Philadelphia, PA. This event is the oldest all adaptive regatta in the country and draws athletes from across the US. Traveling with a team of 9 of our 12 athletes, 6 volunteers, 5 coaches, and over 15 family members, AWL had the largest contingent present. Our rowers medaled in nearly every event, earning 7 Gold, 4 Silver, and 3 Bronze for a total of 14 awards! Athletes Without Limits continued to raise the bar by being one of the only programs in the country with ID rowers competing in singles as well as two ID rowers racing in a double together.
After a successful sprint race (1k) season, the team is preparing for the much longer fall head races (2km- 4km). Look out for some fresh new faces as AWL DC Rowing continues to grow… No Limits!!