Heartbreak and Hope in Rowing

Two years ago, the Varsity 8 rowing team faced a tough blow.

“We missed the national qualifiers by just 0.158 seconds,” recalled four-seat rower Tilden Vaezi.

Vaezi, along with his seven teammates, has taken that narrow miss very personally, especially in light of their seniors in 2023. They’ve stepped up their game for the North Shore Club, which boasts around 100 young athletes.

Last year, Vaezi’s Four Boat made it to nationals but ended up in 20th place.

Now, Vaezi and his team are part of the 46 boys and girls sent by their Elite program to compete in nine events at the Youth National Championship starting June 12 in Sarasota, Florida.

“I think it shows how much everyone wants this. We’re here for about three hours every day, six days a week,” Vaezi shared, crediting the freshmen for their contributions this season.

Close Crew

“The environment definitely boosts everyone’s trust,” said Senior 4-boat Cox Wayne Teacotronis.

Teacotronis, who has been with her team since middle school, previously felt limited in volleyball and basketball due to her size. Now, they’re a close-knit family, all striving for victory.

“Knowing your teammates are working just as hard makes those daily practices easier,” she added, mentioning her upcoming journey to the University of Wisconsin.

Port Girls have a challenging example in Lauren Marino, a standout in Field Hockey and Lacrosse, who only took up rowing two years ago but has since evolved into a team leader.

After a friend’s nudge to try ergometer workouts, Marino quickly grew attached to rowing, despite a “terrible first week in the water.” A few months later, she earned a spot at the Nationals in 2024.

“I got offers from many schools and ended up choosing Notre Dame,” said the senior from Indiana, reflecting on the whirlwind that unfolded in just five months.

Hell or High Water

It’s no accident that athletes at Port excel quickly, according to women’s head coach Pat Clary.

They show guts and determination in what he describes as “Cox Swain’s Crucible”—the tough waters of Hempstead Harbor.

“It gets choppy here. Yet, the kids come back every day and put in the effort,” Clary noted, humorously holding the “best water” flag at Port Boathouse.

Ultimately, they’re all building character, even through the frigid 40-degree practices back in March. Clary, along with boys’ head coach Aaron Boss Gunn, will be driving all nine boats and trailers from the Westchester Club to Florida.

“In rough conditions, we have a team that holds their composure and pushes through. That’s just a regular Tuesday for us,” he concluded.