With spring at Kent comes rowing. According to Mr. Houston, the Kent rowing coach since 1977, the boys rowing team is getting back to pre-COVID size, which is helpful news. Many new 3rd formers joined the team and filled some lower boats, making our team “a young team” this year.
Mr. Houston described the team to be energetic and exciting. “They are willing to learn and do what the process takes,” Mr. Houston said. Although the team consisted of new teammates with different backgrounds on the team, the boys are working together cohesively to make the three fastest boats and prepare for New England. “As a young team, these kids are very supportive of one another. They have the big picture about the New England Championship in mind.”
The team began the season with several scrimmages which showed the team’s strengths as well as room for improvements. “We have learned a lot about the top couple boats, which led to some changes in our line-ups,” Mr. Houston said. “Having witnessed the first and second boat races, I was able to make some changes based on what I saw.”
The team went to Andover last week for its first official race. 1-V lost by a narrow margin, while 2-V won. Then, this past weekend, the boys went to the Exeter Invitational with a bunch of schools, including Exeter, Farmington, St. John’s, Hingham, and Simsbury. “It is a 6-boat race, and I hope we will be able to learn a lot from this competition,” Mr. Houston said. He also described his memorable moment with the team: “I saw some of the younger guys stepping up, and I gained satisfaction from working with these young athletes.”
As to their success so far this season, Houston noted, “putting all the pieces together is challenging because these kids are coming from different places and have different skill sets. We are trying to find the right combination and to get the most speed out of the boat.” Asked for his hopes for these young athletes, Houston said, “Ultimately trying to do well at the New Englands, and to teach character. I hope these guys can learn some skills in life later on, such as how to use athletics to grow as a person, learn about themselves, and work well with others.”
Mr. Houston is quite excited about the prospects for the new coming 3rd formers joining the team. “I believe we will have an exciting future,” Mr. Houston said with confidence. “We, the staff, are all looking forward to having a successful season as we continue to learn as a group and make the right changes to find speed.”
Finally, Coach Houston wanted to tell his team to get fitter, row better, get faster, and work together. He concluded: “Support one another since these relationships are what you are going to have for the rest of your life. Enjoy every day you have together.”
