Despite early expectations of a rebuilding year, Kent Boys Rowing has powered through illness, injuries, and mid-season lineup changes to earn a fourth-place seeding going into the New England Championship this weekend.
Under the leadership of Coach Houston, the team now finds itself on the cusp of a potential podium finish. “There’s one crew that’s way out in front,” Coach Houston admits, “but after that, it’s a real dogfight. We’re right in that next pack—about six boats all pushing for second and third.”
The season has been anything but straightforward. With illness cycling through the team and a few moments of disciplinary turbulence, consistency has been a challenge. “If we can make it through the next week without any more disruptions, I’ll be very, very pleased,” Houston said, half-jokingly. Still, the resilience of the group has surprised even the coaching staff.
“I thought this would be more of a developmental season,” Houston reflected. “But we’ve had some solid results, including one of the best races I’ve seen in a while at St. Andrew’s in Delaware. That young boat really delivered.”
Beyond results, the team culture has proven strong, if occasionally rowdy. According to Houston, the boys share a camaraderie typical of a close-knit squad: some light-hearted chirping, the occasional step too far, but ultimately a foundation of support and mutual respect. “They’re teenage boys,” he shrugged. “But they’ve been a good group. A fun group.” That cohesion has helped the team weather the ups and downs of the season. With senior captain Drew Sweitzer at the helm, Kent’s rowers have remained focused, balancing humor and hard work on the water.
As Sunday’s championship regatta approaches, the mood is cautiously optimistic. “We’ve made some adjustments in the lineup to find a bit more speed,” said Houston. “Now it’s just about execution—and staying healthy.”
For a team that began the season with modest expectations, Kent Rowing now sits poised to end it with hardware. Whether they land on the podium or not, they’ve already exceeded expectations. And with a youthful core gaining experience, the future looks promising for this resilient and quietly competitive crew.
