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Oliver Bub, 17, and Lucas Manning, 17, are both Westport residents and Staples High School students.
They dominated the trials’ best two-of-three format, following their morning final win Monday, July 6 with an afternoon win, posting a time of 7:43.28.
The pair makes up one of six junior crews earning spots on the U.S. Junior National Team at last week’s trials, contested among crews from across the United States on Mercer Lake in West Windsor, N.J.
Immediately before the trials, Bub and Manning were victorious in the Independence Day Regatta in Philadelphia, where they won the men's intermediate pair (M2-) event, competing against crews from high schools and colleges worldwide. The boys row under the direction of Sharon Kriz, Saugatuck Rowing Club junior director and boys head coach, who previously has qualified a double for a World Junior Rowing Championship event in 2011.
“Earning a bid to Junior Worlds is the pinnacle of a high school rowing career and a rare feat,” Kriz said. “This pair has worked hard all year, overcoming injuries to put together a winning performance when it mattered most. I’m proud of their accomplishments and eager to coach them to another great showing in Rio.”
Bub and Manning are looking forward to representing the United States next month.
“It’s pretty crazy; we can’t believe it,” said Manning. “We are glad to have the opportunity. With 1,000 meters left, we put in a strong push and it was smooth sailing from there.”
“Being part of the Saugatuck Rowing Club for the past three years has taught me to persevere and push myself to the limit. I’m looking forward to representing the club and the United States in Rio,” said Bub.
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