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Westport Rowers Named To U.S. Junior National Team

WESTPORT, Conn. --  Two junior rowers from Saugatuck Rowing Club in Westport will compete for the United States next month at the 2017 World Rowing Junior Championships in Trakai, Lithuania.

Saugatuck Rowing Club athlete Kelsey McGinley, 16, a rising Staples senior, has been named to the U.S. junior national team and will compete in the World Rowing Junior Championships in Trakai, Lithuania next month.

Saugatuck Rowing Club athlete Kelsey McGinley, 16, a rising Staples senior, has been named to the U.S. junior national team and will compete in the World Rowing Junior Championships in Trakai, Lithuania next month.

Photo Credit: Contributed
Saugatuck Rowing Club athlete Harrison Burke, 17, a rising Staples senior, has been named to the U.S. junior national team and will compete in the World Rowing Junior Championships in Trakai, Lithuania next month.

Saugatuck Rowing Club athlete Harrison Burke, 17, a rising Staples senior, has been named to the U.S. junior national team and will compete in the World Rowing Junior Championships in Trakai, Lithuania next month.

Photo Credit: Contributed

Harrison Burke, 17, and Kelsey McGinley, 16, were named to the U.S. Junior National Team following a selection process that began in June. They and their USA under-19 teammates will compete August 2-6 in Trakai, Lithuania, Burke rowing in the men’s eight event and McGinley in the women’s four (non-coxed) crew. Both athletes will be seniors at Westport’s Staples High School this fall.

Burke and McGinley also competed in last year’s 2016 World Junior Rowing Championships in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, each earning a bronze medal in their respective event. At Saugatuck Rowing Club, Burke rows under the direction of Sharon Kriz, SRC director of rowing and boys head coach. In addition to coaching Burke, Kriz coached a pair for the World Rowing Junior Championships in 2015 and previously qualified a double in 2011. McGinley is coached by SRC girls head coach Gordon Getsinger, who last year sent both Kelsey McGinley and her sister Grace McGinley to compete in Rotterdam.

“Harry and Kelsey proved themselves through a mentally and physically grueling selection process,” Kriz said. “We are incredibly proud that they have earned seats in two of the top boats that will be competing for the U.S. at Junior Worlds.”

“It’s a great honor to be invited to try out for the junior national team,” Getsinger said. “And after enduring a month of intense training, winning the opportunity to represent their club and country is an amazing achievement. We wish Kelsey and Harry great success in Lithuania.”

The five-day competition at Junior Worlds will feature U.S. crews in 13 events, including the men’s and women’s single sculls, men’s and women’s double sculls, men’s and women’s quadruple sculls, men’s and women’s pair, men’s and women’s four, men’s four with coxswain, and men’s and women’s eight. The U.S. roster includes 53 athletes from 18 states, with 17 rowers returning from last year’s team, including Burke and McGinley. Complete press coverage, athlete bios and links to event information can be found at www.usrowing.org and www.worldrowing.com.

“It’s incredibly exciting to return to Team USA for the second year in a row,” said McGinley. “Training with elite rowers from across the country has been tough but fun, and we are well prepared to row fast.”

“I’m hoping my experience from Rotterdam will help me perform at the highest level in Lithuania,” said Burke. “Suiting up for Team USA and rowing internationally is an incredible experience and I’m ready for the challenge.”

Saugatuck Rowing and Fitness Club is a beautiful facility on the Saugatuck River that provides world-class rowing instruction for youths and adults, beginners to experienced, private club amenities, Wi-Fi lounge and café, newly equipped fitness facility, complimentary fitness classes and social events for all ages. More information can be found at Saugatuckrowing.com.

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