On typical weekday afternoons across Central Massachusetts, students fan out to fields, courts and rehearsal halls. Along the docks of Lake Quinsigamond, however, another group assembles — lowering sleek rowing shells into the water and preparing to train.

Many area high schools do not offer rowing as a sport. There are no erg-filled training rooms or longstanding crew traditions. Regatta Point Rowing was established to provide that opportunity, offering a coed youth team program for middle and high school students throughout the region — particularly those whose schools do not have teams of their own.

 The club has grown into a multi-community program drawing athletes from Worcester, Holden and surrounding districts. What began as an open invitation to try a lesser-known sport has evolved into a structured, competitive team environment. On the dock, athletes from different schools carry shells side by side. Once on the water, school affiliations fade, replaced by rhythm, communication and shared effort. Success depends on the boat moving as one.

Lake Quinsigamond has long held significance in the rowing world. Stretching between Worcester and Shrewsbury, the lake features a straight 2,000-meter course and relatively protected waters that have hosted generations of high school and collegiate regattas. It is also referenced in The Boys in the Boat, the bestselling account of the 1936 U.S. Olympic rowing team, underscoring its place in the sport’s history.

The Regatta Point Youth Crew Team operates during both the spring and fall seasons. Some athletes participate in a single season to complement other sports or extracurricular activities, while others row year-round. The schedule offers flexibility for multi-sport athletes while maintaining continuity for those seeking long-term development.

“Rowing is the ultimate team sport,” said Director of Rowing Glenn Sundin. “It doesn’t matter what school you attend or how much experience you have. When you’re in that boat, you succeed together or you struggle together. Our goal is to make sure every student who puts in the work has the opportunity to earn a seat.”

The coed structure further shapes the team dynamic. Boys and girls train alongside one another, competing for speed while sharing leadership roles across grade levels. Experienced rowers mentor newcomers, helping them learn technique, terminology and race strategy.

Parents say the sport’s physical and mental demands extend beyond competition.

“Our son has changed through his involvement with the team,” said Kasey Postizzi. “Practices can be long. The races are grueling. But it teaches discipline, perseverance and accountability. He’s more confident and focused.”

For first-time rowers, the learning curve can be steep. Balancing a narrow shell and mastering proper stroke technique requires repetition and patience. Confidence builds as athletes learn to move in unison and push through the physical strain of training and racing.

During regattas, families line the shore of Lake Quinsigamond to watch boats surge down the course. Though the athletes represent many schools, they compete as one team.

Spring tryouts for the youth team begin March 23. Registration information is available at regattapoint.org/rowing. Additional details about Regatta Point Rowing’s weekly summer clinics are also available online.

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