Port Rowing Team Gears Up for Nationals After Overcoming Heartbreak
Two years ago, the varsity eight Port Rowing boat faced a bitter disappointment.
“We missed out on qualifying for nationals — we missed it by 0.158 seconds,” senior four-seat rower Tilden Vaezi recounted, reflecting on that narrow miss.
That moment ignited a fire within Vaezi and his teammates, particularly for the seniors of 2023, who committed to elevating their performance for the North Shore club, which boasts around 100 young athletes.
Last year, Vaezi’s four boat made it to nationals, finishing in 20th place.
Now, the team is sending a record 46 boys and girls to nine events at the Youth National Championships, set to begin June 12 in Sarasota, Florida — nearly double last year’s participation.
“I think it just shows how much everyone wants it. You spend roughly three hours a day, six days a week here,” Vaezi noted, praising the freshmen who have joined this year’s squad.
The energy is palpable upon entering Port Washington’s Hempstead Harbor boathouse. While primarily composed of Paul D. Schreiber High School students, the club welcomes rowers from across Long Island, including those from schools without rowing programs.
“The environment definitely boosts everyone’s confidence,” said senior four-boat coxswain Tea Cotronis.
Having previously felt out of place in volleyball and basketball due to her size, Cotronis found her niche with rowing. “Knowing and trusting that your teammates are putting in as much hard work as you are makes it easier to come to practice every day,” she added. Cotronis will continue her rowing career at the University of Wisconsin.
Excitement builds as the Port girls also feature an inspiring story: Lauren Marino, a Garden City field hockey and lacrosse standout, had never touched an oar until two years ago but has since emerged as a team leader.
Initially persuaded by friends to try an ergometer workout, Marino quickly became hooked despite a challenging start on the water. Just months later, she secured a spot in the 2024 nationals, rowing the two seat in a girls four shell.
“Then I was being recruited by a bunch of schools, and I ultimately chose Notre Dame,” said Marino, who will head to South Bend, Indiana. “It all happened in a five-month span; it’s pretty crazy.”
According to girls head coach Pat Clary, the rapid success of Port athletes is no coincidence.
They train in challenging conditions on Hempstead Harbor, which Clary describes as “the crucible for coxswains.”
“We have tough conditions out here. It’s pretty choppy, and the kids show up every day. They work hard through it,” he remarked, humorously displaying a “best water in America” flag in the boathouse.
Ultimately, these experiences build character, especially during those 40-degree practices in March. Clary and boys head coach Aaron Bosgang will transport all nine boats plus additional ones from a Westchester club while the team flies to Florida.
“Worst-case scenario, if the water is rough, we have teams that clutch their pearls and get nervous over a little bit of wake — and that’s just a Tuesday to us.”
