In a day of racing on April 18, 2015, the women of Founders Rowing Club earned three Texas State Rowing Championship titles, most notably winning the premier championship event, the Women’s Varsity Quadruple Scull. In the race that took place during the first half of the day, the crew of Kendall DeSantis (Sr.), Katherine Fraser (So.), Julia Mitterer-Claudet (Fr.), and Taylor Toudouze (So.) defeated crews from across the state of Texas in the hard-fought grand final of the event. Taking control of the race early, the young women of Founders showed their dominance, leading the race from start to finish. The quad’s performance was a start to what would be a banner weekend for the team of twelve athletes, every one of whom would post top 3 finishes during the regatta. DeSantis & Fraser also earned the State Championship title the Women’s Lightweight Double Scull, an event in which they are undefeated this season. State Champions Emily Royal (So.) & Helen Williams (So.) competed fiercely, and built an early lead to win the Women’s Junior Varsity Double Scull.
Other notable finishes include the 2nd place performance in the Women’s Single Scull; the 2nd place performance in the Women’s Novice Quadruple Scull; and 2nd place performance & the 3rd place performances in the Women’s Novice Double Scull.
Two more State Championship titles were won by male athletes, Tate Curington (Sr.) and Joseph Ursini (Sr.). Curington & Ursini handily defeated long-time rivals to win the grand final of the Men’s Varsity Double Scull. Ursini would later show his strength, winning the Men’s Single Scull, posting the fastest time ever recorded for a men’s single at the Texas Rowing Championships.
To find out more about Founders Rowing Club, please visit www.foundersrowing.org