Novice Team Makes Rowing Inroads

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
2 October 2011
By Karen Price

The girls from First Row don't have matching waterproof jackets or the latest in performance athletic wear like some of the crews did at Washington's Landing on Saturday.

But even though two years ago none of them would have pictured themselves rowing, period -- let alone in the 25th annual Head of the Ohio regatta -- they look at themselves now and see a team.

"We haven't been doing this for very long, but the thing is, we're not competing or comparing ourselves to (other crews)," said Sheryl Sesay, a 16-year-old CAPA student. "We're comparing ourselves to what we can do. We're racing against ourselves."

Three Rivers Rowing Association started the First Row program three years ago, recruiting girls from City High, CAPA, Northside Urban Pathways, Perry and Oliver High Schools. It was designed to not only help diversify rowing in Pittsburgh and promote health and fitness in the urban community, but also to give high school girls the opportunity to compete in a sport that has a high proportion of financial aid available to top athletes through Title IX.

Coach Joy Nix, who goes into the schools and talks to potential rowers, has 13 returnees this year and more than 30 girls beginning the program Monday.

"The first year, everyone kind of shunned it a little," Nix said. "They didn't know what it was or why they'd want to get involved. Now there's a lot of excitement, and it's great to see how interest is changing."

In a sport not associated with inner city schools, the predominantly African-American crew from First Row is proud to bring more diversity to the sport in Pittsburgh.

"We're definitely setting a standard as a team," said Brana Hill, a 15-year-old CAPA student. "We don't see too many African-American girls here and that could be a reason for us to quit, but we don't."

Yesterday was their first race ever.

They competed in both the eight-person and four-person races in the youth/novice category.

The girls admitted it was a little intimidating, being newcomers surrounded by bigger crews that have been at it a lot longer. They had also never rowed in weather conditions as poor as yesterday's, with temperatures in the 40s, steady rain and wind.

"A lot of these girls weren't comfortable around the water or couldn't swim before joining the program," Nix said.

"The fact that they were out there and did that, I'm really impressed."

The eight-person boat finished last, their time slowed after one rower "crabbed" -- a term for when an oar gets stuck -- and stopped rowing. But the others pushed through and finished the race, and they now have one under their belts to build on for next time.

"I feel like sometimes people look at us like we can't do it," Sesay said. "That's not true. Anyone can do anything they put their mind to, so it's not whether you have more experience or you've been racing since you were three. I'm trying something I want to do and if I have the heart for it, then I can do it."

Karen Price can be reached at kprice@tribweb.com or 412-320-7980.