Team spirit and hard work are the ties that bind The Rowing Club of The Woodlands Juniors team and lead to success. The team is made up of juniors from two different high schools from The Woodlands - The Woodlands High School and The Woodlands College Park High School. Their hard work and determination has started the rowing season in victory as they lead one of the best seasons in the history of the program.

“This is a very united team,” said Mariana Bandera from Woodlands High School, “We are a family.” This attitude and determination is strengthened by year long training, weekend trips to regattas and two seasons of competitions that bring them together as a team as they learn to work hard and encourage each other to their best work.

The rowers this year may be smaller in general, but their motivation is high and is strengthened by the multiple medals they’ve brought home. On October 17, 2009 the group won eight gold medals at their hometown Regatta “Slay the Dragon,” and the week prior they had won two gold medals, two silver medals, and two bronze medals.

This year Leonard Anderson, RCTWJ coach, leads 26 students, and while their team is pretty full, he is always willing to coach more. “If we have 40 sign up, we’ll find some way to get them rowing,” he said. Now in his ninth year of coaching his attitude shows his spirit and commitment to the team, a reflection of the students’ commitment and hard work as well.

Anderson shares of rowing, “The sport is one of the most technical. It also gives a full body workout and requires a heavy time commitment.” Several former junior rowers have gone to college on rowing scholarships and the hard work may pay off for current rowers as many are aspiring to the same goal.

If you’d like more information or if you’re a high school student interested in signing up for the 2010 team, please visit www.woodlandsjrcrew.com

Source: www.hcnonline.com/conroe_courier