When a high school athlete commits to a Division I program, it usually makes waves. This year, East Lyme High
School’s crew team will attempt to do the opposite and turn smooth waters into a state championship with six rowers off to compete at the Division I level.
Head coach of the girls’ rowing team, Scott Mahon, is thrilled with the athletes and their discipline in pursuit of the sport. In the past years, the rowing team has had a few student-athletes go D1, D2, D3, and to the Coast Guard. Coach Mahon makes it clear that crew is difficult, and the success these students have shown is a result of hard work.
“I’ve worked to build a structured environment that allows our athletes to progress, [but] it’s up to them to choose
how far they want to take that journey,” Mr. Mahon explained.
For senior Elsie Jacobitz, rowing started as something simpler: community. “Being on the club team in 8th grade gave me my best friends today and such a love for the sport. I knew it was something I wanted to continue as long as I could,” Jacobitz said. Similarly, senior Ryleigh Erban’s achievements are the result of long-term commitments to the sport.
“Crew has been a big part of my life since middle school. I always knew I wanted to be a college athlete, and this sport gave me a great opportunity to do so,” Erban said. While goals like becoming a Division I athlete can feel distant, Erban’s achievement comes from consistency and ambition.
For senior Justin Northcott, his journey required dedication and discipline.
“I put in a lot of work in training even in the off-season because crew is a really grueling sport being so cardio-based, and then I bought my own single boat so that I could practice technique on the water, but most of my minutes were getting on the erg and getting my time down,” Northcott said.
“It’s a lot like applying to a lot of jobs, but you know, wherever you pick has to have not only a good team but also a good fit for your education. Crew specifically is a bit different from other sports when it comes to recruiting, because it’s harder to show coaches your capabilities outside of your 2k erg time and how tall you are,” senior Brianna Dmowski said.
Not everyone followed the same path. Senior Skylar Skapin struggled through setbacks to achieve her goals.
“I’ve been rowing since 8th, then got hurt freshman spring season and came back my junior year in the spring. Crew is one of my few outlets that I have to get my stress out in a healthy way,” Skapin said.
After spending time away because of injuries, her return presented challenges.
“I started late. There was a very good chance that I was not going to get recruited. But over the summer and fall, I pushed myself hard. I also reached out to coaches and schools every moment I could.” That persistence paid off, not just through her efforts in the sport, but also in recognition of her character. “I got offers from a couple of schools. They loved who I was as a person and my improving stats,” Skapin said.
One constant remains in each of these athletes’ journeys: a love for their sport. “I love crew even though it’s definitely a lot of hard work and commitment. I’m really proud of myself for getting here and can’t wait to keep rowing in college,” senior Laurel Tierney said.
Coach Mahon explains that “college rowing coaches look at several aspects of a rower, and often it isn’t necessarily how well they row at the time.” What truly matters is whether the athletes show commitment, leadership, and the ability to find balance in their lives. Together, these athletes represent success stories of ELHS. Showing how devotion to the sport and being able to find a balance has not only led them to opportunities at a higher level, but given them qualities they will carry beyond rowing.
