Six locals are among the 2005 U.S. National Team roster for the world rowing championships in Japan beginning later this month.
In total, 19 crews will represent the United States at the 2005 FISA World Rowing Championships scheduled to run Aug. 28 to Sept. 4 in Gifu, Japan.
Among the athletes named to the team are six athletes with local ties, all of them having trained with the OARS Elite Development Program under Head Coach James Mangan at Saugatuck Rowing Club in Westport.
Sloan DuRoss, Mike Blomquist and Ken Jurkowski have been named to the men’s squad, rowing in the men’s double sculls, the men’s eight and the men’s quad, respectively.
Sharon Kriz has been named to the women’s team, rowing in the women’s eight.
Additionally, Jennifer Kaido and Nicole Sylvester have been named to the team as alternates, and will also make the trip to Japan.
The OARS Program is a non-profit organization, founded by Saugatuck Rowing Club members, to benefit and advance the interests of young athletes looking to bridge the gap between scholastic rowing and National Team opportunities.
In addition to the six athletes named to the 2005 U.S. National Team, OARS Program alum Sean Casey, a former fitness trainer at Saugatuck, will represent his native Ireland.
