Dimond Students Participate in Rowing

Many students at Dimond participate in a school sponsored sport of some kind, whether it be swimming or skiing, basketball or track.

However, some students enjoy sports that are independent from the school. One of these sports is rowing, which takes place over the summer.

Dimond Seniors Amy Cordell and Jasmine Langman both compete in rowing through the Anchorage Rowing Association (ARA).

The ARA was established in 1998 and today provides a variety of classes, rowing teams and competitions for rowing enthusiasts in and around Anchorage. The ARA also has a junior rowing program, which welcomes rowers ages 12-18.

Cordell, who has been rowing since she was 12, was introduced to the sport by her father, who knew one of the founders of ARA.

Langman has rowed for the past four years, three of which have been in Anchorage with the ARA.

The sport is challenging, as it requires precision, teamwork and communication. However, both Cordell and Langman welcome and enjoy these challenges.

“Once I rowed a half-marathon. It was the hardest thing I have ever done, but it was awesome,” said Cordell. “Rowing has taught me to value hard work. The more effort you put in on the water, the better it feels when you beat the other boats at the finish line.”

Langman also values the life lessons she has learned while rowing.

“In rowing, everyone is looking at the back in front of them and nobody can really see each other, so it forces everyone to work together towards a common goal to get better and row together,” Langman said. “Communication is important because otherwise adjustments can’t be made.”

Rowing has also taught Langman to get along with a variety of people.

“It gets frustrating with people who aren’t as in love with the sport as I am and don’t try. Rowing is the ultimate team sport, so when our team isn’t super united it can be difficult.

“Also sometimes there are tensions between the novices and varsity rowers, so getting everyone to know each other helps unite and build the team.”

Despite the challenges of such an intense team sport, both Langman and Cordell love competing and making friends with other teen rowers.

“My favorite part of rowing is getting out on the water and getting a good workout in. Finding my rhythm and being able to move through the water so that it looks effortless is an amazing feeling and something I’m still working on,” said Langman. “Our team is also growing and it is fun to have a bunch of young people who are passionate about rowing.”

Said Cordell, “I made a lot of friends through rowing – I still talk to the people I rowed with four years ago.”

Cordell has received a rowing scholarship from San Diego State University, so her rowing career will continue well outside of high school. Langman also plans to row in college, but is not yet sure where.

Cordell, for her part, is “absolutely ecstatic to row in college.”

“I can’t wait to represent my team and meet all the girls I’ll be rowing with,” Cordell said. “I really fell in love with rowing when I was 12, and the rest is history.”