ANNA ARDIEL OF SCS CANADIAN HIGH SCHOOL ROWING CHAMPION

Left to Right:  Henry Jarowicz, Sue Fairley, Anna Ardiel, Jim Dover

Anna Ardiel of SCS became a Canadian High School Rowing Champion by winning gold while Ross Fairley of Port Dover CS and Laura Fisher of Holy Trinity advanced to the finals at the 60th Annual Canadian Secondary School Regatta Association Championships on the weekend in St. Catharines.

Competing in the Senior Women’s 63kg Single event against scullers from as far away as British Columbia and New Brunswick as well as the United States, Ardiel advanced to the finals with the fastest time of the day in her category. In the final, Ardiel placed first - a full five seconds ahead of second place. “I had my best race. Had I not won, I still would have been satisfied!” said Ardiel. According to coach Sue Fairley, “Anna rowed a picture perfect race. She led all the way with a solid finish proving she has achieved a high level of fitness and technique this year.”

In the Senior Women’s Single, Laura Fisher advanced to the final by winning her heat in a field of nineteen scullers. Fisher created a lot of anticipation amongst coaches going into the finals by beating the local favourite soundly in her heat. However, in the final Fisher capsized with just two hundred meters to go while in third place. Fisher was unable to finish. “What a heartbreak!” said Fairley. “But Laura’s accomplishments this year have not gone unnoticed by high performance rowers and coaches. It was so heartwarming to see the medal winners run up to Laura after the race and throw their arms around her. Like Anna, she’s earned a lot of respect in the Canadian and American rowing community and there is nothing better than respect from your peers..”

Ross Fairley earned his way to the finals in the Senior Men’s 72kg Single event amongst a field of twenty seven scullers by placing second in his heat and third in his semi-final. In the final, Fairley placed sixth overall just twelve seconds back from first place in a very tight race. “Ross, Laura and Anna all have another year of high school rowing left. They’re already talking about the possibilities next year.” said Susan Fairley.

Other crews competing were the Senior Women’s Heavy Cox Four, Junior Men’s Heavy Cox Four and Senior Men’s Heavy Cox Four from Valley Heights. SCS also had a Junior Men’s Heavy Double as well as a Senior Men’s 72kg single competing. The Canadian Secondary School Regatta Association Championships are held annually in St. Catharines with approximately 2,500 high school rowers from across Canada and the United States participating.

For more information regarding the Canadian Secondary School Regatta Championships, you can visit:

http://www.cssrarowing.ca