Locust Valley Siblings Win State Rowing Titles, Headed To Nationals

LOCUST VALLEY, NY — Locust Valley High School siblings have been named state champions and are now headed to nationals.

Izabella and Oliver Watson earned the titles of New York State Scholastic Rowing Champions last month in Saratoga, where they competed against top crews from across the state with their Oak Neck Rowing Academy teams.

At the state regatta, Izabella and her teammates placed first in the girls' varsity quadruple sculls, while Oliver and his crew took first in the boys’ freshman quadruple sculls.

They are now working towards this month's regatta in Sarasota, Florida: The U.S. Rowing Youth National Championships.

Their father, a sailor, and their older brother, Orlando — who currently rows at Dartmouth College — introduced them to the sport.

Izabella said rowing demands both mental and physical toughness, especially in extreme conditions.

"One thing people focus on with rowing is the athletic part of it and the drive you need for strength and cardio, but you have to be mentally driven to want to practice even if it's 28 degrees and there's ice on the water," she said.

She added that teamwork is essential, even when multiple rowers are in the same boat.

Oliver said he helps motivate his crew during races with constant encouragement.

"I love to give these little calls and mantras," he said. "I can feel the change in the boat when I'm on the water and I'm telling them come on, let's push it, let's bleed speed."