Nearly 700 students across North America compete at 79th rowing championship in St. Catharines

A weekend of high-powered competition kicked off Friday in St. Catharines as athletes from across North America take part in the Annual Canadian Secondary Schools Rowing Association Championship.

The competition is attracting high school rowers from the United States as well as across Canada to compete in the internationally known Henley Regatta course.

One American athlete says it’s where legends are made. Over three days, almost 700 rowers will compete in these events, ending with senior men’s and senior women’s eight person crew finals.

On the water, the high schoolers say it’s a matter of teamwork and perseverance.

“You’re so focused and everybody’s just trying to do their best, and just make it to the finish line,” said Natalie Simpson from Ridley College.

“It’s physically difficult, but most of all you encourage yourself to keep going, even when it’s tough,” said Rachel Mason from Ridley College.

The rowing association says there are 677 athletes from 31 schools competing this weekend,. including schools from the U.S. with its heavyweight rowing history.

Organizers say this is a prestigious event that attracts rowers from across Canada — every province, and from across the United States.

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“I’ve heard so much about St. Catharines and this race course, and when we got here it was more than I had expected and better,” said Walter Johnson High School coach from Maryland, Christopher Graves. “It’s been beyond nice.”

They’re drawn to this event by a course where world competitions are held.

“Rowing where the legends row — this is the Canadian Henley Course and rowing here is an honour, and having the boys being able to experience that water and hopefully have to see that water,” said Walter Johnson High School coach from Maryland, Emma Fisher.

Canadians say they’re finding out they can compete with the best.

“People always say that rowing in the States is different, because it is bigger, but so far we’ve had lots of success bringing down some of these big bad American crews,” said Ashton Kidd from Ridley College.

They could be looking at the start of new Canadian legends.

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“Maybe if I get good enough trying to represent Canada — that’s kind of big,” said Aiden MacPhail from Ridley College.

The organizers say these could be the hardest working athletes in the schools, training year-round and overcoming setbacks.

“Working together as a team, working to pull together, working through the hard parts when they catch a crab — that’s when your oar catches and the water you go ‘whoops’ and it stops the boat, but they have to regain their recovery and keep going,” said Linda Dirks from the Secondary Schools Rowing Association.

Veterans say it’s a sport where young athletes learn lessons that pay off in life.

“A lot of them have good scholarships and a good career,” said former rower Jim Webb. “A rower — they’re very dedicated.”

“If you’re winning, it’s the best thing that can happen, if you’re not winning it’s a step in the right direction that you want to take in your life,” said former rower Bill Van Ruyven.

The races are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, and the organizers say they’ll go ahead, even if there’s rain tomorrow.

The only thing that could lead to a break in the action would be signs of lightning, with the finals due Sunday.