By Gabe Lefkowitz

Junior Lucas Cowen started rowing in ninth grade for a club team. Cowen’s team travels around the northeast to compete in various regattas; while there, he is also scouted by college coaches. Cowen practices at a facility in Port Washington for 2.5-3 hours six days a week. Being someone who takes crew very seriously, Cowen works out on his day off from crew, and he has seen a lot of success due to his dedication. He has won over 15 medals, but his most impressive achievement is participating twice in the Head of the Charles competition, a race that only admits the best crew teams from around the world. Additionally, Cowen has won the Four Event at states. The men’s coach for Port Washington is a two-time Olympic silver medalist and one-time Olympic gold medalist; however, Cowen said, “It’s a very easy-going environment because not everyone is there to be an Olympian. Some kids are just there to have fun. There’s a place for everyone on the team.”