16 Podium Finishes for Catawba at Biggest Dogwood Masters Ever
Twenty-six Catawba crew members traveled to Oak Ridge, Tennessee, for the 2026 Dogwood Masters Regatta on May 30. Throughout the day, rowers demonstrated versatility by competing in multiple events and persistent rain.
Twenty-six Catawba crew members traveled to Oak Ridge, Tennessee, for the 2026 Dogwood Masters Regatta on May 30, 2026. Throughout the day, rowers demonstrated versatility by competing in multiple events and persistent rain. Their efforts paid off with a total medal haul of 16: 2 gold, 6 silver, and 8 bronze.
Organizers reported this year's event as the largest Dogwood Masters Regatta ever, bringing together 42 clubs and 341 entries from across the region. CYC entered 27 boats across a wide range of events, from singles and doubles to quads, fours, and eights.
Leading the way were Catawba's gold medal performances. Vlad Avramenko captured gold in the Men's Masters A 1x, while Catawba's Mixed 2x of Celeste Knittel and Alan Cosgrove prevailed in the Mixed Masters G-H 2x.
Along with those victories, the team earned six silver medals and eight bronze medals across multiple age groups and boat classes. Of note, the Men's Masters 8+ raced down age groups (G to a D) and otherwise would have been gold.
The day began with less-than-ideal weather. Rain greeted competitors early in the morning and continued on and off through much of the first half of the regatta.
Fortunately, Catawba came prepared, bringing three tents that quickly became gathering spots for rowers, coxswains, and supporters looking to stay dry between races. Spirits remained high as crews spent their races battling tough competitors and the elements.
As often happens at regattas, the weather swung to the other extreme. The sun emerged after midday. The result was a warm, humid afternoon, and that tested athletes in a different way than the morning showers had.
Catawba's athletes and supporters handled the day with teamwork and determination. One of the busiest stretches came during the mid-morning racing block, when roughly half a dozen boats were launching, racing, or recovering within a 90-minute window. Launch and recovery became a carefully choreographed operation as crews rotated equipment and athletes moved between events.
The day reminded all of what makes masters rowing special: racing hard, camaraderie among teammates, and adapting to whatever nature provides.
Congratulations to all of Catawba's competitors, coaches, volunteers, and supporters.
Catawba Yacht Club Results
Gold (2)
- Vladyslav Avramenko – Mens Masters 1x AA-A
- Knittel/Cosgrove – Mixed Masters 2x G-H
Silver (6)
- Mens Masters 4x D
- Mens Masters 4x G
- Mens Masters 8+ D,G
- Womens Masters 4+ C
- Mixed Masters 4+ C
- Womens Masters 2x B (39-42)
Bronze (8)
- Mens Masters 4x G
- Womens Masters 4x A-B
- Mixed Masters 2x B
- Womens Masters 2x AA-A
- Mens Masters 2x B
- Mens Masters 2x H-I
- Mixed Masters 8+ B-C
- Mixed Masters 4x F-I