Three Lamorinda rowers helped Oakland Strokes win the club’s 26th national championship at the 2026 USRowing Youth National Championships at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota, Fla., June 11-14. The Men’s U17 8+, coached by Sean Gibel, crossed the line first in Sunday’s grand final. Campolindo High School’s Cole Grakauskas of Moraga in the two seat, Ryan Koray of Moraga in the four seat, and Head-Royce’s Hawk Coulston of Lafayette in the six seat, were in the boat.

    What set the result apart was the makeup of the crew. Two-thirds of the boat were first-year rowers who had never raced before this season. The eight sat second at the halfway mark, then put down the fastest second half in the field to win by just over two seconds. Nine Lamorinda athletes raced for Oakland Strokes at Nationals in all.

    Information about all programs is available at https://www.oaklandstrokes.org