Mid-Del’s first rowing team takes second at State

By Alyssa Dalley-Schofield
Midwest City Beacon

Mid-Del’s first ever rowing team took second at the state competition May 13 at the Oklahoma River in downtown Oklahoma City.

The team consists of nine high school students from the Mid-Del School District. 

The first competition for the state championship title was seven hours of racing against 16 other teams with eliminating rounds until the semifinals and the finals. The finals included three teams, with Mid-Del finishing runner-up.

“They did great, they rowed their hearts out. They all felt like they weren’t going to do well at the competition because they’ve never done it before and then they just gave it their all and they got second,” said head coach Madyson Roark. 

Upcoming Midwest City High School senior, Makayla Haughton joined the team after attending Gear Up where she was able to practice with the University of Central Oklahoma girls rowing team. 

“It felt amazing and surreal because we knew how long all the other teams had been practicing and all the hours they had clocked in comparison to us. I personally thought we were going to place at least third so I was more proud than anything,” said Haughton. 

Carl Albert’s upcoming sophomore, Merrick Collier joined the team in search of new opportunities. 

“My experience on the team was overall very positive and insightful. Being in a new environment and trying a new sport is definitely interesting but it was so fun and I’m so thankful for the friendships I made,” said Collier.

Both Haughton and Collier plan to continue with the team and take on the next state competition.

“It was so fun being able to see all of our hard work being displayed and we were excited about being rewarded for it. No more second place finishes though; we plan on winning all future regattas,” said Collier.