Atlanta Junior Rowing Association Wins Gold at USRowing RowFest Summer Nationals
Atlanta Junior Rowing Association
Jul 20, 2025
An inspiring performance in Ann Arbor earned AJRA a national title.
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The Atlanta Junior Rowing Association (AJRA) struck gold at the 2025 USRowing RowFest Summer National Championships, held July 12–20 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Competing against top junior programs from across the nation and highlighted by the Men’s 4+ - who delivered an awesome performance to capture the national championship title and bring home gold for Atlanta.
RowFest, USRowing’s premier Summer championship event, brings together thousands of athletes for a weeklong festival of elite competition, training, and development. AJRA’s Men’s 4+ lineup — Carter Whitley (stroke), Gavin Croom, Mason Mims, Grant Landefeld and Blake Estroff (cox) — raced with precision and power throughout the event, finishing first in their heat and then winning the final in decisive fashion.
“It was another great summer attending RowFest! Our summer racing program has proven to be very beneficial for our team. It really allows the athletes to take a big step forward with their speed and technique" said Coach Zach Smarr, Men's Head Coach of the Atlanta Junior Rowing Association. "This summer, we had the opportunity to go to Ann Arbor, Michigan. In addition to racing, we were able to tour the University of Michigan campus thanks to alums Gracie Landefeld and Zoe Bishop. Racing went very well overall. It was highlighted by a gold in the Men’s Varsity 4+, 2nd place in the Men’s u17 2x, and a really strong 4th in the Women's 4-. We loved to see the hard work over summer and we are looking forward to another great Racing Camp next summer.”
Founded in Roswell, Georgia, and training on the Chattahoochee River, AJRA supports over 200+ junior athletes from across the Atlanta area. The program continues to build on its tradition of competitive excellence and athlete development, producing high-performing crews that consistently represent the Southeast on the national stage.
Media Contact:
Jeremy Estroff
Atlanta Junior Rowing Association