Men’s Rowing Program

WPCMensTeam_States2026.jpg
RecruitmentSelect - 25.png
RecruitmentSelect - 5.png
RecruitmentSelect - 35.png
RecruitmentSelect - 39.png
IMG_9342.JPG
RecruitmentSelect - 6.png
RecruitmentSelect - 2.png
DSC03353.jpeg
RecruitmentSelect - 11.png
DSC03213.jpeg
RecruitmentSelect - 8.png
DSC03191.JPG
RecruitmentSelect - 20.png
RecruitmentSelect - 15.png
RecruitmentSelect - 18.png
RecruitmentSelect - 19.png
RecruitmentSelect - 24.png
RecruitmentSelect - 29.png
RecruitmentSelect - 34.png
DSC02834.jpeg
850_5081.JPG

The Winter Park Crew Men’s Rowing Program provides athletes the opportunity to train and compete as part of one of Florida’s most established youth rowing programs. From first-year rowers to experienced athletes, the program emphasizes technical development, strength, teamwork, and consistent improvement in a competitive team environment.

Our Middle School Rowing Program gives younger athletes a strong introduction to the sport, with focused instruction in rowing fundamentals, fitness, teamwork, and preparation for high school competition.

  • Men’s athletes compete at major scholastic and youth regattas throughout Florida, the Southeast, and nationally. Led by Head Coach Hugh Tompkins and backed by more than 65 years of Winter Park Crew tradition, the Men’s Program develops athletes to compete at a high level while building the discipline, leadership, and work ethic that prepare them for collegiate rowing and success beyond the sport.

  • The season runs from August through May, with competition at regattas in Florida and throughout the east coast. Athletes have opportunities to compete for state and national championships, pursue collegiate rowing recruitment, and experience some of the highest levels of youth rowing competition in the nation.

Men’s Program Accomplishments

Winter Park Crew Men has a long history of success at the state, regional, and national levels, earning championship titles and medals across multiple boat classes. The 2025–26 season continued that tradition:

  • Florida Scholastic Overall State Champions while earning a silver medal in the Men's Pair and bronze medals in the Men's Lightweight 8+ and Men's 2nd Freshman 8+.

  • USRowing Southeast Youth Championships: Silver medal in the Men's Youth 4+, earning a podium finish against the region's top youth programs.

  • SRAA Scholastic National Championships: The Men's Program capped the season with three nationally ranked finishes, placing 5th in the Lightweight 4+, 9th in the Freshman 8+, and 12th overall in the Senior 8+.

Alumni have continued their rowing careers at multiple collegiate programs including the University of Miami, Syracuse University, Yale University, and Stetson University.

Men’s Program Coaches

  • A man wearing a white cap and athletic sunglasses with a white T-shirt that has "Winter Park Crew" printed on it. He has a beard and appears to be outdoors at a sporting event or gathering.

    Hugh Tompkins

    Men’s Program Head Coach

    As a Winter Park Crew alumnus, former national champion at the University of Washington, and now entering his third full season as Head Men's Program Coach, Hugh Tompkins has led the program to success at the state, regional, and national levels. An long-time coach with championship experience at both the youth and masters levels, he combines a technical, data-driven approach with a commitment to developing confident, disciplined athletes and fast crews. Read more about Coach Hugh →

  • A young man with dark, shoulder-length hair standing on a beach at sunset, wearing a black jacket with emblem and light grey sweatpants, with palm trees and a crowd in the background.

    Oleksii Lipach

    Men’s Program High School Assistant Coach

    After moving to the United States from Ukraine, Oleksii found a home at Winter Park Crew as both an athlete and now an Assistant Coach. As a former Winter Park Crew rower, he brings firsthand experience and a passion for developing the next generation of athletes. After helping lead the Freshman Men to a Top 10 national finish last season, he is excited to continue teaching the fundamentals, confidence, and teamwork that define Winter Park Crew.

  • A team of rowers in a boat on a lake, wearing coordinated athletic gear, with the main rower flexing his arm and looking confidently at the camera.

    Gabriel Laverde

    Men’s Program Middle School Coach

    As a former rower at Lyman High School and Stetson University, Assistant Coach Gabriel Laverde is passionate about sharing the friendships, opportunities, and life lessons that rowing gave him. In 2026, he helped lead the Winter Park Crew Middle School Boys to a bronze medal in the Second Freshman 8+ at the FSRA State Championships. He believes championships are built through discipline, consistency, and doing the little things the right way. Every practice is an opportunity for athletes to build confidence and discover what they're capable of in a positive and supportive environment.

  • Teenage girl with long blonde hair smiling outdoors in front of a brick wall with flower planters, holding a black graduation cap in front of her waist.

    Lyndsey Keith

    Men’s Program Assistant Middle School Coach

    As a former Winter Park Crew athlete and recent University of Florida graduate, Assistant Coach Lyndsey Keith is excited to return to the program where her rowing journey began. A national medalist as an athlete and a former youth coach with Gainesville Area Rowing, she has helped multiple crews reach A Finals at USRowing Youth National Championships. Lyndsey is passionate about helping young athletes build confidence and discover a lifelong love for rowing. Outside of coaching, she's proud to have inspired her younger siblings to join Winter Park Crew. Her favorite rowing joke: "I can't believe we didn't win... the other boat must have been rigged!"

Join Winter Park Crew

Learn more about joining us for the 2026-2027 season. No experience necessary.

Join NOW
Join NOW