The sun was shining, the music was pumping, and just like that—Wave 1 was climbing onto the ergs. After a quick countdown, the roar of 5000-meter sprints filled the erg room, fans whirring louder than anything else in the building. And with that, the first-ever JVC Rodeo was underway. An event that we feel strongly that Jon would have loved to be a part of! A NAC event that showcased multiple disciplines and grit!
This event brought together over 70 athletes from across all NAC programs—outrigger, rowing, junior, masters, and even a few brave parents—for a morning of fitness, fun, and a whole lot of sweat. Whether participants went full Iron (doing all three events solo) or teamed up relay-style, the energy was high and the support even higher.
Each competitor tackled:
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5,000m on the erg
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A scenic 5K run through the hills of Dover Shores
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A paddle of any single craft into the upper back bay and finish at NAC!
Our winning relay team crushed the course with an all-star lineup:
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Maddox Russell (Junior Rower) on the erg
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Elliott Harrington on the run
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Robbie Moralice (NAC Staff) on the K1
And the Iron division champ? NAC Outrigger Coach Will Reichenstein, who powered through all three events on his own. After getting passed during the run, Will turned on the afterburners in the final leg, making up the gap on the paddle and sealing the win with a strong finish up the finish line chute.
A big shoutout to Newport Rib Company for the post-race feast that brought everyone together after the sweat—BBQ never tasted so good.
But beyond the finish lines and splits, the best part of the day was seeing our community come together. The JVC Rodeo was built as a nod to the grit and grind that makes NAC what it is, but it was also a reminder that we’re more than just athletes—we’re teammates, coaches, families, and friends who show up for each other.
From relay teams made up of first-time paddlers to groms doing pushups at the grit stations, it was all smiles, high-fives, and raffle tickets (congrats to whoever scored that Yeti cooler!).
This race is named in honor of Jon Van Cleave — NAC founding board member, athlete, coach, and all-around legend who brought heart, hustle, and humor to everything he did.
We’re already looking ahead to the next round. Until then, thank you to everyone who showed up, cheered on, and helped make this event possible. The NAC community is something special—and on Sunday, it showed up in full rodeo style. 🤠
Let’s ride.
