Welcome to the Litchfield Hills Rowing Club (LHRC)
Home of the 2026 USRowing Youth National Champion U17 Girls’ 2x
For over 50 years the bucolic setting of Bantam Lake, Connecticut’s largest natural freshwater lake, has been home to our rowing club. Mainly comprised of members drawn from towns all over Litchfield County, we pride ourselves on being open to all. The warmth and friendliness of our members fosters teamwork, inspires our juniors, and empowers our masters. Our focus on personal growth, and the bonds our teams develop are fueling our continued success at a national level.
We row because we love it and we invite all those who might be intrigued to join us and experience the life changing benefits of a remarkable sport and club.
Success on the National Stage
Litchfield Hills Rowing Club travelled to Sarasota, FL to compete in the 2026 USRowing Youth National Championships. All 5 boats posted top-20 finishes, and our Girls’ U17 2x of Tessa Paganini and Meghan Archibald were crowned National Champions!
U17 Girls’ 2x - National Champions
S: Tessa Paganini
B: Meghan Archibald
U19 Girls’ 1x - 9th Place (B Final Champion)
Willow Schulde
U19 Boys’ 4+ - 10th Place
S: Ethan Kane
3: Ian Zitzkat
2: Cole Marcinko
B: Nick Huffstetler
Cox: Bettina McGee
U17 Girls’ 4x - 18th Place
S: Barrett McClain
3: Jency Pineda
2: Kiki Bowman
B: Avery Mazzacane
U16 Boys’ 4x+ - 20th Place
S: Thomas Green
3: Simon McLeran
2: Anderson Hayes
B: Jethro Wallace
Cox: Ruth Salsbury
Oh, the places they’ll go…
Alongside cherishing the next few weeks on Bantam Lake, our seniors are preparing for their journeys ahead. Congratulations, LHRC Class of 2026!
Ergathon 2026 – Legends of the Hidden Rowing Challenge Recap
What. A. Weekend.
317,745 meters rowed.
24 hours.
Just over $20,000 raised.
Our fifth annual Ergathon was not just a fundraiser. It was a full display of what makes LHRC special.
From parents, youth, and Masters helping set up,
To coordinating food deliveries and keeping everyone fueled around the clock,
To our youth captains kicking things off with energy and leadership,
To our middle school athletes bravely taking on their very first Ergathon,
This community showed up in every way.
Celebrating the summer of 2025 with another wonderful Head of the Swain Regatta!
Thank you to our 2025 Head of the Swain Sponsors!
The Litchfield Catering and Deli
The Silver family
The Kane family
Northwest Corner Veterinary
Popey’s Ice Cream Shoppe & Cafe
John Hanson
Newcomers Corner
New to LHRC? Learn about us!
Meet Hilly
You’ve heard of the Legend of the Space Whale who descended from space in 2012 and has been living in Bantam Lake ever since! The time has come to reveal the Whale’s name and solidify its association with LHRC. Learn more about our new mascot, Hilly!
Litchfield Hills Rowing Club is a 501(c)(3) organization, serving our community with the sport of rowing.
We are an independent USRowing Club. Youth from Lakeview High & Forman School can earn Varsity letters, and our club welcomes all youth and adults who wish to pursue the sport of rowing in all of Litchfield County and our surrounding communities.