Royals Report: The Heart of a Royal

Historic victory on the Oklahoma River
Cristo Rey OKC Catholic High School made history on Nov. 8. With a final time of 1:57.877, the school’s rowing team won first place in the High School Division of the YRL Fall Regatta at the Oklahoma City Boathouse District. It was the school’s first ever regatta victory, a milestone that reflected years of growth, dedication and belief.

For a team that started small and often raced against larger, more experienced schools, the moment represented more than athletic success. It symbolized perseverance, season after season, and a community that kept believing in the possibility of a breakthrough. 

Leadership on the water

Boys rowing captain James Cortez-Rodriguez, a current senior, has been a steady presence throughout the season. Known for his calm focus and reliability, he worked to set an example for other rowers, helping them grow more confident during practice and time trials. He often reminded teammates to row with purpose and to keep faith at the center of their efforts.

As he described it, the goal was always “to row for something bigger than ourselves.”
Girls’ captain Tatiana Vierling, a junior, brought encouragement and determination to the team. She helped create a welcoming environment where new rowers felt comfortable learning the sport and where experienced rowers stayed motivated. Her leadership was especially important during challenging practices when the team was pushing to improve its timing and synchronization. For her, the victory was proof of what consistent teamwork can achieve.

A first-time coxswain steps up
The regatta also highlighted the work of Andrea Armbruster, a current freshman, who is the team’s new coxswain, making her racing debut at the event. Handling the role for the first time brought nerves, yet her preparation paid off.

She guided the boat with clarity, keeping rowers aligned and steady during the most intense sections of the race. Her confidence grew with every call and every practice. She helped the crew maintain rhythm as they approached the finish line.

Coach Gena’s steady guidance
The heart of the rowing team is coach Gena Terrill, who has led Cristo Rey’s rowing team for three seasons. Her coaching combines discipline, patience and a belief in each student’s potential. Over each season, she has helped the rowing team grow from a handful of curious students to a team capable of competing at a championship level. Saturday’s win reflected not only the rowers’ strength, but her time and commitment as well.

The growth of a team
Cristo Rey OKC’s rowing program started with limited members and little experience. Many students who joined had never touched an oar before high school.

What kept the program moving was the sense of purpose and community students found on the water. As the team expanded, its goals did, too, and the idea of winning a regatta slowly became a shared dream. This fall, that dream finally became reality.

Faith and teamwork at the core
While the final time and trophy are memorable, many rowers said they will remember the unity they felt during the race. Before launching, the team shared a moment of prayer, asking for strength, focus and the ability to work as one.

Rowing demands total trust – every stroke and movement must align. Throughout the race, each rower relied on their teammates to maintain power and rhythm, and the calm direction from their coxswain helped keep the boat steady. Their teamwork developed through long practices, which carried them across the finish line.

Looking toward the future
The victory energized the Cristo Rey community of students, alumni, families and supporters. It marks a turning point for the rowing team and sets a new standard for future seasons.

For captains James and Tatiana, the win is both a celebration and the beginning of something bigger. With strengthened confidence, a supportive community, and a foundation built on faith and unity, the team looks forward to what lies ahead on the Oklahoma River.


Photo: (Above) Cristo Rey OKC Catholic High School rowing team won first place in the High School Division of the YRL Fall Regatta. Photos provided.