Atomic Rowing

Last night we celebrated our 2025-2026 season, our seniors, coaches, and rowers; but it was more than that, it was a celebration of our friendships and the spirit that makes our Atomic family what it is.

The coaches provided an overview of the year for all three squads: Dev, Varsity, and Masters. Coach J.R. presented awards to the Dev rowers: congratulations to Natalie Shanafield, Gianna Kreider, Michael Kreider, Josh, Veronica Shehata, and John “Speedracer” Szluha on your awards. We can’t wait to watch you guys grow!

As is Atomic tradition, the seniors gave speeches and presented gifts to the younger rowers and coaches, including a uni, originally belonging to former Atomic rower and now Coach David Dunn, that has been handed down through several generations of rowers; some bedroom decor; and lots of meat themed gifts for Coach Scott Charette. Congratulations to our seniors Drew Rodabaugh, Charles Rogers, Milla Frazier, Gus Christian, Ruby Hill, and Marcus Sellers. You’ve left a great legacy and we will miss you!

A huge thank you to the Boosters and Banquet committee for such an amazing celebration 💛❤️💛. Even cooler, everything was sourced from local Oak Ridge businesses! Thank you to El Jinete Mexican Restaurants , 865 EVENTS , and Kim for your support!

Senior Spotlight: Milla Frazier

Milla has been with Atomic for 4 years and has made her mark as a coxswain. Milla will attend Michigan State University in the fall and plans on majoring in microbiology. After college she plans on obtaining a Master’s degree and ultimately, working as a virologist. Milla will continue coxing while at MSU for their women’s program.

Milla is so passionate and commits 110%. She is always happy to go on a side quest or drive somebody home, even if it’s inconvenient to her. She is always there when you need someone to talk to, need advice, or just need someone to listen to you when you need it.

What is the best thing about Atomic?
The way you could have the worst day or practice of your life and somehow someone would still find a way to make you smile even if they didnt mean to.

What is your favorite Atomic memory?
Nationals 2024 with the Mens U17 4+ in our finals race. We had our original B final in the morning and we were lane 2 out of 8. Everything was moving well, we started off strong, our timing and rythm was great, and then a little before the 1k, St. Andrew’s in lane 0 had their steering cable snap and their boat ran into lane 1 and missed ours by a hair. The guys were screaming at me about the boat 3ft from ramming into us, but I didnt even know what they were yelling about until we had crossed the finish line and one of them turned around to ask me, “Didn’t you hear us screaming at you about that boat?!” I in fact did not! We came in third in that final, right behind Tampa. Due to the equipment malfunction that interfered with another boat, we had a re-race at the end of the day. We finished that re-race in 2nd, beating Tampa by nearly 4 seconds, behind first by 1 second, and placing 10th overall in Nats.

Words of wisdom for younger rowers/coxswains:
Don’t try to make rowing an individual sport, let yourself be a part of a team and let that team guide you and make you a better version of yourself in rowing and outside of it. You can’t row an 8 with only 1 person.

We can’t wait to see you do great things Milla!! 💛❤️

Senior Spotlight: Marcus Sellers

Marcus graduated from Oak Ridge High School and has enlisted in the Army Reserves, as well as attending Carson-Newman University. Marcus has rowed for 3.5 years and has been a quiet leader on the team.

Marcus is kind and reassuring. He constantly works to meet individuals where there at and build them up for the team. If anyone needs help or has to have a hard conversation, Marcus is always the first to volunteer to help out. Not only that, but he notices things before most people do and makes sure that everything is always taken care of. He never hesitates to reach out to people when they need help, even if they aren’t sure themselves that they do need help. Marcus is always finding new ways to bring joy to people’s lives and always finds the good in people. He uses his compassion and honesty for the good of the team always, and works hard every day to be the best version of himself.

What is the best thing about Atomic?
I believe the best thing about Atomic is the team atmosphere and the friendships that come from working together toward common goals.

What is your favorite Atomic memory?
I think my favorite Atomic memory was when a crab was caught in our u16 coxed quad at 2023 dogwood and the boat behind us almost caught up but we recovered and went faster then we ever thought we could’ve. We medaled, it was an awesome comeback.

Words of wisdom for younger rowers:
Don’t worry about others successes and how good others are but listen to advice, take criticism, and strive to be better then yourself yesterday.

We’re so proud of you Marcus and know you will do great things and have a positive impact on those around you!

5th place in the nation for the Women’s Youth 2x.
13th place in the nation for the Women’s U16 4x+.

Congratulations to both our 2026 Youth Nationals boats on an amazing regatta! Year after year, we’re so proud of how our athletes show up on a national stage, and this year was no exception. They demonstrated tenacity, determination, resilience, composure, sportsmanship, and just all around awesomeness.

Congratulations Ruby, Ellah, Emmett, Charlotte, Ava, Fisher, and Clara on your amazing accomplishments!!

☢️ FINALS ☢️

Last one, fast one for Ellah and Ruby! Women’s Youth 2x Finals this morning at 8:15am.

GO ATOMIC!

Results: https://usrowing.regatta.time-team.com/usrowing-youth-national/2026

☢️ FINALS ☢️

This boat is so tough they get two posts in one day 💪🏼

After two lightning delays, including rowing half a race yesterday that was then pulled off the course before they could finish, they made it to the B Final!

The Women’s U16 4x+ B Final is at 10:37am this morning. Only 3.5 hours after they raced their semifinals…we said they were tough!

We’re so proud of them: they work hard, roll with the punches, and always show up with huge smiles.

Good luck Charlotte, Ava, Fisher, Clara, and Emmett!!

GO ATOMIC!

Results: https://usrowing.regatta.time-team.com/usrowing-youth-national/2026

☢️ SEMIFINALS…part 2☢️

Lookout!! There’s about to be more lightning on the course ⚡️⚡️⚡️ Lightning speed that is.

After weather delays in both their races so far, the women’s u16 4x+ takes the stage this morning to re-race their semifinals.

Good luck to the coxed quad!! Row hard and fast ⚡️

GO ATOMIC!

Results: https://usrowing.regatta.time-team.com/usrowing-youth-national/2026

☢️Semifinals☢️

Both boats qualified yesterday for semifinals today!
Women’s Youth 2x 9:27am
Women’s U16 4x+ 2:28pm

Results: https://usrowing.regatta.time-team.com/usrowing-youth-national/2026

Let’s go Atomic!!!!

☢️RACE DAY☢️

2026 Youth Nats! Time trials start this morning and we’re so excited to race!

Keep an eye on results here: https://usrowing.regatta.time-team.com/usrowing-youth-national/2026

And you can watch the racing on Overnght Media Group

Let’s GO Atomic!!!

Good luck to Ellah, Ruby, Charlotte, Ava, Fisher, Clara and Emmett! They’re in Sarasota for Youth Nationals. Racing starts tomorrow with time trials!!

Go Atomic!