Todd invited to USRA camp

Thibodaux rower Marion Todd knows what it’s like to stand out – and above.

“She’s already 5-foot-11, and she just turned 13,” said David Todd, Marion’s father. “She is a lot taller than other kids her age.”

Todd’s height certainly didn’t escape the attention of Eric Catalano, head coach of the United States Rowing Association’s Women’s Junior Development Team.

After a brief phone interview, Catalano asked Todd, a member of the Bayou Rowing Association, if she’d like to attend the USRA’s prestigious developmental camp, which is scheduled to run Sunday, June 17, through Tuesday, June 26, at the University of Iowa.

The decision was relatively easy.

“I’ve never gone to Iowa or don’t know anyone who has gone there, but I’m really excited because I’ll be making my first trip,” Todd explained. “Hopefully, this will help me get a rowing scholarship, and hopefully, it will help me get better as a rower.”

Todd is one of 16 girls in the country invited to attend the camp.

She also became the first Louisianian to receive an invitation from any USRA developmental program.

Rowers participating in developmental programs have an opportunity to eventually compete for positions on national, international and Olympic teams.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for Marion,” said Bayou Rowing Association coach Charles Mosley. “If she continues to row, she’ll get a lot of exposure to the sport and her educational future will be set.”

Todd has only been rowing for a little over a year. Under Mosley, she has practiced up to four days a week.

&#8220I joined because it’s good exercise and a lot of fun,” she said. &#8220The people are also really nice.”

But it took a while for the actual &#8220work” to begin.

“When she started out, there was a lot more learning about the fundamentals and techniques of rowing,” David Todd said.

“There was a lot of time spent sitting in the boat and listening. But once the kids started getting better, there was a lot more rowing.”

So far, Mosley likes what he sees in Todd.

&#8220She’s very focused, she concentrates well and really likes to row,” he said. &#8220Right now we’re still working on technique. But after she gets that down, the power will come naturally.”

When it does, watch out.

&#8220Rowing is an extremely physical activity, a total body exercise, and larger girls are able to do better,” said David Todd, who measures in at 6-foot-6.

&#8220When they get up to race pace, they really put out a lot more force.”

Marion Todd’s rowing career got a big boost when she accepted an invitation to attend a developmental camp run by the United States Rowing Association.