Rowing team in Jacksonville lost in court but won on the water

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A local rowing team is national champs following months of hardships. Action News Jax has followed the legal battles involving the Evan Rowing Club since last year.

Coach Ronnie Evans and his girls had to practice for a national championship and prepare for court at the same time.

“I was so stressed out and so nervous about my career of rowing,” said Carly Red, who is on the team.

For months, neighbors complained about the Evans Rowing Club in their Mandarin neighborhood and said they were loud and caused traffic to back up in front of their homes.

In September, the city of Jacksonville admitted to mistakenly issuing a certificate of use to the business.

After a court hearing in April, a judge ruled the club could no longer use the property.

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“We’ve had a lot of difficulties moving from place to place. We really never knew where to go,” said Red.

They eventually found another place, adapted to their new home and kept working.

These girls have learned life is a lot like rowing; things can be tough, but if you battle through the obstacles, you can win.

“Never give up, just never give up,” said Emily Haynes.

“It has taught me to persevere and never give up on things you’ve worked for in your whole life,” Red said.

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Cox Media Group