Princeton University Athletics
Players Mentioned
Princeton Trio Heading To Junior World Rowing Championships
August 03, 2010 | Heavyweight Rowing, Men's Rowing - Lightweight
A trio of incoming recruits will get a taste of top international racing before they begin their own collegiate careers. Lightweight Nader Al-Naji (US 2x) and heavyweights Paul Popescu (US 8+) and Cameron Smith (AUS 4x) will represent the Princeton rowing program in international waters this week. The trio is in Racice, Czech Republic, for the 2010 Junior World Championships.
The competition, which you can read about here, begins August 5th and lasts through the 8th.
Popescu grew up in Princeton, although he graduated from Montgomery High School. The captain of his high school crew, Popescu rowed in the top 8+ at development camp in 2009; he finished 12th in youth 8+ at 2010 Youth Nationals and 8th in youth 4+ at 2009 Youth Nationals.
Smith has rowed for Gregory Terrace and Commercial Rowing Club in Brisbane, Australia. He has won a gold medal at Australian Nationals and is a two-year member of the national program.
Al-Naji grew up in Alexandria, Va., and rowed for Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology.