Two members of Central Catholic High School's rowing team have been selected to take part in USRowing's Junior Men's National Development Camp this summer.

Rower Ryan Meder, 16, and coxswain Matt Clair, 17, are among only 30 16- and 17-year-old male athletes who were chosen for the prestigious camp. They'll compete for spots on the Junior National Rowing Team and the opportunity to compete in Mexico later this summer.

USRowing is a nonprofit organization recognized by the U.S. Olympic Committee as the governing body for the sport of rowing in the United States. This year the four-week camp will be held in Pittsburgh, with the Three Rivers Rowing Association acting as host.

The young men selected for the camp will learn more about the technical aspects of the rowing stroke, weight training and nutrition. They'll also be given tips on what it takes to meet the expectations that come with rowing at the international level. The camp will be conducted from June 21 to July 19.

"It's a great opportunity to train and improve for next season," said Ryan, a sophomore.

"I'm looking forward to being able to compete at a higher level," said Matt, a junior.

His interest in rowing was kindled because his older brother had been on the Central Catholic team, Matt Clair said. "Going to the meets, it looked really interesting, really fun," he said.

"My mom did some light rowing in college," Ryan Meder said. "She suggested I give it a try. I ended up loving it."

What he likes best about rowing is the competition, Ryan said. "There's a lot of sacrifice in rowing -- time, energy -- but because there is so much sacrifice, the rewards are greater," he said.

For Matt, the attraction of rowing is simpler: "I love winning," he said.

"They're both really great guys who've worked really hard for this," said Jay Hammond, the head rowing coach at Central Catholic. "Having been selected recognizes that they have a very high level of talent and is a testament to the hard work they've put in.

"It's also an honor for Central Catholic and our rowing program," Mr. Hammond said. "It shows the extent to which the program has matured that we are capable of turning out such good athletes. We're very excited about it."

The Central Catholic team trains at the Three Rivers Rowing Association's Millvale facility.

"We are excited to see our rowers included in this elite and talented group," said TRRA Executive Director Rick Brown.

Two area girls also were selected for prestigious camps by USRowing.

Sarah Trovato, 17, of Quaker Valley High School, was one of 30 girls selected for a rowing camp that will be held at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn., from June 22 to July 5.

Sarah's sister Katie, 16, will attend the Junior B Development Camp from June 22 to July 12 at the Quinsigamond Rowing Association in Worcester, Mass.