The weather in Philadelphia on Friday was as inhospitable as imaginable, with heavy rains throughout the day. Liberal use of hay–and the construction of a drainage ditch by 
some intrepid sophomore rowers–provided some relief inside our tent. Outside, however, it was another story, with conditions like something out of the Middle Ages. Flooding ultimately led to cancellation of some Saturday races, but all Hopper boats–a men’s junior 8 and women’s and men’s senior 4s–were able to complete their races. It was, in the end, a very memorable conclusion to the season and to the Hopper rowing careers of our 
five seniors: Brittany, Matthew, Natalie, Trino, and Ian. We thank them for their dedication and leadership, and wish them the best as they head to college. Thanks to all the parents who made the trip to cheer on our crew, and to those who volunteered throughout the year to ensure a successful season.
From men’s coach Alan Burch:
“The two men’s boats raced very well at Stotesbury, probably their best races of the year. The men’s junior 8 embraced the pouring rain, and raced with synchronized abandon, holding form respectably while putting out what looked to me like their most energy and spirited fight all year. I saw continued improvement in their timing and bladework. They finished ahead of three other boats in an incredibly deep field of talented crews. They reported pride in their race afterwards. I look forward to working with these kids next year as the core of the men’s program.
“The senior 4 also reported feeling good about their race. Sadly for me, I got caught downstream on shore and missed them as they rowed by, but reports from the sidelines were that they looked good, consistent with the rowers’ reports afterwards. They finished 41st out of 52, ahead of Wilson, DeMatha and many other, larger programs. They reported that they rowed well together and, like the 8, they too embraced the pouring rain. These guys have set high standards for themselves, and their positive reports speak well to a successful campaign for the season and–for the seniors in the boat–their high school rowing experience.
“And yes, it rained hard all day long, but we all made it work as part of the adventure. The rowers built a drainage canal around the tent, to keep us from having our own private river flowing thru the tent. The tent was ideally located on the riverbank for watching the races. The heavy rain Friday resulted in currents on Saturday that were too strong for racing, so the remaining races were cancelled, but that did not affect our schedule since our races were on Friday.
“This was my first Stotesbury and I come away impressed with how well run the regatta is, and how deep the competition is there. The team got a lot out of it as well, making it well worth the trip. Special thanks to Kathy Hudson for coming up to cheer us on in the rain. The hotel and bus arrangements worked out well, so thanks to the parents for that.
“On the bus back from Philly, I handed out feedback forms to the team for their thoughts on the year and what worked and didn’t work by the coaches. I will read them over carefully and add their ideas to the mix for how to improve things for next year. I look forward to any feedback and suggestions from the parents as well.”
From women’s coach Kalhan Koul:
“The Women’s Senior Four had a great race at Stotes, finishing 44th out of 53 boats, ahead of local rivals Holton-Arms, Walter Johnson, and Hylton. The girls felt that it was their best race of the season, and it certainly looked like it watching from the shore. They had a great start, where they were able to get up to full speed prior to crossing the start line (which had been a problem in the past), and had a controlled base rate of 30 strokes a minute. Although we generally prefer a slightly higher stroke rating of about 32 strokes/minute, the girls were rowing long with control and ratio. We will take a controlled 30 over an uncontrolled 32 any day of the week. In addition, the girls stated that the boat did not get heavy at any point during the race, and they were able to pick up the rate nicely for the sprint to 34 strokes/minute (again in control). Furthermore, the boat was also able to hold off the crew behind them for the bulk of the race, holding the margin until the sprint. All in all, it was a great way to end the season, and a building block for future races to come.”
Photos from Stotesbury are available on the pictures page of the website. Thanks to Nilotpol Mitra (Trino’s father) for taking the photos.
Keven Vance
2014 Crew Club President