On Saturday (5/13) the GDS women’s varsity crew raced at the league championship
regatta, WMIRA. Although the weather was cloudy, the conditions were perfect for
a good day of racing. A strong downstream current, glassy water, and no wind
helped to set the tone for a great day of competition.
The GDS women’s varsity crew was represented by Zoe, Lily, Cecily, and Sophie.
In addition, due to an injured back, Leigh Bianchi helped to take the reins in
her first appearance as coxswain.
According to the rowers, we got off to a good start, set a strong competitive
tone and stayed with the pack for the first part of the race. As we settled into
the body of the piece, the other boats began to open up water. With five-hundred
meters left to go, we, unfortunately, hit a buoy, which threw us off kilter. We
finished in fourth place with a time of 6:17.
All-in-all, the girls raced well and we had a good showing at WMIRA.
With only three practices left before Stotesbury, we will focus our efforts on
preparing for our final race.
-Josh Gadzik
This past Saturday the Washington Metropolitan Interscholastic Rowing
Association (WMIRA) Championships were held. This race was the final race of the
GDS Novice 2017 crew team, and I’m pleased to relay that the first year rowers
went out on a promising note. The strong current and light headwind allowed for
quick races and clean rows for both men’s and women’s crews.
The GDS men’s novice four (MN4+), consisting of Christina, Amory, Cory,
Nathaniel, and Collin, had one of their better races of the season, coming
second in their final. The race started off with the men tightly packed.
Unfortunately, as they entered the body of the piece they were unable to
maintain the same pacing as the other rowers. An early sprint helped hold off
the lead boat from opening any additional water, but was not enough to secure a
first place finish. However, the gentlemen showed a great deal of maturity in
their rowing. Remaining calm despite several accidental calls and mistakes in
the execution of their race plan, the MN4+ ultimately represented GDS well and
demonstrated that they are a competitive presence on the water.
The GDS women’s novice four (WN4+) was comprised of Ethan, Natasha, Ana-Sophia,
Emily, and Talia. The novice women’s event was highly competitive this year with
multiple flights prior to the final. In their first race of the day, the GDS
WN4+ raced well and took a calculated second to reserve their stamina for the
final that they knew was coming; finishing with a time of 6:17.3. Holding back
in their flight paid dividends during the final. the ladies were hard pressed
during the body of the final to maintain their place in the top three.
Strategically making a move during an error by another team, the GDS WN4+ was
able to take and hold the lead they needed to cement their second place position
in the WMIRA championships, finishing with an impressive time of 6:08. The women
were honored during the award ceremony and walked away with some very nice
neckwear. (Photos posted to website)
It’s been a great season and I look forward to seeing this year’s novice crew
continue on to future success in their varsity career. I hope they bring their
competitive drive when they return next year!
-Kyle Pepin
