Simsbury Crew rows to victory at Connecticut Public Schools Regatta

NEW PRESTON, CT - Simsbury Crew emerged the winner of the Fred Emerson Points Trophy in addition to the varsity boys winning the title of state champions at the 2017 Connecticut Public Schools Rowing Association regatta at Lake Waramaug on Sunday, May 21. Facing competition from seven other Connecticut public schools, Simsbury Crew varsity boats finished first or second in each of their races.

“I could not be more pleased for our team” said Ann Carabillo, Simsbury boys’ varsity head coach. “From the beginning of the winter they set goals for themselves and came back this spring prepared to attack those goals. Everyone bought in and we have become one solid team.” Mark Raymond, Simsbury girls’ varsity coach added, “I continue to be amazed by our outstanding athletes, coaches, parents, and alumni. Again this year we showed our depth and commitment to excellence with outstanding athlete performances, team support, and camaraderie.”

First Varsity Race Results

The girl’s first varsity crew went into the final knowing it was the last chance for the three seniors in the boat to get it done at the state championships. In an all-out battle to the end, East Lyme out pulled the field with a winning time of 5:03.3 to Simsbury’s 5:07.3, who received an admirable second. Powering the Simsbury Bank were Kelly Englisby, Megan Russell, Erica Bushey, Bailee Cota, Guiliana Marchetti, Lyrida Aschepkova, Izabella Kuczorski, and Julie Sojkowski, with Cam Rosenthal coxing.

The Iron Horse and the boy’s first varsity crew had a strong showing in the heats which continued into the afternoon finals. In an absolutely thrilling race which represented the best the sport has to offer, Simsbury inched out at win with a time of 4:32.4 to Stonington’s 4:32.9. In the Iron Horse were Joe Bogdan, coxswain, James Melanson, Corben Braun, Jack Donahue, Andrew Hart, Daniel Peluso, Sam DiGiacomo, Cameron DeLo, and Steven Sparks.

Second Varsity Race Results

The girls second varsity crew had a strong showing throughout the day, leading to a comfortable victory over Glastonbury, whose time of 5:23.1 was not enough to beat Simsbury’s 5:20.1. In the Wild Card was Hannah Sullivan, Taylor Jackson, Gillian Forsberg, Bianca Santiago-Douglas, Olivia Sica, Abby Hammel, Caitlin Loxton, and Emma Costello with Mike Bazzano coxing.

The boy’s second varsity crew in their boat Pedersen Architects had their best race of the season winning by open water with a time of 4:39.7 ahead of Glastonbury, Stonington, Farmington, Avon and Guilford. Rowing in the Pedersen were Chris Harvill, Elias Hanna, John Cody, James Hammel, Chris Peer-Groves, Tim Cody, Jake Royce and Joey Connors, with Victoria LaPointe coxing.

Third Varsity Race Results

The girl’s third varsity crew in their boat Pursuit moved well off the line and were in control early on in their final. Holding a solid second to Farmington for the duration of the race, the girls were rowed through in the final moments, finishing third, with a time of 5:36.0 to Farmington’s 5:35.5, with East Lyme taking first. Rowing the Pursuit were Brianna Gaffney, Cassidy Correll, Eleanor Potter, Lucy O’Sullivan, Paige Sciallis, Millie Malloy, Madelyn Dempsey, Elena Marchetti with Brennan McDermott coxing.

The boy’s third varsity made their presence known from the start in the state championship finals. They rowed a strong race, taking an early lead and holding it throughout the race to finish with a remarkable time of 4:47.4 to Glastonbury’s second place time of 5:09.8. Rowing in Betsy’s Legacy were Kevin Kruszewski, Zachary LePage, Patrick Sheridan, Adam Stine, Wilson Potter, Kyle Shaw, Aidan Schoffstall, Wyatt Jacobson with Ian Wilson coxing.

Novice Race Results

The novice boys advanced from the qualifying heats to the afternoon final. In the crew’s first state championship final, Simsbury rowed a strong start. As the race progressed, Simsbury could not keep with the leaders and finished 5th. Rowing the Holden were Sam Medina, Alex Wielebnicki, Kyle Pilon, Billy Rose, Dade Crofton, Luke Pace, CJ Murphy, Josh Picoult and coxing Jason Sherry.

This Saturday, Simsbury faces fierce competition from all over New England at their final race, the New England Regional Championship at Lake Quinsigamond in Worcester.

Get the full results at row2k.com