'Novice' Helps Rowing Team Join Best in U.S.

Collin Wolf thought it might be enjoyable to start a new sport as entered his senior year at West Morris Central High School.

What he didn’t expect was to be part of a team that can claim the title of “best” this side of the Mississippi River.

Last August, Wolf, along with friend Max Casazza, started rowing for the Mountain Lakes Rowing Club, according to his dad, Greg Wolf. Collin Wolf showed a quick knack for the new sport, and qualified for the 8-man varsity boat.

Wolf and his team competed in the world’s largest regatta, “The Head of the Charles,” in October, where the team performed comparably with many of the college teams on hand, Greg Wolf said.

After months of training, Mountain Lakes coach Robert Welsh compiled a four-man boat from members of the club to compete in spring races. Wolf was named to the team, and subsequently placed third in the Mid-Atlantic Championships in May.

Because the Mountain Lakes program is so young, the team used a loaner boat from Blair Academy – who was edged out by Wolf and gang in the competition.

The showing qualified the team to compete in the national championships in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

The competition comprised of Olympic hopefuls and the best rowers from a field of 1,200 participants throughout the country. Twenty-four teams competed in the event with Mountain Lakes team; Wolf and company advanced to the top-12 in the first heat and advanced again to the top-6 in the second heat.  

Wolf went from novice to noticed in a heartbeat, as the Mountain Lakes team finished fourth in the championship race – the best of any team from east of the Mississippi.

Wolf’s teammates include Scott Bouzane; Sean O’Dowd; Michael Gregory; and Jack Conlin (Coxswain).

Information provided by Greg Wolf.