Ridgewood Crew performed exceptionally last weekend at the Stotesbury Cup, the largest high school regatta in the world. The regatta, an 88-year old tradition, is sponsored by Toyota and unites more than 5,000 athletes each year. Over 200 high schools gathered to compete in this renowned competition this year, traveling from as far as Canada. The Maroons arrived at the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia on Friday, May 15 and departed the following afternoon.
The girls varsity double, seniors Bridget Callaghan and Julia Hefferon, achieved a major accomplishment for both the team and themselves by placing first in their heat. The JV boats also placed; both girls and boys JV quads earned a silver medal. For the boys, this includes Will Creedon, Brendan Caltavuturo, Colin Wilkinson, and Charlie Koontz. The girls quad includes Claire Callaghan, Jordan Wittmaack, Melissa Dexter, and Bella DeGregorio. Additionally, the freshman boys quad placed third in their heat.
The team is looking forward to one final opportunity to get on the water before the end of the season. The Scholastic Rowing Association of America National Championships are taking place May 22 and 23 on the Cooper River in Camden, New Jersey. Six Ridgewood boats have qualified to attend the regatta by either placing first at the Garden State Championships or top two at the Philadelphia City Championships. Junior Sophia Bicks, next year’s co-captain, explains the team’s objectives for this weekend. “The team is really hoping to medal at nationals and end the season on a good note,” she states.
Competing in a total of ten races this year, Ridgewood Crew has had an extremely successful season. Sophia notes that “Almost all of the boats qualified for semifinals this year, which is a big deal.” Some of the other races they participated in include the 3rd, 4th and 5th Manny Flick, Passaic River Northern NJ Championships, and Mid-Atlantic District Junior Championship. They have traveled to Schuylkill River, West Windsor, and Cooper River to compete. One of the key events that the crew team hosted toward the beginning of their season was the annual Row-a-thon. This fundraising event takes place at Van Neste Square, where spectators can watch athletes dance with music and baked goods to add to the excitement.
Megan Collier
Sports Editor