Athletics
Meet Summaries
Crew, Spring 2010
Girl's Senior 8+ - NYS Scholastic Rowing Championshipos - Bronze Medalists
(L to R): Annie Hargrave, Emily Dollar, Annie Speranza, Andrea Alverde, Shibani Das, Emily Morley, Brittany Cuff, Andrea Toomey, Kelsey Sausville
Girl's Senior 8+ - NYS Scholastic Rowing Championshipos - Bronze Medalists
Standing (L to R): Annie Hargrave, Annie Speranza, Andrea Alverde, Emily Morley, Kelsey Sausville
Kneeling (L to R): Emily Dollar, Shibani Das, Brittany Cuff, Andrea Toomey
Girl's Senior 8+ - NYS Scholastic Rowing Championshipos - Bronze Medalists
Girl's Lightweight Double - NYS Scholastic Rowing Championships - Gold Medalists
Standing - Girl's Senior 8+ (L to R): Shibani Das, Emily Dollar, Annie Hargrave, Annie Speranza, Andrea Alverde, Emily Morley, Brittany Cuff, Andrea Toomey, Kelsie Sausville
Kneeling - Girl's Lightweight Double (L to R): Celeste Pomputius, Libby Hughes
April 10—Emma Willard Invitational Kicks Off Crew Season
The 4th Annual Emma Willard Invitational Regatta was held Saturday, April 10, in Troy, as crews from Shaker High School, Albany Rowing Center, Mohawk Home School, Saratoga Rowing Association, and Baldwinsville Crew joined the Jesters to kick off the 2010 spring season.
Although Mother Nature reset her thermostat to a more seasonal temperature, the skies brightened to a cloudless blue, and the westerly cross breezes stayed manageable throughout the racing schedule.
The Girl's Varsity Double event kicked off the morning's action as Emma's 2009 National Championship Lightweight Double crew of Celeste and Libby lined up on the starting line against crews from Shaker and Mohawk, all vying for The 1814 Cup. Although racing in the heavyweight division, Emma's double felt confident albeit with little more than five water practices under their belt this spring.
All crews were off to a fast, clean, and even start as the flag dropped. After the first 250 meters the crew from Mohawk fell back a bit while Shaker and Emma remained close. Emma's crew was stroking at a disciplined and controlled 28 rating as they slowly but surely began to take the upper hand through the first 500 meters.
Passing through the halfway mark the Jesters rowed comfortably and confidently as they continued to move away from the field, never to be further challenged. Emma crossed the finish line with solid nine-second victory over Shaker as Mohawk took third.
Next up for Emma was the Girl's Novice 8+. Having only practiced for a little over one week, the young crew was the big question mark of the morning. Coach Taylor has been impressed with the Novies' ability to stay set and composed through their, as of now, brief spring practice schedule, but this would be their first test against competition. Crews from Shaker and Albany Rowing Center took on the young Jester crew. All the novice crews did an excellent job marshaling at the start and lining-up for their race—not an easy task as a pesky cross breeze from the west made maintaining their points difficult.
The crews were off to a clean start—all crews rowing fast and set. Early on, the crew from ARC fell back in the field as Emma and perennial nemesis Shaker battled it out stroke for stroke, each crew rowing surprisingly poised for novices. As the crews rowed through the first 500 meters, Emma took the slightest advantage, less than 1/4 length. Emma's crew continued to row very solidly as they increased their lead to a full length by the 1,000 meters mark, but never gained more than that boat length advantage. Coming for home Shaker's coxswain called for a strong sprint to lessen their deficit, and they moved in on the Jesters advantage. Unfazed, Emma countered their foe's sprint with a move of their own and held off Shaker for a one length victory—a very impressive win for the Novies as they captured The Emma Willard School Cup with the victory.
The Jesters' next boated out the Girl's 2nd Varsity 8+ competing for the Mayor Ellen McNulty-Ryan Cup. Emma faced two crews from Syracuse-based Baldwinsville and local foe Albany Rowing Center. All crews were off to a fast equal start, matching high stroke ratings and intensity. Soon Albany began to nudge ahead as Emma and the two crews from Baldwinsville stayed very tight.
Passing through the halfway point, Albany and Baldwinsville B crew began to separate from Emma and Baldwinsville A. That trend continued to the finish. Emma battled strongly to stay in contact but to no avail as they crossed the line in 4th position behind their guests.
Last up for Emma Willard, competing for the prestigious Silhouette Optical Cup, was the Girl's 1st Varsity 8+. A crew composed of mostly sophomores from the 2009 NYS Novice 8+ Champions moved up to the elite Junior level. This would be their first test rowing as the 1st Varsity 8+ against top notch crews.
The three-boat final pitted the Jesters against Baldwinsville and Albany. Each crew was off the line quickly and cleanly, with no advantage gained from any crew. As they moved through the first 500 Albany gained a 3/4 length advantage over Emma as Baldwinsville fell back a half length behind Emma. From then on the field stayed tight in those positions. Emma attempted a number of shifts to reel in Albany but to no avail as Albany crossed the line victorious followed by Emma and Baldwinsville. Although second, the 1st 8+ rowed exceptionally well for their first early season test.
Next up for the Jesters in the Mercer Invitational (NJ) on Friday, April 16 (doubles only) followed by the Saratoga Invitational April 24–25 (1st 8+ and Lightweight Double only).
Full Emma Willard results are listed below. All results, including boy's events, are posted on www.row2k.com.
RESULTS
GIRL'S VARSITY 2X— THE 1814 CUP
1. Emma Willard School (S: Celeste, B: Libby) - 5:32.70
2. Shaker HS - 5:41.05
3. Mohawk Home School - 5:46.30
GIRL'S NOVICE 8+—THE EMMA WILLARD SCHOOL CUP
1. Emma Willard School (C: Kaitlin, S: Sam, 7: Murielle, 6: Abby, 5: Hattie, 4: Bree, 3: Ana, 2: Dania, B: Paola) - 5:47.55
2. Shaker HS - 5:55.13
3. Albany RC - 6:32.06
GIRL'S 2nd VARSITY 8+— THE MAYOR ELLEN McNULTY-RYAN CUP
1. Albany RC - 5:17.01
2. Baldwinsville B - 5:21.98
3. Baldwinsville A - 5:29.07
4. Emma Willard School (C: Laura M, S: Julia, 7: Kiana, 6: Andrea T, 5: Laura G, 4: Annika, 3: Ciara, 2: Florrie, B: Pa) - 5:43.41
GIRL'S 1st VARSITY 8+— THE SILHOUETTE OPTICAL CUP
1. Albany RC - 4:57.39
2. Emma Willard School (C: Shibani, S: Annie S, 7: Kelsey, 6: Emily M, 5: Andrea A, 4: Sarah E, 3: Emily D, 2: Annie H, B: Brittany) - 5:07.03
3. Baldwinsville - 5:11.58
April 16—Emma Doubles Shine at Mercer
A full field of scullers joined two doubles crews from Emma Willard as they traveled to Mercer County, NJ, Friday, April 16, to compete in the Mercer Lake Super Sprints/ISA Sculling Championships.
This race would provide an early season test with strong competition for the 2009 National Championship Lightweight Doubles crew of Celeste and Libby and the first race ever for the newly formed doubles team of Emily and Sarah. While the predicted rain and cold temperatures held off, there was a stiff and constant crosswind testing the scullers' mettle throughout the afternoon.
The first event of the afternoon was the Women's Varsity Lightweight Double with Emma Willard drawing Lane 6 on the far outside. The field was off to a clean start and almost immediately Emma Willard began to draw away from the field. The Emma girls adjusted for the strong breeze by staying at a slightly lower stroke rating focusing on length rather than cadence. The Jester duo methodically increased their lead throughout the race winning by over 20 seconds—a resounding victory!
The next race of the afternoon was the Women's Varsity Heavyweight Double. Emma's Novice Doubles crew took a huge leap up the competitive ladder by racing at the Varsity level—this after only a few weeks of on-water training. Undeterred, the crew was off to a fast start and hung with the talented field of seven crews for the majority of the race. The girls rowed with poise, strength, and discipline in the tough, windy conditions. Although the Jesters crossed the line in 6th place, they more than proved they have a bright future ahead of them this season.
Emma Willard Crew next competes at the Saratoga Invitational Regatta, April 24–25, in Saratoga Springs, NY.
Emma Willard Results for the Mercer Lake Super Sprints/ISA Sculling Championships are found below:
WOMEN'S LIGHTWEIGHT VARSITY DOUBLE
1. Emma Willard School - 6:54.30
2. Sagamore Rowing Club - 7:15.30
3. Conestoga High School - 7:32.36
4. River Rowing Association - 7:51.36
5. Teaneck High School - 8:03.21
WOMEN'S HEAVYWEIGHT VARSITY DOUBLE
1. Saugatuck Rowing Club - 6:33.00
2. New Canaan High School - 6:43.97
3. Conestoga High School - 6:52.91
4. Baldwin School - 7:10.88
5. New York Rowing Association - 7:13.50
6. Emma Willard School - 7:23.72
7. South Jersey Rowing Club - 7:26.25
April 21—Emma Crew Sweeps Niskayuna
The Emma Willard Crew team traveled the short distance to race Section 2 foe Niskayuna High School Wednesday, April 21. The Jesters made their trip worthwhile.
Under partly cloudy skies, warm temperatures, and a building tail wind, Emma Willard and Niskayuna took to the water on the spectacular cliff-lined 1,500 meter course in Rexford.
The first race of the day was the Girl's 1st Varsity 8+. Emma boated out a new lineup for the race with the always powerful Niskayuna crew. Off to a clean and fast start the crews were virtually even through the first 500 meters with neither crew gaining more than a seat advantage. Emma pushed from the starting line powerfully and settled to a comfortable 29-1/2 strokes per minute rating with nice swing and length. Niskayuna rowed at a slightly higher stroke rating but could gain no advantage. At the halfway point Emma began to nudge ahead with a determined shift in pressure and a slight uptick in rating. From then on Emma methodically increased their advantage to over a full boat length. Emma finished strong, capturing the race by almost two boat lengths, 9 seconds ahead of Niskayuna.
Next up were the Girl's Double Sculls. Emma started strong and were clearly the superior crew from the start as Niskayuna fielded a game but overmatched crew. Emma cruised to a very comfortable 67 second victory.
The third race of the afternoon was the Girl's Novice 8+. Emma's novices had only raced once prior, winning the novice event April 10 at the Emma Willard Invitational. Both Emma and Niskayuna were off the start cleanly, and it was a real dogfight through the first 500 meters of the race. Moving into the middle phase of the race, the Jesters began to distance themselves from the Nisky novices. As the race progressed, Emma became stronger as their foes began to tire and falter. Emma crossed the finish line first with a commanding 32 second victory.
The afternoon of racing finished with the Girl's 2nd Varsity 8+, clearly the most competitive race of the day! Emma lined up next to two crews from Niskayuna. All crews were off to a clean, solid start. The Emma crew and Niskayuna A crew were literally bow ball to bow ball through 750 meters as Niskayun B crew faded. The top two crews continued to battle closely as they entered the second half of the race. With 500 meters to go Emma, made a stellar shift to move 4 seats up on Nisky. That advantage held as Emma countered any attempt by Nisky to reduce their deficit. The 2V crossed the line with a well earned 7 second victory.
Emma next travels to the Saratoga Invitational April 24–25 (over the long weekend) to compete in the Girl's 1st Varsity 8+ and Girl's Lightweight Double. Many top New England and Philadelphia area crews are scheduled to compete in Saratoga, so the Jesters will have their hands full!
Full Results, including crew members, for the Emma Willard-Niskayuna race follow:
RACE #1: GIRL'S 1st VARSITY 8+
1. Emma Willard School (C: Laura, S: Annie H, 7: Emily D, 6: Annie S, 5: Andrea A, 4: Emily M, 3: Kelsey, 2: Andrea T, B: Brittany) - 5:36.22
2. Niskayuna High School - 5:45.36
RACE #2: GIRL'S VARSITY DOUBLE
1. Emma Willard School (S: Celeste, B: Libby) - 6:15.67
2. Niskayuna High School - 7:22.63
RACE #3: GIRL'S NOVICE 8+
1. Emma Willard School (C: Kaitlin, S: Sam, 7: Murielle, 6: Hattie, 5: Paola, 4: Annika, 3: Ana, 2: Dania, B: Bree) - 6:26.21
2. Niskayuna High School - 6:58.97
RACE #4: GIRL'S 2nd VARSITY 8+
1. Emma Willard School (C: Sarah El, S: Sarah Ep, 7: Kiana, 6: Julia, 5: Laura G, 4: Mairead, 3: Ciara, 2: Florrie, B: Pa) - 5:58.98
2. Niskayuna High School "A" - 6:05.29
3. Niskayuna High School "B" - 6:45.01
April 24–25—Emma Crew Takes on the Best in the East
A small contingent (it was an Emma Willard long weekend break for students) from the Emma Willard crew team traveled the short distance north to compete in the Saratoga Invitational Regatta, April 24–25, on Fish Creek in Saratoga Springs.
The Saratoga Invitational has grown to become one of the premier junior rowing events in the country, this year boasting over 700 entries. Emma joined many elite crews from New England, metro New York, and the greater Philadelphia area.
The Invitational uses a unique flight format, seeding crews to race like competition. The Emma girls were eager to see if their training to date would hold them in good stead. As many students took advantage of a well-deserved long weekend, we were nonetheless able to put together a strong 8+ consisting of 1V and 2V rowers.
Saturday's race was a 2,000 meter distance, longer than the customary 1,500 meter length raced for most junior events. Nevertheless the Jesters were up to the task as they rowed a beautifully disciplined and powerful race to place second behind Essex (CT) crew, leaving Our Lady of Mercer Academy third and Scotia-Glenville-Schenectady RC fourth. This was certainly a strong showing by the Jesters in a tough field of competitors.
Sunday's race format returned to the traditional 1,500 meter distance, and Emma boated out their 8+ for an early 7:35 a.m. start. In a strong field of five crews, Emma was off the starting line clean and fast, rowing at a brisk 36 strokes per minute, drawing to a slight lead. As the crew settled to their base rating of 32, they lengthened their lead to a full boat length with 500 meters to go. The final 500, however, was tough as the Jesters began to tire while local Section II foe Burnt Hills found another gear, moving through the Jesters with 250 meters to go to capture a hard fought victory. The Jesters gamely hung on for second.
Last up for Emma was the lightweight double crew, who came in as the top seed in their division. The Emma duo lived up to their advance billing as they captured their event in convincing fashion—the only double to break the 6-minute mark. Emma's double was first off the starting line and never looked back as they won comfortably by 17 seconds over second place Phoenix Rowing Association.
The Jesters head west later this week to Schenectady for a dual race with SGS on Thursday, then on to Niskayuna for the Section II Championships, Saturday and Sunday, May 1 and 2 .
Full Emma Willard results (with crew members) for the Saratoga Invitational Regatta follow:
GIRL'S 1st VARSITY 8+ FINAL - FLIGHT 5 (SATURDAY, 2000 METERS)
1. Essex Crew - 7:23.0
2. Emma Willard School (C: Laura M, S: Celeste, 7: Libby, 6: Annie S, 5: Andrea A, 4: Mairead, 3: Laura G, 2: Andrea T, B: Kelsey) - 7:37.6
3. Our Lady of Mercy Academy - 7:46.4
4. Scotia-Glenville-Schenectady RC - 8:07.6
GIRL'S 1st VARSITY 8+ FINAL - FLIGHT 3 (SUNDAY, 1500 METERS)
1. Burnt Hills RA - 5:22.80
2. Emma Willard School (C: Laura M, S: Terri, 7: Laurie, 6: Annie S, 5: Andrea A, 4: Mairead, 3: Laura G, 2: Andrea T, B: Kelsey) - 5:25.11
3. Shenendehowa HS - 5:25.82
4. Concord Crew - 5:30.58
5. Mercer RC - 5:33.96
6. Our Lady of Mercy Academy - DNS
GIRL'S 1st VARSITY LIGHTWEIGHT DOUBLE - FLIGHT 1 (SUNDAY, 1500 METERS)
1. Emma Willard School (S: Celeste, B: Libby) - 5:56.50
2. Phoenix Rowing Association - 6:13.07
3. Greenwich Crew A - 6:20.33
4. Community Rowing - Boston - 6:30.16
April 29—Emma Crew Battles SGS & Mother Nature
The Emma Willard crew team traveled to Schenectady on April 29 to race the Scotia-Glenville-Schenectady (SGS) crew team on their opponent's home waters, the Mohawk River.
For the second year in a row the Jesters swept SGS, although the wins were a bit subdued as Mother Nature provided 30-40 mph cross winds making the racing tricky. Because of the high winds, SGS did not boat out crews for two of the four scheduled races resulting in easy row-over wins for Emma.
The first race of the afternoon was the Girl's 2V8+, which Emma claimed victory with a row-over win. Although only racing themselves, the 2V nonetheless rowed powerfully and withstood the buffering winds well.
Next up for Emma was the Girl's Novice 8+ event. Emma lined up next to their SGS rivals at the start ready to fight for their third win in a row. Emma was off to a clean and fast start, and although interfered with by their opponents twice in the first 500 meters, they gamely avoided collision and rowed clear of SGS. Once in front, the Novies never looked back, taking a convincing, albeit hard-earned, victory.
As SGS was unable to boat out their double scull entry, the Emma double joined the Girl's 1V8+ race, which proved to be the last race of the afternoon. The coaches were as eager to see how the 1V8+ would perform as they were the Jesters fast double. The high cross winds necessitated a countdown start for the three competing crews—SGS 1V8+, Emma 1V8+, and the Emma 2X. Despite the wind, all crews were off to a clean start. Immediately it became clear this would be a two boat contest, the Emma 1V8+ and the Emma 2X! SGS was simply no match for either Emma crew. As the race progressed, the 1V8+ took full command; nonetheless the Emma double rowed to an impressive finish, technically a row-over win.
The Jesters pack up for the short drive to Niskayuna to compete in the Section II Rowing Championships May 1 and 2. The competition is always tough at Sectionals, so the crews will need to be well prepared.
Full results, including crew names, for the Emma Willard vs. SGS race are listed below:
GIRL'S 2nd VARSITY 8+
1. Emma Willard School (C: Laura M, S: Julia, 7: Laura G, 6: Sarah E, 5: Kiana, 4: Mairead, 3: Ciara, 2: Florrie, B: Pa) - 5:15.85 (Row-Over)
GIRL'S NOVICE 8+
1. Emma Willard School (C: Kaitlin, S: Sam, 7: Murielle, 6: Harriet, 5: Paola, 4: Abby, 3: Ana, 2: Dania, B: Bree) - 5:49.34
2. SGS - 5:59.72
GIRL'S 1V8+
1. Emma Willard School (C: Shibani, S: Annie H, 7: Emily D, 6: Annie S, 5: Andrea A, 4: Emily M, 3: Brittany, 2: Andrea T, B: Kelsey) - 4:54.31
2. SGS - 5:49.12
GIRL'S 2X (Rowed with the 1V8+ Race)
1. Emma Willard School (S: Celeste, B: Libby) - 5:20.23 (Row-Over)
May 1 & 2—Emma Captures Two Golds and Two Silvers at Sectionals
The Emma Willard crew team made an impressive medal haul at this weekend's Section II Rowing Championships hosted by Niskayuna and held on their majestic cliff-lined 1,500 meter course on the Mohawk River. Although the temperatures were in the mid-80s with humidity thick in the air, the water conditions were perfect for the entire two days of racing.
Saturday featured all the sculling events as Emma boated out a Varsity Double and a Novice Double. Emma's strong Lightweight Double of Libby and Celeste had to race "up" to the heavyweight division this weekend as there was no lightweight division offered. Local powerhouse Saratoga Rowing Association entered a strong lightweight double of their own who, only a week ago, placed a close second behind Emma at The Saratoga Invitational. Additionally, Saratoga entered a very strong heavyweight double featuring a 2008 National Doubles Champion in bow and a "super freshman" in stroke seat. Emma knew they needed to row their best to claim victory this weekend!
Emma advanced through Heat #1 with a solid victory, however, their heavyweight nemesis from Saratoga won Heat #2. The anticipated match-up was now a certainty.
The six boat final was a battle from the start as all crews were tight through the first 500 meters. From then on Emma, the Saratoga Heavies, and the Saratoga Lights separated themselves from the field. As they approached the final 250, it became the match race everyone expected as the Saratoga Lights faded slightly to third.
At the 250, Saratoga hit their sprint and took a half-boatlength lead over Emma. Not to be outdone, the Jester duo answered Toga's sprint with one of their own and crawled back even with a 100 meters left. As the finish line neared, Emma nudged ahead, capturing a 4.46 second victory as the horn sounded. Both crews received a well-earned roar from the crowd as neither crew gave an inch down the stretch.
Prior to the exciting Varsity final, Emma boated out a promising Novice Double with Emily at stroke seat and Sarah in bow. Again, Saratoga crews were the ones to beat in the "final only" event! Sarah guided the shell straight and true down the course as the girl's rowed long, strong, disciplined, and determined. Although Saratoga took the gold, Emma was closing hard to earn the silver. An outstanding performance from our novice scullers!
Sunday featured all the sweep rowing events as Emma boated out 1V8+, 2V8+, and Novice 8+. After a week of solid practices, the Jesters were excited to see how they would match up with their Section II foes. The sweep events, unlike the sculling events, were separated into scholastic crews (rowers and coxswains all from the same school) or club crews (rowers and coxswains from different schools but rowing for the same club). Although the crews rowed in the same "on-water race" the medals were awarded based on their scholastic or club affiliation.
The 1V8+ started things off with Emma rowing in Heat #1. Although Emma's heat wasn't as smooth as they had hoped, it was good enough to advance to the afternoon final, with a third place finish.
Following the 1V8+ heat, the Novice 8+ left the dock with five other strong contenders for their "Final Only" event. Coxswain Kaitlin steered a beautiful course and motivated her crew to a convincing victory as Emma took the gold medal in the Novice 8+ division for the second year in a row. A victory toss into the cold Mohawk waters awaited Kaitlin as the victorious crew returned to the dock!
The 2V8+ boated out next for the Jesters for again, a "final only" event. Emma was matched up with stiff competition, and they knew they had to row a disciplined and powerful race to be in the mix. The Emma eight rowed beautifully with excellent set, great length and swing but, on this day the competition proved to be too tough. Nevertheless, the Emma 2V8+ can be proud of their performance as they put forth a tremendous effort.
The weekend of racing finished with the Girl's 1V8+ final. The six boat final consisted of three club entries and three scholastic entries. Emma had to fight their new nemesis Burnt Hills as well as a strong crew from Shenendehowa in the scholastic division. The final was a seesaw affair for the first 750 meters as each scholastic crew took turns with the lead, but soon it became apparent the gold and silver would be between Emma and Burnt Hills. Battling stroke for stroke down the stretch, Burnt Hills eked out a 1.83 second victory over the Jesters. Although they had hoped for gold, the 1V8+ looked impressive taking silver.
Next weekend the Jesters wrap up their season at the New York State Scholastic Rowing Championships in Saratoga Springs. The Jesters are looking for strong performances at their season finale.
Full Results, including crew member names, of the Section II Rowing Championships follow (finals listed only):
GIRL'S VARSITY 2X
1. Emma Willard School (S: Celeste, B: Libby) - 6:28.40
2. Saratoga RA - 6:32.86
3. Saratoga HS - 6:42.82
4. Mohawk Homeschool - 6:55.52
5. Niskayuna High School - 6:58.28
6.Shenendehowa HS - 7:05.75
GIRL'S NOVICE DOUBLE
1. Saratoga HS "A" - 6:29.51
2. Emma Willard School (S: Emily M, B: Sarah E) - 6:35.95
3. Saratoga HS "B" - 6:44.25
4. Saratoga HS "C" - 6:52.09
GIRL'S NOVICE 8+
1. Emma Willard School (C: Kaitlin, S: Sam, 7: Murielle, 6: Hattie, 5: Paola, 4: Abby, 3: Ana, 2: Dania, B: Bree) - 6:05.92
2. SGS "A" - 6:15.31
3. Albany Rowing Center - 6:16.57
4. Shenendehowa HS - 6:24.37
5. SGS "B" - 6:56.83
6. Saratoga HS - Excluded
GIRL'S 2V8+ (Scholastic)
1. Saratoga HS "A" - 5:26.11
2. Saratoga HS "B" - 5:29.63
3. Niskayuna HS - 5:49.31
4. Burnt Hills RA - 5:54.67
5. Emma Willard School (C: Laura M, S: Julia, 7: Laura G, 6: Sarah E, 5: Kiana, 4: Mairead, 3: Ciara, 2: Annika, B: Pa) - 6:00.01
GIRL'S 1V8+ (Scholastic)
1. Burnt Hills RA - 5:34.36
2. Emma Willard School (C: Shibani, S: Annie H, 7: Emily D, 6: Annie S, 5: Andrea A, 4: Emily M, 3: Brittany, 2: Andrea T, B: Kelsey) - 5:36.19
3. Shenendehowa HS - 5:43.80
May 8 & 9—Emma Crew Punches Two Tickets To Nationals
The Emma Willard crew team traveled north to compete in the New York State Scholastic Rowing Championships held on Fish Creek in Saratoga Springs. A record 532 crews were entered in the regatta, far surpassing previous years' entry totals. After racing and waiting through a myriad of weather delays and cancellations, the Jesters advanced two crews, the Girls’ Senior 8+ and the Girls’ Lightweight Double, to the National Scholastic Rowing Championships to be held at the end of May.
Emma entered a Girls’ 1V8+ (a/k/a Girls’ Senior 8+), a Girls’ 2V8+ (a/k/a Girls’ Second 8+), a Girls’ Novice 8+ and a Girls’ Lightweight Double. After a week of solid practices on the Hudson River the Jesters were hopeful entering the two day championship.
Saturday morning's weather was typical "States"—rainy and cool but luckily flat water for racing. Due to the sheer numbers of participants, traditional heat races were scrapped in favor of head style time trails. A crew's placing in the time trail determines their eligibility to advance to the semifinals or, in some cases, directly to the final.
By having every crew row a time trail, the race organizers were assured that each crew would have at least one valid time by which to determine a crew's ability to advance to the National Championships should bad weather result in some later scheduled races (i.e., semifinals and/or finals) being canceled. As worsening weather was predicted for Saturday afternoon and Sunday, including dangerously high winds bringing with it the potential for race cancellations, every crew recognized the importance of rowing a fast time trail.
First off the dock for Emma was the Girls’ Novice 8+. The young Jesters had, to date, an excellent season notching many victories over local Section II opponents. Now they had to test their mettle against the best in the state. Rowing a solid time trail, the Novice's placed 5th overall and 2nd scholastically in their time trail, easily advancing to the afternoon final. Especially impressive was the fact that the Novices competed in the largest field of the regatta, 31 crews, with only the top six advancing to the final.
The Jesters next boated out the Girls’ 1st Varsity 8+, which needed a top 18 finish to advance to the afternoon semifinals. The girls rowed an excellent time trail placing 8th overall, 3rd scholastically, to easily advance to the afternoon semis.
Next up for the Jesters was the Girls’ 2V8+, which competed in a very tough time trail, featuring many excellent crews. The Jesters just missed advancing to the semis with a solid effort that just missed the time cutoff for advancement.
The last time trail of the morning for Emma was the Girls’ Lightweight Double, which entered this year's event as the defending State and National Champions. The duo of Libby and Celeste lived up to their advance billing and top seed by winning their time trail by a resounding 17+ seconds. The girls thereby advanced to Sunday's final as the favored crew.
Following the time trails, the racing changed from the time trail format to the traditional side by side six-lane racing. The afternoon's racing was delayed by the official's concern over building headwinds and racers safety. The decision was made mid-afternoon to cancel all freshmen and novice events. Although disappointed not to compete in their final, the novices were overjoyed to accept the silver medal for their second place finish in the Scholastic time trail.
Although the freshmen and novice events were removed from the schedule, the decision was made to contest the senior event semifinals for as long as Mother Nature permitted. Emma's 1V8+ (Senior 8+) drew semifinal #2, clearly, the most competitive, and needed to place in the top two to advance to Sunday's final. Although a tall order, the girl's were confident of their ability and were prepared to row hard. Although placing third, the 1V8+ rowed a superb race, closing in on second place Shaker at the finish, only 3-seats behind. With their outstanding effort in the time trail and semifinal, the Jesters took home the bronze medal in the Scholastic Senior 8+ and, with it, a ticket to Nationals!
Sunday's racing was greatly curtailed by strong winds but the Girls’ Lightweight Double final was still on schedule until the crews arrived at the starting line, at which time the decision was made to cancel their event due to unsafe racing conditions. Again, a disappointed Jester duo returned to the dock without being able to race a final. Nevertheless, Libby and Celeste captured their second consecutive State title based on their convincing win in Saturday's time trails.
Although the racing season has concluded for the Novice and 2nd Varsity crews, the 1st Varsity and Lightweight Double crews will continue to practice to prepare for the Scholastic National Championships to be held in Saratoga Springs, Friday, May 28 and Saturday, May 29.
Emma Willard results, with crew members, from the State Championships follow. Full results can be found at the following two links:
http://www.saratogarowing.com/NYSChampionships/2010%20New-York-State-Scholastic-Championships-Saturday%20Results.pdf and
https://www.regattacentral.com/regatta/results/1492_3379.pdf
Girls’ Novice 8+—TIME TRAIL
Time Trail: 5th Overall, 2nd Scholastically - 5:48.29 (Silver Medal)
Final Canceled
CREW: C: Kailtin, S: Sam, 7: Murielle, 6: Hattie, 5: Ana, 4: Abby, 3: Paola, 2: Dania, B: Bree
Girls’ 1st Varsity 8+ (Senior 8+—TIME TRAIL & SEMIFINAL
Time Trail: 8th Overall, 3rd Scholastically - 5:23.29 (Bronze Medal)
Semifinal #2: Top two crews advance to final
1. Saratoga RA (Club) - 5:52.99
2. Shaker (Club) - 5:58.82
3. Emma Willard School (Scholastic) - 6:01.95
4. Brighton HS (Scholastic) - 6:28.60
5. Newburgh Free Academy (Scholastic) - 6:46.48
6. Roosevelt HS (Scholastic) - 7:09.98
(Time Trails were used to determine medalists)
CREW: C: Shibani, S: Annie H, 7: Emily D, 6: Annie S., 5: Andrea A, 4: Emily M, 3: Brittany, 2: Andrea T, B: Kelsey
Girls’ 2nd Varsity 8+ (Second 8+)— TIME TRAIL
Time Trail: 13th - 5:48.16
CREW: C: Laura M, S: Julia, 7: Laura G, 6: Sarah, 5: Kiana, 4: Mairead, 3: Ciara, 2: Annika, B: Pa
Girls’ Lightweight Double—TIME TRAIL
Time Trail: 1st Overall - 6:14.41 (Gold Medal, New York State Champions)
Semifinal and Final canceled
