On the “Rowed” to Victory

Sophia Furigay '18, Staff Writer

Boys and girls Peddie crew competed in the Head of the Charles Race in Boston, Mass., on Oct 22.  This is the biggest race of the year for most rowers, as some teams train for months in preparation for this three mile event.  But the team said the hard work is worth the experience, as thousands of spectators line up along the banks of the river to watch rowers compete in the challenging course.

The boys’ boat “began the season with normal fall training, emphasizing mileage and technical improvement” said Coach Joe Murtaugh.

In Boston, the boys’ team finished 48 out of 85, falling seven seconds short of a guaranteed entry for next year. Throughout the majority of the race, wind was blowing towards the boat, which put Peddie’s lighter crew at a slight disadvantage.  The crew was not acclimated to the cold temperatures or windy conditions, explained Ryan Davison ’16.  Despite these challenges, the boy’s team raced competitively.

“We hope to further improve on our times during winter training, and to capture a MAPL victory this spring,” he said.

The girls prepared for the Head of the Charles by “building their fitness and rowing technique and doing practice races around our course this fall” said Coach Barbara Grudt.

The girl’s team finished 27 out of 90.

“We weren’t expecting to do as great as the previous year, but we did!” Britni Strobeck ’17 exclaimed.

The team felt a little shaky going into The Head of the Charles due to lack of practice.   The teams were not permitted to have a practice run the day prior to competing. However, the Peddie crew team still prepared.

“Coxswains usually have to prepare by studying course maps, watching videos, and talking to other coxswains who have steered the notoriously challenging course,” Grudt explained.

Hannah Campbell steered the boat in the three mile course, navigating six bridges and other crews.

“[The crew] had their game face on, every one of us pulled the hardest we could, and [we] definitely believe we deserved that place,” Campbell said.

Boy’s and girl’s crew teams will be working hard to improve before MAPLs in the spring season.