Athletics

Meet Summaries

Crew, Spring 2008

April 12—Emma Willard Hosts Crew Opener

The Emma Willard Crew team welcomed visiting teams Shaker High School, Shenedehowa Crew, and Albany Rowing Center to the Third Annual Emma Willard Invitational Regatta rowed from the Jesters’ home dock in Green Island, on Saturday, April 12. Despite a foreboding weather forecast, the day proved delightful—mild temperatures and flat water conditions. The 1500 meter race course rowed on the Hudson River in North Troy was in excellent shape save a strong downstream current. After only two weeks of on-water training, Emma showed early season strength against their talented rivals. Emma's many novice rowers showed exceptional promise for the rest of the season, placing second in the Women's Novice 8+, just missing capturing the prestigious Emma Willard Cup.

Emma's 1st Varsity 8+, 2nd Varsity 8+, and sculling entries rowed with great poise and discipline. All the Emma crews will, most assuredly, see improved results throughout the season.

The Girls Novice 8+ consisted of; Coxswain–Laura, Stroke–Caroline, #7 Seat–Emma B, #6 Seat–Emma P, #5 Seat–Laura, #4 Seat–Emily, #3 Seat–Il Gyung, #2 Seat–Alexx, and Bow Seat–Nastacia.

The Girl's 2nd Varsity 8+ consisted of; Coxswain–Lei, Stroke–Mairead, #7 Seat–Gretchen, #6 Seat–Sarah, #5 Seat–Lexie, #4 Seat–Annie, #3 Seat–Katie, #2 Seat–Mary, and Bow Seat–Libby.

The Girl's 1st Varsity 8+ consisted of; Coxswain–Shibani, Stroke–Maggie, #7 Seat–Margaret, #6 Seat–Julia, #5 Seat–Alex G, #4 Seat–Angela, #3 Seat–Alex Y, #2 Seat–Kayla, and Bow Seat–Natasha P.

The Emma sculling entries were as follows; Girl's Double Scull, Stroke–Maggie, Bow–Angela, and the Girl's Quadruple Scull, Stroke–Alex Y, #3 Seat–Lexie, #2 Seat–Emma P, Bow Seat–Libby.

Full Results of the Emma Willard Invitational Regatta are as follows:

Girl's Novice 8+: The Emma Willard Cup
1. Albany Rowing Center—5:51.91
2. Emma Willard School—6:12.49
3. Shaker High School—6:17.89

Girl's 2X
1. Albany Rowing Center—5:10.55
2. Emma Willard School—5:39.29

Girl's 4X—The Parent's Cup
1. Albany Rowing Center—5:11.43
2. Emma Willard School—5:46.11

Girl's 4+
1. Shaker High School—5:02.61
2. Shenendehowa—5:19.92

Girl's 2V8+—The Mayor Ellen McNulty-Ryan Cup
1. Shaker High School—4:35.87
2. Emma Willard School—4:58.08

Girl's 1V8+—The Silhouette Optical Cup
1. Shaker High School—4:36.69
2. Albany Rowing Center—4:43.90
3. Emma Willard School—5:08.01

April 16–Emma Crew Stumbles at Shenendehowa

Despite gutsy performances from the Girl's Novice 8+ and the Girls Double, Emma crews found themselves off the medal stand rowing against Mohawk River rivals Shenedehowa. Under a cloudless blue sky the Shenendehowa Plainswomen dominated each event, defending their home water.

Two bright spot for the Jesters were the Girl's Novice 8+ and the Girl's Double. Especially impressive in the Novice 8+ were stroke seat Emma P and #6 seat Caroline. The novices rowed with focus and concentration throughout their 1500 meter race. Both members of the doubles crew—stroke seat Maggie and bow seat Angela—rowed a very clean, strong, and disciplined race losing a hard fought battle against a very experienced Shen duo.

The Girl's 1st Varsity 8+ saw impressive performances from #6 seat Julia and bow seat Libby, while the Girl's 2nd Varsity 8+, although also falling short across the line, saw an especially strong row from #5 seat Gretchen.

The Girl's 1st Varsity 8+ consisted of; Coxswain-Shibani, Stroke-Angela, 7-Margaret, 6-Julia, 5-Alex G, 4-Maggie, 3-Alex Y, 2-Kayla, and Bow-Libby. The Girl's 2nd Varsity 8+ boated the following line-up; Coxswain-Lei, Stroke-Mairead, 7-Lexie, 6-Sarah, 5-Gretchen, 4-Annie, 3-Katie, 2-Michelle, and Bow-Natasha P. The Girl's Novice 8+ crew was; Coxswain- Laura M, Stroke-Emma P, 7-Emma B, 6-Caroline, 5-Mary, 4-Natasha K, 3-Yi Heng, 2-Il Gyung, and Bow-Laura G. In addition to the girl's double, Emma also boated a quadruple scull crew consisting of; Stroke-Alex Y, 3- Lexie, 2-Emma P, and Bow-Libby.

Full Results for the Shenendehowa Dual Race are as follows:

Girl's 1V 8+
1. Shen - 5:55.90
2. EWS - 6:14.64

Girl's 2V 8
1. Shen 2V - 6:15.65
2. EWS 2V - 6:45.12

Girl's Novice 8+
1. EWS NOVICE - 7:05.59

Girl's 2X
1. 6:33.22
2. EWS - 7:04.74

Girl's 4+ & 4X
1. Shen 4+ - 6:29.85
2. EWS 4X - 6:49.48

April 17—Jester Crews Impressive at Niskayuna

The Emma Willard crews shrugged off some disappointing losses suffered against Shenendehowa, turning in impressive winning performances against the Niskayuna Silver Warriors.

Again rowing on flat water, under sunny skies, and in ideal temperatures, Emma crews won the Girl's 1st Varsity 8+, 2nd Varsity 8+, and the Girl's Novice 8+ for a sweep of the 8s events. The scullers met Mohawk Home School, a perennial state powerhouse, and, despite losing, rowed impressively against their extremely talented foes.

The Girl's 1st Varsity 8+ consisted of; Coxswain-Shibani, Stroke-Angela, 7-Margaret, 6-Julia, 5-Alex G, 4-Caroline, 3-Libby, 2-Maggie, and Bow-Gretchen. The Girl's 2nd Varsity 8+ boated the following line-up; Coxswain-Lei, Stroke-Mairead, 7-Lexie, 6-Kayla, 5-Sarah, 4-Annie, 3-Katie, 2-Michelle, and Bow-Natasha P. The Girl's Novice 8+ crew was; Coxswain- Laura M (especially impressive on a challenging course), Stroke-Emma P, 7-Emma B, 6-Natasha K, 5-Yi Heng, 4-Alexx T, 3-Nastacia, 2-Mary, and Bow-Emily. The Girl's Quadruple Scull consisted of Stroke-Maggie, 3-Emma P, 2-Caroline, and Bow-Libby. The Girl's Double crew was Stroke-Maggie, and Bow-Libby, both girl's rowing their third event of the day!

The Jester's now have an eight-day lull in the action to focus on preparation for the NYS Section 2 Scholastic Rowing Championships being held May 2 –3.

Full Results for the Niskayuna–Mohawk Home School Race are as follows:

Girl's 1V 8+
1. EWS - 6:43.71
2. Niskayuna - 7:10.68

Girl's 2V 8+
1. EWS 2V - 6:58.71
2. Niskayuna 2V - 7:15.56

Girl's Novice 8+
1. EWS Novice - 7:39.97

Girl's 2X
1. Mohawk "A" - 9:37.13
2. EWS - 9:51.20
3. Mohawk "B" - 10:27.44

Girl's 4X
1. Mohawk - 7:01.23
2. EWS - 8:12.06

May 2–3—Novices Lead Way At Sectionals

A talented group of Novice rowers led the charge at this weekend's NYSSRA Section 2 Rowing Championships held Friday and Saturday, May 2–3, at the Schenectady Yacht Club on the Mohawk River.

The scullers took to the water on Friday under overcast skies but flat water. First down the course was the talented duo of Maggie and Angela competing in the Girl's Varsity Double. Although not advancing to the final, both girl's proved their mettle, staying close to a talented field.

Next up for Emma was the newly formed double team of Emma P and Libby, who competed in the 1st Novice Girl's Double Final. Maintaining a torrid pace for the entire 1500 meters, the Emma pair held off a late charge from Burnt Hills to capture the gold!

Friday's action concluded with the Girl's Quadruple Scull final featuring Maggie at Stroke, Caroline at 3 seat, Angela at 2 seat, and Libby rowing bow. Emma held their own for most of the race, falling back slightly at the finish to miss the row to the medals dock.

Saturday's action featured all the sweep rowing events. All races started in the mid-afternoon to allow for SAT testing that morning. A strong southerly breeze kicked up the chop on the Mohawk, but thankfully provided a tailwind during the races.

Emma's crews started strongly with the Girl's 1st Varsity 8+ placing third in their heat to advance to the Grand Final. The crew of Coxswain-Shibani, Stroke-Julia, 7-Margaret, 6-Maggie, 5-Alex G, 4-Angela, 3-Libby, 2-Caroline, and Bow-Gretchen mastered the gusty conditions to insure their spot in the final.

Next off the starting line for Emma was the Girl's Novice 8+. Once again, the Novices didn't disappoint their fans rowing to a strong bronze medal finish. The talented crew of Coxswain-Laura, Stroke-Emma P (her second medal of the regatta), 7-Emma B, 6-Natasha K, 5-Laura, 4-Nastacia, 2-Il Gyung, and Bow-Mary were all smiles as they returned from the awards dock.

The Girl's 2nd Varsity 8+ consisting of Coxswain-Lei, Stroke-Mairead, 7-Natasha P, 6-Annie, 5-Alex Y, 4-Kayla, 3-Katie, 2-Michelle, and Bow-Lexie had a disappointing turn of events as their skeg and rudder were damaged by a submerged log and had to withdraw from their final. The girls seem even more determined to do well at the New York State Championships next weekend after Saturday's ill fortune.

The Girl's 1st Varsity 8+ finished up the day's program in an action packed Grand Final featuring some of the nation's best girl's crews. Emma battled the entire 1500 meters to finish a respectable fifth.

Next week the Jesters travel to Fish Creek in Saratoga Springs for a dual race with Queensbury on Thursday, May 8, followed by their season finale at the New York State Scholastic Rowing Championships May 10–11.

Results For The Sectional Championships Are As Follows:

Girl's Varsity Double Scull (Heat)
1. Ballston Spa HS - 7:01.02
2. ARC "B" Entry - 7:10.66
3. Saratoga HS - 7:11.02
4. Emma Willard School - 7:24.10

Girl's 1st Novice Double Scull (Grand Final)
1. Emma Willard School - 7:31.01
2. Burnt Hills RA - 7:33.05
3. Mohawk Home School - 7:46.05
4. Saratoga HS - 7:50.09
5. Niskayuna HS - 8:10.09

Girl's Quadruple Scull (Grand Final)
1. Mohawk Home School - 6:22.75
2. Niskayuna HS - 6:26.14
3. Saratoga HS - 6:27.71
4. Queensbury HS - 6:32.44
5. Emma Willard School - 6:57.32

Girl's Novice 8+ (Grand Final)
1. Saratoga HS "B" Entry - 6:39.01
2. Saratoga HS "A" Entry - 6:44.98
3. Emma Willard School - 7:01.04
4. Shaker HS - 7:06.60

Girl's 2nd Varsity 8+ (Grand Final)
1. Saratoga HS "B" Entry - 5:50.19
2. Burnt Hills RA - 6:11.45
3. Niskayuna HS - 6:21.01
4. Guilderland Crew - 7:59.13
5. Emma Willard School – Withdraw

Girl's 1st Varsity 8+ (Grand Final)
1. Saratoga HS - 5:28.81
2. Burnt Hills RA - 5:36.24
3. Shaker HS - 5:44.54
4. Niskayuna HS - 5:55.26
5. Emma Willard School - 6:19.96
6. Bethlehem HS - 6:26.43

May 10 & 11—Crew Season Concludes at State Championships

The Emma Willard crew team made its annual trek north to Saratoga to participate in the New York State Scholastic Rowing Championships rowed on the waters of Fish Creek. Each year this regatta grows larger and more competitive, this year boasting 487 entries, from nearly 100 high schools with over 3,000 competitors. Unlike the past few years, this year's rowing conditions were idyllic—warm temperatures, sunny skies, and flat water throughout the two-day event. The Emma girls prepared well for this event, even practicing and scrimmaging in Saratoga a few days prior to the weekend. The Jesters were ready to tackle all comers as the regatta kicked off.

First off the line was the Novice 8+ entry of Coxswain-Laura M, Stroke-Caroline, 7-Emma B, 6-Emily, 5-Laura G, 4-Alexx, 3-Stazi, 2-Natasha K, and Bow-Mary. The Novices were pitted in an extremely competitive event of 30 crews rowing in a specialized time trail format. Only the top 12 crews were to advance to semi-finals from the time trails. The Jesters did not disappoint their fans as they stroked to a powerful 10th place finish, advancing to Saturday afternoons' semi-finals. The Novices, already exceeding expectations, entered the semi's full of confidence, rowing a strong race but failing to advance to Sunday's final. A truly impressive showing by these first year oarswomen!

The Girl's 1st Varsity 8+ of Coxswain-Shibani, Stroke-Julia, 7-Margaret, 6-Maggie, 5-Alex G, 4-Angela, 3-Lexie, 2-Sarah, and Bow-Gretchen, rowed their heat Saturday morning advancing to Sunday morning's repechage race by placing a respectable 4th in a 6 boat field. The "rep" was a battle from start to finish, with the Jesters advancing to the petite final by placing 5th in a 7 boat race. The petite final was again a challenge for Emma as they finished 6th in the 7 boat race. Certainly a good showing with respect to their formidable competition.

The Girl's 2nd 8+ of Coxswain-Lei, Stroke-Mairead, 7-Natasha P, 6-Annie, 5-Alex Y, 4-Kayla, 3-Katie, 2-Michelle, and Bow-Yi Heng mirrored the results of the 1st 8+ by advancing out of their heat to the repechage but failing to advance to the final from there. The 2nd 8+ gave their best effort and rowed a strong two races over the weekend.

Last but not least was the Girl's Junior Double of Stroke-Emma P and Bow-Libby. Coming off a gold medal performance in last week's Sectional Championships, the duo were eagerly awaiting the stronger competition at States. In a competitive 7 boat final rowed Sunday afternoon the Jester pair rowed to an impressive bronze medal giving them a #3 ranking in New York State. Truly a remarkable performance by these young ladies who have had less than a month of sculling experience.

Our 2009 season looks promising as many of the impressive novices and underclasswomen will return to bolster Emma's ranks. Results of the New York State Scholastic Rowing Championships are as follows:

Girl's Novice 8+
Time Trail Heat - 10th Place - 6:03.21
Semi-Final:
1. Pittsford Crew - 5:53.84
2. Our Lady of Lourdes HS - 6:02.54
3. Brighton RC - 6:05.02
4. Fairport Crew - 6:07.82
5. Row New York - 6:13.06
6. Emma Willard School - 6:24.49

Girl's 1st Varsity 8+
Petite Final
1. Brighton RC - 5:44.20
2. Fairport Crew - 5:51.56
3. Pelham Community RA - 5:55.03
4. Cascadilla BC - 5:58.47
5. Liverpool HS - 5:59.06
6. Emma Willard School - 6:15.37
7. Our Lady of Mercy Academy - 6:20.95

Girl's 2nd Varsity 8+
Repechage
1. Pittsford Crew - 5:42.10
2. Cascadilla BC - 5:43.31
3. Fairport Crew - 5:44.26
4. Niskayuna HS - 5:53.75
5. Pelham Community RA - 5:57.68
6. Burnt Hills RA - 5:58.26
7. Emma Willard School - 6:17.97

Girl's Junior 2X
Grand Final
1. St. John the Baptist Academy - 6:17.20
2. Shenendehowa HS "A" - 6:37.84
3. Emma Willard School - 6:48.99
4. Huntington HS - 6:52.40
5. Saratoga HS - 7:16.71
6. Shenendehowa HS "B" - 7:45.56
7. Newburgh Free Academy - No Time