Saratoga Invitational 2019
Hi everyone!
Congratulations to all the athletes who competed this weekend at Mercer Sprints! The racing went off smoothly despite the weather and all the crews had great performances!
On Friday, April 26th, select varsity and novice athletes will depart for the Saratoga Invitational in Saratoga Springs, NY. The tentative lineups can be found here:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1VDOesZL_RWH3yoyhAIdsqnPriz_TvPST2VIxZmNXbs0/edit?usp=sharing
The link to pay for the trip is here.
We understand this is an expensive trip, but every athlete races multiple days. Please email Hilary at hgehman@rowpnra.org with any financial concerns.
If you are a parent who is attending the regatta to watch, please fill out this form here to help the parents coordinators plan for spectators and enhance your regatta experience.
Below is information about the event.
TRAVEL DETAILS:
There will be one van per boat. The novice coaches will be transporting their athletes; parent volunteers will be driving the varsity vans and serving as chaperones for the regatta.
Athletes should arrive at the boathouse at regular practice time on Friday. The vans will depart as soon as all athletes in the van have arrived. All athletes should remember they are representing Mercer and wear appropriate clothing, preferably with a Mercer logo. The athletes, coaches, and chaperones will be staying together at the Hilton Garden Inn in Saratoga Springs both Friday and Saturday night. Racing is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday. The vans will depart the course on Sunday around 5pm and return to the boathouse. Please note: all athletes are expected to remain at the course on Sunday until all Mercer crews are done racing! No vans will be departing until that time. ETA is expected to be 9-10pm, but please text your athletes for updates. Parent coordinators will also post in the parents Facebook group.
Hilton Garden Inn – Saratoga Springs
125 South Broadway
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
FOOD:
Athletes should bring any extra snacks they want for the drives and weekend racing. For the drive up Friday, all athletes will be provided with a fruit cup and sandwich. Vans will stop at least once, but try to bring extra food to minimize stop times and keep the arrival in Saratoga as early as possible. Breakfast both Saturday and Sunday will be at the hotel, and lunch will be provided at the course both days at the Mercer Tent. Dinner will be catered at the hotel on Saturday night. Athletes will be given $15 cash to purchase dinner on their own at a rest stop on the way home Sunday.
RACE VENUE INFORMATION:
The trailer, tent, and launch area for the race is at Lee’s Park, adjacent to the course. Parking is available for $15 per day. There will be a Mercer Tent for parents and lunch location. This is where everyone will gather for food and to cheer on the athletes, so if you are planning to attend, we look forward to seeing you there!
Lee’s Park
1464 Route 9P
Saratoga Springs, NY
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
In past years, the weather has often been cold, wet, and windy. Athletes should pack extra layers and be prepared for all conditions. Athletes may want to bring extra money for the regatta as well – many of them like to buy t-shirts. If you have any questions, please contact either Jeb Barkenbush at jebarken@gmail.com, or Jen Closser at closserj@gmail.com.
GO MERCER!