World Rowing Profiles the USA Women’s 8+: http://www.worldrowing.com/news/the-year-that-was-women-eight
Author: PNRA-Editor
Duke Rowing Recruit Spotlight: Mercer’s Katie Lustig
Mercer Junior Rower Katie Lustig was highlighted as Duke’s first signed rowing recruit in the incoming 2017 class. Click here to see the article.
So Your Kid Wants to Join a Crew Team
Great blog from the Huffington Post – click here
World Rowing Rising Star of the Month (and Mercer Junior Coach) Sarah Dougherty
Sarah Dougherty has been named the World Rowing Rising Star:
Mercer Junior Ciara Devenuto-Wyeth among 7 Pennsbury Students Committing to Colleges
Mercer Junior Ciara signs a Letter of Intent to row for Jacksonville University next year:
http://papreplive.com/2016/11/16/seven-student-athletes-from-pennsbury-commit-to-college-sports/
Matthew Carlsen and Amanda Klaiber-Short Join Princeton National Rowing Association Staff
For Immediate Release
West Windsor, NJ
September 12, 2016
The Princeton National Rowing Association (PNRA) is pleased to announce the addition of Matthew Carlsen and Amanda Klaiber-Short to the Mercer Rowing Program coaching staff. Mr. Carlsen joins the program as the Women’s Varsity Head Coach and Master’s Head Coach. Ms. Klaiber-Short joins the staff as the Novice Rowing Coordinator and Novice Girls Coach.
Matthew Carlsen
Matthew Carlsen joins the Mercer Rowing Program coaching staff after coaching at Saint Edward High School in Lakewood, Ohio. Coach Carlsen started the rowing program at Saint Edward in 2012. Since then, the program has grown to over 70 athletes and enjoyed increasing levels of success. In 2015 the Saint Edward Men’s Junior 8+ placed 1st at the Scholastic National Championships (SRAAs) and in 2016, the Saint Edward Men’s Varsity 8+ placed 3rd at SRAAs.
Coach Carlsen began his rowing career in high school as a coxswain. He continued his rowing career at Miami University of Ohio where he served as team captain for three years. He graduated in 2012 with a degree in Marketing and Decision Sciences from the Farmer School of Business.
Amanda Klaiber-Short
Amanda Klaiber-Short attended the University of California at Santa Barbara (UCSB) where she was a member of the rowing team for four years. Ms. Klaiber-Short graduated from UCSB in 2013 with a degree in Psychology. After graduation she was an Assistant Coach at ZLAC Rowing Club in San Diego, CA and most recently served as an Assistant Coach at Camp Randall Rowing Club in Madison, Wisconsin.
PNRA is pleased to welcome both coaches to the PNRA Mercer Rowing family.
About the Princeton National Rowing Association
The Princeton National Rowing Association, a 501(c)3 organization, operates the Finn M.W. Caspersen Rowing Center located on the shores of Mercer Lake, Mercer County Park in West Windsor, New Jersey. The Princeton National Rowing Association is dedicated to operating a world-class training site for our nation’s elite athletes, providing opportunities for area youth to excel in the sport of rowing and to expand rowing in the area through community-based programs. PNRA runs the Mercer Junior Rowing Program which provides rowing opportunities for youth from over 30 area schools and the Mercer Masters Rowing Program which provides rowing opportunities for adults. The center is a home to the USRowing National and Olympic Teams, as well as rowing clubs and schools. PNRA has received generous support from University Orthopaedic Associates, Harry’s Army Navy, JL Racing, Resolute Racing Shells, Wells Fargo Advisors-Gould Group, Red Roof Inn, Hampton Inn and Residence Inn by Marriott.
For more information, contact Kristopher Grudt, tel: 609-977-1094, krisgrudt@rowpnra.org or visit www.rowpnra.org.
Rowers James, Gleim look golden
The lightweight pair of Kyle James and Jack Gleim of Princeton National Rowing Association’s Mercer Rowing Club won a gold medal in the Under-23 category at the 134th Royal Canadian Henley Regatta, the premier summer event for rowers in North America.
The victory at Henley marked the pair’s first international win. James and Gleim will represent the United States in the lightweight pair event at the 2016 Under-23 World Championships, August 21-28 in Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Justin Ochal Promoted to Mercer Rowing Program Director
August 12, 2016
We are pleased to announce that Justin Ochal has been promoted to the position of Mercer Rowing Program Director. In this role, Justin will lead and oversee all Mercer Rowing programs and will manage all members of the Mercer Rowing coaching staff. Justin will continue in his role as the Head Men’s Team Coach.
Among his initial responsibilities, Justin will be leading the search for a new Head Women’s and Masters Coach, Novice Rowing Programs Coordinator/Coach, and assistant coaches.
Please join us in congratulating Justin on his new position.
Mercer Lake Algae Bloom
Mercer County Park and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection reported that there was a bloom of algae on Mercer Lake this past weekend (Aug 6-7, 2016). While this type of algae bloom can produce toxins that are dangerous to humans, the toxins in the algae bloom on Mercer Lake was below the levels that are considered harmful to humans. The initial bloom on the lake has subsided.
Mercer County Park and the NJDEP are monitoring the lake for additional algae blooms. At this point in time there are no reported blooms and the lake is open for general use. PNRA is in close communication with Mercer County Park and in event of a new bloom developing, we will take appropriate action which could include suspension of rowing activities.
Algae blooms occur in stagnant water near the shore of the lake. It is characterized by what looks like blue or green paint poured in or on the water. Not all blooms produce toxins that are harmful to humans or animals. Disturbing a bloom causes the toxins to be released and the toxins are local to the bloom. On Mercer Lake, the bloom was on the south side of the lake near the dam. There has been no algae bloom or activity reported on the rowing course in the middle of the lake or on the north side of the lake where the Caspersen Rowing Center is located.
More information on algae blooms can be found in the following flyer issued by the NJDEP which can be found here.
Kris Grudt
Honest mistake leads to passion for coxswain Holgado
By Rich Fisher, Mercerspace.com
During the summer after her eighth-grade year at Pond Road Middle School, Sydney Holgado’s mother, Leilani, decided to register her daughter for a beginner’s rowing camp. But Leilani got a little mixed up with her Princetons.
So, instead of Holgado participating in the Princeton National Rowing Association’s Mercer Rowing Club program, she attended the much-higher caliber Princeton University Elite camp.
MERCER JUNIORS FALL 2016 PROGRAMMING
Fall 2016 Programming Schedule:
Fall Varsity Start Date: Wednesday, September 7, 2016
Note: Land only September 7, 8, 9; On-water starting September 12
Fall Varsity End Date: Friday, November 18, 2016
Fall Novice Start Date: Monday, September 19, 2016
Fall Novice End Date: Monday, November 14, 2016
Fall Parents Meeting
Varsity: Saturday, September 17, 2016, 9:00 am @ Boathouse
Novice: Saturday, September 24, 2016, 9:00 am @ Boathouse
2016-2017 Fall & Spring Practice Times:
Varsity – Monday-Friday 3:45pm – 6:15pm (additional practices at coaches’ discretion)
Novice – Monday-Friday 4:00pm – 6:00pm
Fall Racing Schedule
Head of the Housatonic – Shelton, CT – October 8th, 2016
Who is racing: Top 2-3 Girls and Boys Varsity boats
Where: Shelton, CT
When: (tentative schedule)
9:40 AM Men’s HS/Junior JV 8+
11:30 AM Women’s HS/Junior JV 8+
11:50 AM Women’s HS/Junior 4+
1:15 PM Men’s HS/Junior 8+
2:40 PM Women’s HS/Junior 8+
3:10 PM Men’s HS/Junior 4+
Travel Plans: All participating Mercer athletes will depart from the boathouse for Shelton, CT on the morning of Saturday, October 8th @ 5:30am. We will be taking a 54-passenger bus for this trip. Athletes will return after racing on Saturday.
Notes: Coaches will announce who is going to the race by the end of practice on Friday, September 30th. Boating decisions will be made in accordance with the policies outlined in the Guide to Boat Selection that can be found here.
Estimated Cost: TBA
Head of the Charles Regatta – Boston, MA – October 21st-23rd, 2016
Who is racing: Tentative: 2 Varsity Girls 8+, 1st Varsity Boys 8+ (Depending if our bid entries are accepted Varsity Girls 4+ and Varsity Boys 4+)
Where: The Charles River, Boston, MA
Race Website: www.hocr.org
Travel Plans: All Mercer athletes will depart from the boathouse for Boston on the morning of Friday, October 21st. We plan to get to the course in the afternoon to rig the boats and have a practice row. We will be taking four 12-passenger vans (driven by parent volunteers). Athletes will return after racing on Sunday.
Tentative Race Times (all on Sunday, October 23rd):
Youth Men’s 8+: 10:23 am
Youth Women’s 4+: 12:07 am
Youth Women’s 8+: 1:01 pm
Travel Note: The Head of the Charles is a unique event. It is very hard to obtain an entry through the open lottery system. The only way to avoid the lottery and guarantee an entry for the next year is to finish in the top half of your event. In 2016, for the second time in the history of the club, Mercer has three guaranteed entries — three in the youth 8s.
The second unique aspect of the Charles is that it is an incredibly difficult course to navigate for a coxswain. There are a couple of extreme turns, six bridges, and many boats to pass along the way. Therefore, we want to make sure our coxswains are prepared.
We want to ensure that we have the best possible chance of finishing in the top half of each race, so future Mercer rowers have the opportunity to participate at this great event. We believe it is crucial for us to have the ability to get athletes out on the course for a row on Friday and have our coxswains attend the coxswain clinic on Saturday as it will help them be relaxed and prepared for the race on Sunday.
Hotel Details: PNRA has secured rooms at the Boston Marriott Newton for athletes and coaches.
Hotel Address: Boston Marriott Newton, 2345 Commonwealth Avenue, Newton, MA 02466
Dinner Friday : Will be decided by the boat
Dinner Saturday: Bertucci’s Newton Corner
Lineups/Selection: Lineups and events will be tentatively announced by Wednesday, October 12. While there is a possibility one or two seats may change after this date, the majority of athletes will know the lineup and the event they are racing by this date. Final lineups will be announced by Saturday, October 15th.
Estimated Cost: $400
Head of the Schuylkill – Philadelphia, PA – October 29-30, 2016
Who is racing: Top Boys and Girls Novice 8+
Where: Schuylkill River – Philadelphia, PA
Tentative Race Times (all on Sunday, October 30th):
Men’s High School Eights (Frosh/ Novice)- 10:35 am
Women’s High School Eights (Frosh/ Novice) 10:50 am
Transportation: Athletes will provide their own transportation. Athletes should be at the trailer at least two hours before their scheduled race time.
Notes: Coaches will announce who is going to the race by the end of practice on Wednesday, October 19th. We would really like to have all novice athletes race, but race participation will be decided by factors listed here.
Head of the Halloween – Mercer Lake, NJ – October 29th, 2016
Who is racing: All Varsity and Novice Athletes who are not racing at The Head of The Schuylkill
Where: Mercer Lake – West Windsor, NJ
When: 10:00 am until around 1:00 pm
What to wear: The best Halloween costume of your life (that you can row in)
About the race: Head of the Halloween is a fun intra-squad race. We try to create boats that contain two varsity girls, two varsity boys, two novice girls, and two novice boys. We then race over a 1000m course. Last year there were two heats and a final. Parents are encouraged to come watch and partake in a small Halloween party after the racing.
Frostbite Regatta & Bill Braxton Memorial Regatta – Mercer Lake, NJ – November 12th & 13th, 2016
Who is racing: First 4-5 Varsity boats, plus all novice boats that safely can compete
Where: Mercer Lake – West Windsor, NJ
Race Times: For the Braxton, 1st Varsity 8s and 4s have heats in the morning with finals in the afternoon. JV (2-5 boats) and novices have finals only in the afternoon. Times are not posted, but below is the schedule from last year. Expect times to run within one hour of last year’s times.
2016 Bill Braxton Memorial Regatta, Sunday Nov 13
Schedule: (Tentative)
Heats
8:00 Women’s HS Varsity 4+ (Braxton Family Trophy) Heat – Top 6 Places to Finals
8:15 Men’s HS Varsity 8+ (Coletta Family Trophy) Heat -Top 6 Places to Finals
8:30 Men’s HS Varsity 4+ (Rafferty Cup) Heat – Top 6 Places to Finals
8:45 Women’s HS Varsity 8+ (Theresa Braxton Trophy) Heat – Top 6 Places to Finals
Finals
| 10:40 Women’s HS Novice 4+ Final 1 | 12:10 Men’s HS Novice 8+ Final 5 |
| 10:46 Women’s HS Novice 4+ Final 2 | 12:16 Men’s HS Varsity 8+ (Coletta Family Trophy) Final |
| 11:04 Women’s HS Varsity 4+ Final (Braxton Family Trophy) | 1:58 Men’s HS Novice 4+ Final 1 |
| 11:10 Men’s HS JV 8+ Final 1 | 2:04 Men’s HS Novice 4+ Final 2 |
| 11:16 Men’s HS JV 8+ Final 2 | 2:10 Men’s HS Novice 4+ Final 3 |
| 11:22 Men’s HS JV 8+ Final 3 | 2:34 Men’s HS Varsity 4+ (Rafferty Cup) Final |
| 11:28 Men’s HS JV 8+ Final 4 | 2:40 Women’s HS JV 8+ Final 1 |
| 11:34 Men’s HS JV 8+ Final 5 | 2:46 Women’s HS JV 8+ Final 2 |
| 11:40 Men’s HS JV 8+ Final 6 | 2:52 Women’s HS JV 8+ Final 3 |
| 11:46 Men’s HS Novice 8+ Final 1 | 2:58 Women’s HS Novice 8+ Final 1 |
| 11:52 Men’s HS Novice 8+ Final 2 | 3:04 Women’s HS Novice 8+ Final 2 |
| 11:58 Men’s HS Novice 8+ Final 3 | 3:10 Women’s HS Novice 8+ Final 3 |
| 12:04 Men’s HS Novice 8+ Final 4 | 3:16 Women’s HS Varsity 8+ (Theresa Braxton Trophy) Final |
Race Notes: Unlike most of our fall racing, this race is a 2000m sprint. This race will mark the end of the fall racing season.
Estimated Cost: TBD
Mercer Challenge – Mercer Lake, NJ – Wednesday, November 2, 2016
Who is racing: All varsity and 1-2 boats of novice athletes
About the race: This race is an intra-boathouse race among Mercer, Peddie, and Lawrenceville. Varsity athletes will race around the lake while novice athletes will race shorter distances. The race will be run during our normal practice time.
PNRA/Mercer Rowers Win Henley Gold
August 8, 2016
West Windsor, NJ – The lightweight pair of Kyle James and Jack Gleim of Princeton National Rowing Association’s Mercer Rowing Club won a gold medal in the Under 23 category at the 134th Royal Canadian Henley Regatta, the premier summer event for rowers in North America. The victory at Henley marked the pair’s first international win. James and Gleim will represent the United States in the lightweight pair event at the 2016 Under 23 World Championships, August 21-28 in Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
“We wanted to compete at Henley to work out the kinks before the World Championships, race more crews, have fun, and win Henley gold,” said James, who will be a senior at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Gleim will be a senior at Marietta College in the fall. The pair won by more than three boat lengths with a time of 6:48.28 in the 2,000 meter race.
Gleim appreciated the learning opportunities provided by the progression from the heat to the semifinal to the final at Henley. “In our heat, we went against the plan we had set with our coach and switched our oar clams at the starting line. This made our oars heavier than needed and as a result, we didn’t get a rhythm going in the headwind. In the final, we stuck with our plan and our coach’s advice and had a much better race. At Worlds, I’ll be sure to have complete confidence in our plan and preparation,” said Gleim.
James and Gleim rowed together at PNRA/Mercer during their years at Princeton High School and West Windsor-Plainsboro High School South respectively but hadn’t rowed together for three years before reuniting to train with Coach Skip Kielt as part of PNRA/Mercer’s Under 23 Summer Rowing program. Gleim was the catalyst for the creation of the pair. Determined to find a pair partner to make a long-shot run at qualifying for the World Championships, he had his former PNRA/Mercer teammate high on his list. The two had rowed together in a varsity 8 with coxswain in the Grand Final of the 2012 USRowing Youth National Championship Regatta.
“Jack called me in February and suggested that we try to qualify for the World Championships as a lightweight pair, and I turned him down!” said James. Gleim did not give up on James, though. By May, James had recovered from an injury and was preparing to compete at the Intercollegiate Rowing Association’s National Championship Regatta in Wisconsin’s lightweight 4 with coxswain boat. “I changed my mind and committed to row with Jack. In college, you train so much and race just a little. There are more opportunities for racing in the summer.” One of those racing opportunities was the 2016 Under 23 World Championship Trials on July 18 -22 at their home course in West Windsor, NJ where the pair’s enthusiasm for racing resulted in victory and the opportunity to race again as representatives of the United States.
James and Gleim are in the process of fundraising to help cover the costs associated with competing at a world championship. More information is available at nrf.ralleyme.com.
About the Princeton National Rowing Association
The Princeton National Rowing Association, a 501(c)3 organization, operates the Finn M.W. Caspersen Rowing Center located on the shores of Mercer Lake, Mercer County Park in West Windsor, New Jersey. The Princeton National Rowing Association is dedicated to operating a world-class training site for our nation’s elite athletes, providing opportunities for area youth to excel in the sport of rowing and to expand rowing in the area through community-based programs. PNRA runs the Mercer Junior Rowing Program which provides rowing opportunities for youth from over 30 area schools and the Mercer Masters Rowing Program which provides rowing opportunities for adults. The center is a home to the USRowing National and Olympic Teams, as well as rowing clubs and schools. PNRA received generous support from Killarney’s Publick House, JLRacing, Bai, Holiday Inn and Residence Inn by Marriott.
For more information, contact Kristopher Grudt, tel: 609-977-1094, krisgrudt@rowpnra.org or visit www.rowpnra.org.
World Rowing announces Rio Olympic rowing entries by name
With 11 days to go until the start of the 2016 Rio Olympic Rowing Regatta in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the World Rowing Federation, FISA, brings you the athlete entries by name as they were submitted at the entry deadline of 18 July 2016. For the complete article click here.
Mercer’s U-23 Lightweight Men’s Pair (2-) is heading to the World Championships in Rot
terdam!!
Rowers Jack Gleim and Kyle James, coached by Skip Kielt, qualified for the World Championships on July 21 by winning the trials event on Mercer Lake. The World Championships will take place August 21-28, 2016 in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
If you are interested in helping the Men with financial support, a rally me page has been set up for them through the National Rowing Foundation: https://nrf.rallyme.com/rallies/4343/usau23lm2 The Lightweight Men’s 2- is a non-funded event for the USA Team which means that the Men have to finance their trip themselves. Please support Jack and Kyle as they represent the USA, PNRA and Mercer Rowing at the 2016 World Rowing Championships.
Mercer Junior Alumnus Named Harvard Lightweight Men’s Rowing Coach
Former Mercer Junior rower Billy Boyce has been named as the Friends of Harvard Lightweight Rowing Coach for Men’s Lightweight Crew.
http://gocrimson.com/sports/mcrew-lw/2016-17/releases/20160722n8pfli
Princeton National Rowing Association (PNRA) Board Establishes Mercer Rowing Advisory Committee
July 8, 2016
The PNRA Board of Directors is pleased to announce the creation of a Board committee that will focus on the direction, programs and staffing of the Mercer Rowing Club.
PNRA has a multi-faceted mission, which includes:
- Providing a world class training facility for our nation’s elite and Olympic athletes
- Building opportunities for area youth to excel in the sport of rowing
- Conducting top level regattas and events on one of the nation’s premiere rowing venues
- Expanding rowing in Mercer County through community based programs
The Mercer Rowing Club plays a crucial role in achieving this mission, in that the club provides opportunities for both junior and masters rowers from Mercer County and throughout the region to learn, and then excel in, the sport of rowing, Additionally, Mercer provides critical volunteer support to the many regattas and events conducted by PNRA. After a series of discussions this spring across the Mercer Rowing Club community, the Board concluded that due to the growth and success of the Mercer programs in recent years, the creation of a committee focused on Mercer programs within the PNRA organizational structure would enable both PNRA and Mercer to flourish into the future. The PNRA board has directed that the newly established Mercer Rowing Committee:
- Will dedicate time to Mercer specifically in the areas of structure, staffing, budgeting, communication and transparency,
- Members will also be members of the PNRA Board, ensuring clear communication and unified governance: we will thrive together,
- Will include both active Mercer families and alumni to provide a both current and longer-term focus
The overall goal is to continue to build upon and amplify the success of the Mercer programs while preserving the structure, organization and interdependence that benefits the whole of PNRA. The committee will serve as a focal point, independent voice, channel of communication and sounding board for Mercer within the PNRA Board, and will undertake longer range financial and organizational planning for Mercer than has been done in the past.
As the Mercer Rowing Committee begins work clarifying responsibilities, setting financial plans and undertaking near-term organizational planning for the ‘16/’17 Season, they will be reaching out to club participants (rowers, parents, alumni and coaches) for input and suggestions. This early feedback will also serve as the basis for development in the coming year of a five year master plan for club. Additional information about the committee is available on the PNRA website.
Initial members of the committee are Kristin Appelget (kristin93@alumni.nd.edu), Jamie Tanguay (JBTanguay@verizon.net), Stephen Parker (sdp31@icloud.com), Jim Stoddard (jamesstoddard@verizon.net) and Dave Kuhlman (davekuhlman@verizon.net). Please join the Board in thanking them for devoting their time and expertise to this important effort.
PHS Graduate Cleary Rolled With Changes Helping Mercer Boat Take 4th At Nationals
Stroking Stanford Lightweight Crew to IRA Title, PHS Alumna White Enjoyed Amazing Debut Season
Hansen and Barkenbush help Mercer Rowing take fourth
Mercer Junior Rower spurns courts for the lake
Mercer Junior Rowing John Tanguay is featured in an article on Mercer Space: http://mercerspace.com/hopewell/rower-spurns-courts-for-the-lake/
Mercer Alumna Rena White Named All-American and Stanford Outstanding Female Athlete
PNRA/Mercer Rowers Compete at USRowing Youth National Championships
June 13, 2016
West Windsor, NJ – The Princeton National Rowing Association’s Mercer Rowing Club sent three boats to compete at the 2016 USRowing Youth National Championships held on Mercer Lake, June 10-11 and all three finished among the top twelve crews in the nation. In the largest ever Youth National Championship regatta ever held, more than 1700 athletes representing 178 clubs and high school rowing programs from 30 states raced 411 boats down the course on Mercer Lake to compete for national titles in eighteen events.
- The PNRA/Mercer varsity girls 8 plus coxswain boat finished fourth in the nation and featured senior captain Kate Hickey (Notre Dame High School), sophomore Sara Hansen (West Windsor Plainsboro High School South), senior Caitlin Cleary (Princeton High School), junior Laila Shehab (Hopewell Valley High), junior Katie Lustig (Council Rock North), sophomore Bridget Parker (Princeton High School), senior Rachel Mumau (Millstone Township), sophomore Mia Barkenbush (West Windsor Plainsboro High School South)and senior coxswain Colleen Gillis (Freehold Township High School). The girls are coached by Steve Baranoski in his first year with PNRA/Mercer.
- The PNRA/Mercer lightweight girls 4 plus coxswain boat finished eighth and featured senior Elise Gorberg (West Windsor Plainsboro High School North), junior Celia Varga (Princeton Day School), senior Eileen Hu (West Windsor Plainsboro High School South), junior Sheila Kennedy-Moore (Princeton High School), and senior coxswain Sydney Holgado (Robbinsville High School).
- The PNRA/Mercer boys varsity 8 plus coxswain boat finished eleventh in the nation and included junior Andrew Hickey (Notre Dame High School), senior Jason Fleurial (Princeton High School), senior co-captain John Tanguay (Hopewell Valley High School), junior Carter Levine (Princeton High School), junior Grant Barthelmes (Ranney School), junior Daniel Stoddard (West Windsor Plainsboro High School South), freshman Jack Gallagher (Council Rock High School North), senior co-captain Kevin Borup (South Brunswick High School) and junior coxswain Sarah Brune (Lanoka Harbor, NJ).
Windy conditions at the course presented a challenge for rowers and led to a change in the regatta schedule. All races were compressed into two days, rather than three days. Also, the progression was changed so that the first round of races became more important. The top three finishers in the first round of heats qualified for the semifinal round to compete for places 1-12 in the nation.
“All three of our boats handled the new progression well and qualified for the semifinal,” said PNRA/Mercer Director of Rowing, Justin Ochal. “The girls 8 really came together and put in three really solid races in the two days.” For the third consecutive year, the PNRA/Mercer girls 8 with coxswain boat competed in the grand final among the best six boats in the nation.
“The boys’ 8 field was the strongest we have seen in the last five years said Ochal. “It’s hard to do two 2Ks within five hours, but we saw twelve crews getting down the course in less than 6 minutes, 10 seconds in the A and B finals.”
“I believe the PNRA/Mercer boys’ 8 over-performed relative to their strength this weekend,” said Ochal. “This shows you what kind of character our guys have. They handled themselves very well.”
For many rowers, the Youth National Championship Regatta is the last regatta of their high school careers. “It was truly a rewarding time to sit there on the line with top crews in the nation next to me,” said PNRA/Mercer senior Rachel Mumau, a member of PNRA/Mercer’s fourth-place girls 8 plus coxswain boat. “I was so proud to have been part of this boat at my last Youth Nationals,” she added contemplating the significance of the moment.
About the Princeton National Rowing Association
The Princeton National Rowing Association, a 501(c)3 organization, operates the Finn M.W. Caspersen Rowing Center located on the shores of Mercer Lake, Mercer County Park in West Windsor, New Jersey. The Princeton National Rowing Association is dedicated to operating a world-class training site for our nation’s elite athletes, providing opportunities for area youth to excel in the sport of rowing and to expand rowing in the area through community-based programs. PNRA runs the Mercer Junior Rowing Program which provides rowing opportunities for youth from over 30 area schools and the Mercer Masters Rowing Program which provides rowing opportunities for adults. The center is a home to the USRowing National and Olympic Teams, as well as rowing clubs and schools. PNRA received generous support from Killarney’s Publick House, JLRacing, Bai, Holiday Inn and Residence Inn by Marriott.
For more information, contact Kristopher Grudt, tel: 609-977-1094, krisgrudt@rowpnra.org or visit www.rowpnra.org.
PNRA/Mercer Gears Up To Host National Rowing Championships
May 19, 2016
West Windsor, NJ – The waters of Mercer Lake will soon be the site of two major national championship rowing regattas, the June 3-5 Intercollegiate Rowing Association (IRA) National Championship and the June 10-12 USRowing Youth National Rowing Championship. Both of these events will bring the top rowers from around the country to Mercer County to compete to wear the crown of National Champion. The Princeton National Rowing Association (PNRA) and Mercer County Parks will be hosting these events on the Mercer Lake course which is considered one of the top rowing venues in the United States.
The IRA National Championship will feature the top crews from 41 Universities and Colleges to compete in men’s open, men’s lightweight and women’s lightweight events. The NCAA has established its Rowing Championship for open women and the IRA serves as the National Championship for the other three disciplines in collegiate rowing. The IRA regatta has a history that goes back to 1870 and gained the name IRA in 1896.
The University of Washington men will be returning to defend their national championship. They will be facing strong competition from Yale, University of California, Princeton and a number of other crews seeking to knock Washington off the podium they have occupied for the past 5 years. Cornell will seek to add a third year onto their reign as the nation’s top lightweight men’s crew. Stanford University will be defending the lightweight women’s crown.
Approximately 140 schools and clubs will compete in 18 events at the USRowing Youth National Championship. Teams qualify to compete in the Championship at one of 12 regional championship events. Racing will begin on Friday, June 10 with heats. Crews will then compete in semi-finals on Saturday, culminating in the finals on Sunday June 12.
The Mercer Juniors will be seeking to improve on last year’s performance as they compete on their home course. In 2015 the Mercer Girls Eight finished second in the nation last year. The Mercer Girls Lightweight Eight finished third in the country last year with the Boys Eight finishing 11th.
“This is the third year that we have hosted the IRA Championship and the first time we have hosted the Youth National Championship,” stated Kristopher Grudt, Executive Director of the Princeton National Rowing Association. “It is truly an honor to be selected to host the top rowing events in the country. It is a tribute to the venue and all of the great volunteers that help to make these events possible.”
Both the IRA and the Youth National Championship would not be possible without an abundance of volunteers. For people wishing to get free entry and parking at the event, there are still volunteer opportunities available. To volunteer for the IRA please go to: https://www.volunteersignup.org/WYWD8 To view volunteer opportunities and sign up for the Youth National Championships go to: https://www.volunteersignup.org/CAT4T
About the Princeton National Rowing Association
The Princeton National Rowing Association, a 501(c)3 organization, operates the Finn M.W. Caspersen Rowing Center located on the shores of Mercer Lake, Mercer County Park in West Windsor, New Jersey. The Princeton National Rowing Association is dedicated to operating a world-class training site for our nation’s elite athletes, providing opportunities for area youth to excel in the sport of rowing and to expand rowing in the area through community-based programs. PNRA runs the Mercer Junior Rowing Program which provides rowing opportunities for youth from over 30 area schools and the Mercer Masters Rowing Program which provides rowing opportunities for adults. The center is a home to the USRowing National and Olympic Teams, as well as rowing clubs and schools. PNRA received generous support from Killarney’s Publick House, JLRacing, Bai, Holiday Inn and Residence Inn by Marriott.
For more information, contact Kristopher Grudt, tel: 609-799-7100 x100, krisgrudt@rowpnra.org or visit www.rowpnra.org.
ROWING: Yardley’s Kate Hickey commits to Stanford
The Bucks County Local News features a Q&A with MJRC Captain Kate Hickey. Click here to read the article.
PNRA/Mercer Rowers Win Bids to USRowing Youth National Championships
May 9, 2016
West Windsor, NJ – The Princeton National Rowing Association’s Mercer Rowing Club had a successful Mid-Atlantic Youth Championships this past weekend, May 7 and 8. The team earned four bids to the 2016 USRowing Youth National Championships which will be held on Mercer Lake, June 10-12, 2016. In total the Mercer Juniors rowers brought home medals in 6 events with every varsity girl who rowed in the regatta bringing home a medal in addition to the Boy Varsity 8 with coxswain winning medals.
Hosted by PNRA, the Mid-Atlantic Youth Championships featured 363 crews from 48 clubs and schools based in five states and the District of Columbia. It is one of twelve USRowing regional qualifying regattas held this month leading up to the national championship regatta for high school aged crews.
The sport of rowing is known for both intense competition and camaraderie. Both of these characteristics were on display when the PNRA/Mercer varsity boys met Gonzaga College High School in the final of the Men’s Youth 8 plus Coxswain event. PNRA/Mercer program director and boys’ varsity coach, Justin Ochal, and Gonzaga Head Coach, Marc Mandel, have developed a friendship based on mutual respect for each other’s coaching abilities. The teams began their spring competition season with a scrimmage on Carnegie Lake in early April. Ochal invited Mandel to bring his team for the scrimmage and stay in the homes of Mercer athletes.
“Racing some fast boats that we will be seeing again in June really helps us out,” said senior co-captain John Tanguay (Hopewell Valley High School). “Familiarizing ourselves with what it will be like in high intensity race situations works to our benefit. We now know to do nothing in moderation, so chipping away some seconds [from our 2,000 meter race time] in the next five weeks is going to be grueling. However, we have the drive to do it,” he adds.
Gonzaga placed first with a time of 6:09.4 and PNRA/Mercer placed second with a time of 6:13.8 in the final so both crews earned bids to the USRowing Youth National Championship Regatta on Mercer Lake in June, where they may match up again. In addition to Tanguay, the PNRA/Mercer crew included junior Andrew Hickey (Notre Dame High School), senior Jason Fleurial and junior Carter Levine (both from Princeton High School), junior Grant Barthelmes (Ranney School), junior Daniel Stoddard (West Windsor Plainsboro High School South), freshman Jack Gallagher (Council Rock High School North), senior co-captain Kevin Borup (South Brunswick High School) and junior coxswain Sarah Brune (Lanoka Harbor, NJ).
The PNRA/Mercer varsity girls won bids to the USRowing Youth National Championship Regatta for the Women’s Youth 8 plus Coxswain event, the women’s youth lightweight 8 plus Coxswain event, and the women’s lightweight 4 plus Coxswain event. PNRA/Mercer has had past success at the championship regatta, winning a silver medal in the Women’s Youth 8 plus Coxswain event and a bronze medal in the Women’s Youth Lightweight 8 plus Coxswain event in 2015.
“We are looking forward to training hard over the next month for Youth Nationals where we know we will meet some intense competition,” says senior captain Kate Hickey (Notre Dame High School). In addition to Hickey, the crew competing in the Women’s Youth 8 plus Coxswain event included sophomore Sara Hansen (West Windsor Plainsboro High School South), Caitlin Cleary (Princeton High School), junior Katie Lustig (Council Rock North), sophomore Mia Barkenbush (West Windsor Plainsboro High School South), junior Laila Shehab (Hopewell Valley High), senior Eileen Hu (West Windsor Plainsboro High School South), sophomore Bridget Parker (Princeton High School), senior Rachel Mumau (Millstone Township) and senior coxswain Colleen Gillis (Freehold Township High School). The girls are coached by Steve Baranoski in his first year with PNRA/Mercer.
Winning bids in two lightweight events was no easy task for the PNRA/Mercer girls. Four lightweight rowers and a coxswain accomplished the physically grueling assignment of competing in two events taking place only twenty minutes apart at the Mid-Atlantic Youth Championship. Junior Sheila Kennedy-Moore (Princeton High School), senior Eileen Hu (West Windsor Plainsboro High School South), senior Elise Gorberg (West Windsor Plainsboro High School North), junior Lauren Miller (Steinert High School), and senior coxswain Sydney Holgado (Robbinsville High School) competed first in the Women’s Youth Lightweight 8 plus Coxswain event and then the Women’s Youth Lightweight 4 plus Coxswain event. The other members of the lightweight 8 crew were senior Kathryn Miller (Steinert High School), senior Jenna Kugel (Montgomery High School), freshman Jacqueline Armetta (Villa Joseph Marie High School), and Catherine Vinch-Buck (The Pennington School).
The Mercer Girls also won a gold medal in the 2nd Varsity 4 with coxswain and both gold and bronze medals in the 2nd Varsity 8 with coxswain. The 2nd Varsity events are not raced at the Youth National Championships. Rowing in the 2nd Varsity 4 were Olivia Herman (Pennsbury High School), Jacqueline Armetta (Villa Joseph Marie High School), Catherine Vinch-Buck(Pennington School), Gwyneth Lavery (Lawrence High School) and Isabel Roemer (Princeton High School). Competing in the gold medal 2nd Varsity 8 with coxswain were Caroline Galati (West Windsor Plainsboro South), Gwyneth Lavery (Lawrence High School), Jenna Kugel (Montgomery High School), Kieran Wild ((Council Rock High School North), Isabel Roemer (Princeton High School), Sarah Closser (Princeton High School), Ciara DeVenuto-Wyeth (Pennsbury High School), Kathryn Miller (Steinert High School) and Glorianna Perrotte (Monroe Township High School). Earning a bronze medal in the 2nd Varsity 8 with coxswain were Lauren Preston (Notre Dame High School), Julia Berdzik (Notre Dame High School), Madeline Muni (West Windsor Plainsboro South), Erin Muni (Grover School), Peri Mishkin (Allentown High School), Caroline Gibson (Princeton High School), Elizabeth Both (New Hope Solebury), Grace Wonnell (West Windsor Plainsboro), Maheera Bawa (Montgomery High School).
About the Princeton National Rowing Association
The Princeton National Rowing Association, a 501(c)3 organization, operates the Finn M.W. Caspersen Rowing Center located on the shores of Mercer Lake, Mercer County Park in West Windsor, New Jersey. The Princeton National Rowing Association is dedicated to operating a world-class training site for our nation’s elite athletes, providing opportunities for area youth to excel in the sport of rowing and to expand rowing in the area through community-based programs. PNRA runs the Mercer Junior Rowing Program which provides rowing opportunities for youth from over 30 area schools and the Mercer Masters Rowing Program which provides rowing opportunities for adults. The center is a home to the USRowing National and Olympic Teams, as well as rowing clubs and schools. PNRA received generous support from Killarney’s Publick House, JLRacing, Bai, Holiday Inn and Residence Inn by Marriott.
For more information, contact Kristopher Grudt, tel: 609-977-1094, krisgrudt@rowpnra.org or visit www.rowpnra.org.
17 Princeton National Rowing Association/Mercer rowers taking it to the next level
The Pennington Post reports that 17 Princeton National Rowing Association/Mercer rowers taking it to the next level. Click here to read the full story.
PLEASE SLOW DOWN AND PAY ATTENTION!
As we were reminded earlier this week, a vehicle hitting a pedestrian can lead to a tragic ending. While our thoughts go out to everyone in Robbinsville, the accident there also serves as a reminder that lives are precious. Please slow down and take care as you drive the access road into and out of the Caspersen Rowing Center and as you drive through the parking lot. Help us to make sure that everyone using the facility and the roads stay safe and healthy.
Thank you,
Kris Grudt
Mercer Juniors Open Home Regatta Season With Medals at the Mercer Lake Sprints
PNRA/Mercer opened its spring racing season by hosting Mercer Lake Sprints on April 16 and 17. The regatta drew 45 rowing and sculling clubs to compete with nearly 2,500 competitors, providing an opportunity for varsity and novice rowers to see how they stack up against their competition after a long winter of indoor conditioning and training.
PNRA/Mercer came away with five gold medals, six silver medals and four bronze medals in total.
The boys’ gold medals were primarily in the varsity 8 plus coxswain events; PNRA/Mercer won gold medals in 2nd, 3rd, and 4th varsity 8 events. The boys straight 4 (no coxswain) also placed first for a gold medal. The boys also earned silver and bronze medals in the varsity pair event and a silver medal in the 2nd novice 8 plus coxswain.
The girl’s straight 4 (no coxswain) edged out rival Connecticut Boat Club to win the gold medal. The girls lightweight athletes won a pair of silver medals in the varsity girl’s 8 with coxswain and the varsity girl’s 4 with coxswain. The girls varsity 8 with coxswain and girl’s 2nd varsity 4 with coxswain earned bronze medals in their events. The girl’s 2nd novice 8 with coxswain picked up a silver medal and the 3rd novice 8 with coxswain earned a bronze medal.
The race line-ups for the Mercer Boats were:
Girls Straight 4 – Katie Lustig (Council Rock North), Laila Shehab (Hopewell Valley), Mia Barkenbush (West Windsor Plainsboro South), and Rachel Mumau (Millstone Township)
Girls Lightweight 8 – Coxswain Sydney Holgado (Robbinsville), Sheila Kennedy-Moore (Princeton), Jacqueline Armetta (Villa Joseph Marie), Jenna Kugel (Montgomery), Kathryn Miller (Steinert), Elise Gorberg (West Windsor Plainsboro North), Eileen Hu (West Windsor Plainsboro South), Caitlin Cleary (Princeton) and Sara Hansen (West Windsor Plainsboro South).
Girl’s Lightweight 4 – Coxswain Sydney Holgado (Robbinsville), Sheila Kennedy-Moore (Princeton), Jacqueline Armetta (Villa Joseph Marie), Lauren Miller (Steinert) and Catherine Vinch-Buck (Pennington)
Girl’s Varsity 8 – Coxswain Colleen Gillis (Freehold Township), Eileen Hu (West Windsor Plainsboro South), Bridget Parker (Princeton), Rachel Mumau (Millstone Township), Mia Barkenbush (West Windsor Plainsboro South), Laila Shebab (Hopewell Valley), Katherine Lustig (Council Rock North), Sara Hansen (West Windsor Plainsboro South) and Caitlin Cleary (Princeton)
Girls 2nd Varsity 4 – Coxswain Caroline Galati (West Windsor Plainsboro South), Kieran Wild (Council Rock North), Ciara DeVenuto-Wyeth (Pennsbury), Sarah Closser (Princeton) and Glorianna Perrote (Monroe)
Girls 2nd Novice 8 – Coxswain Ellie Micallef (Robbinsville), Eveline Enthoven (John Witherspoon), Yingyi Liang (Princeton International), Hiran Shyamsundar (Community Middle), Olivia Andersen (John Witherspoon), Eileen Yang (Community Middle), Morgan Linsley (Princeton) and Mary O’Boyle
Girls 3rd Novice 8 – Coxswain Paige Hansbury (Pennsbury), Abigail McAleer (Newtown Middle), Amy Garry (Pennington), Drishti Devani (Thomas Grover), Sunny Hu (Thomas Grover), Caroline Sullivan(Princeton Charter), Milana Asadpour, Emaan Anwar (Princeton Charter) and Parkman Moseley (Princeton Day)
Boy’s Straight 4 – Jack Gallagher (Council Rock North High School), Kevin Borup (South Brunswick), Carter Levine (Princeton High School), and John Tanguay (Hopewell Valley)
Boy’s 2nd Varisty 8 – Coxswain Sarah Brune (FLVS), Andrew Moss (Princeton), Will Grimes (Hopewell Valley) , Magnus Andersen (Princeton), Albert Bergeron (Hun), Christopher Silva (Hopewell Valley), Julius Ferenc (Ranney), Tyler Harris (West Windsor Plainsboro North) and David Pe (West Windsor Plainsboro North)
Boy’s 3rd Vasrsity 8 – Coxswain Rohan Patel(West Windsor Plainsboro North), Dana Gajewski (Princeton), Chase Panfili (Lawrence Middle), Sullivan Hughes (Princeton), Kyle Sutera (Burlington Township), Brian Radvany (Princeton Academy), Evan Kinter (Steinert), Enzo Couillens (Hopewell Valley) and Brian Karp (Hopewell Valley)
Boy’s 4th Varsity 8 – Coxswain Anubhav Suri, Brandon Chow, Spencer Stengle, David Dortch, Morolayo Ayodele, J.P. Brown (Hopewell Valley), Robert Rittenhouse, Chris Gibson and Brandon DePaulis (Hun)
Boy’s Varsity Pairs – Grant Barthelmes (Ranney)and Jason Fleurial (Princeton); Daniel Stoddard (West Windsor Plainsboro South) and Andrew Hickey (Notre Dame)
Boy’s 2nd Novice 8 – coxswain Diana Higgins (Notre Dame), Jonathan Ignarski (Robbinsville), Curran Folino (Wilberforce School), Andrew Yan (Princeton Charter), Nick Casilli (South Brunswick), Conall O’Neill (Chapin), Andrew Gosek (Holy Ghost), Darin Khan ((Community Middle) and Jackson Ikenberry (John Witherspoon)
Princeton National Rowing Association Congratulates Mercer Athletes on College Commitments
April 15, 2016
West Windsor, NJ – Princeton National Rowing Association’s Mercer Rowing Club (PNRA/Mercer) proudly congratulates our high school seniors as they commit to attend some of the nation’s elite universities in the fall.
Albert Bergeron (The Hun School) – University of Delaware
Kevin Borup (South Brunswick High School) – Columbia University
Joseph P. Brown (Hopewell Valley Central High School) – Boston University
Caitlin Cleary (Princeton High School) – Brown University
Brandon De Paulis (The Hun School) – Hobart College
Jason Fleurial (Princeton High School) – Cornell University
Colleen Gillis (Freehold Township High School) – Miami University
Elise Gorberg (West Windsor Plainsboro HS North) – Boston University
Kate Hickey (Notre Dame High School) – Stanford University
Sydney Holgado (Robbinsville High School) – University of California, Berkeley
Eileen Hu (West Windsor Plainsboro HS South) – Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Jenna Kugel (Montgomery High School) – Naval Academy
Kathryn Miller (Steinert High School) – University of Pennsylvania
Rachel Mumau (Millstone Township) – Clemson University
Glorianna Perrotte (Monroe High School) – University of Miami
John Tanguay (Hopewell Valley Central High School) – Columbia University
Will Grimes (Hopewell Valley Central High School) will continue his studies at the Kent School and plans to row there as well.
Eighty percent of PNRA/Mercer seniors have plans to continue rowing after high school.
“Being recruited to row in college can really help a student through the admissions process,” says Mercer Program Director and Boys’ Varsity Coach Justin Ochal. “There are a lot of college rowing teams but not a lot of high school aged kids that live in areas where they can join a competitive rowing program like PNRA/Mercer. Kids learn to row with us and by their second, third, or fourth year of rowing, they might be competing at the national-level. PNRA/Mercer has a good reputation among the colleges because our student-athletes tend to be successful at the collegiate level.”
Senior co-captain Kevin Borup offers the following advice to athletes who are interested in trying out rowing. “They should start by signing up for a summer novice camp. If they enjoy the sport, then they should sign up for a novice season with Mercer Juniors. PNRA/Mercer has an amazing program, as our coaches are former collegiate and national team athletes themselves. We train out of the Caspersen Rowing Center in Mercer County Park, which has great facilities for us to use. Our team has some of the best rowers in the area and they all started somewhere.” Information on summer camps for middle school and high school age athletes is available at www.rowpnra.org.
About the Princeton National Rowing Association
The Princeton National Rowing Association, a 501(c)3 organization, operates the Finn M.W. Caspersen Rowing Center located on the shores of Mercer Lake, Mercer County Park in West Windsor, New Jersey. The Princeton National Rowing Association is dedicated to operating a world-class training site for our nation’s elite athletes, providing opportunities for area youth to excel in the sport of rowing and to expand rowing in the area through community-based programs. PNRA runs the Mercer Junior Rowing Program which provides rowing opportunities for youth from over 30 area schools and the Mercer Masters Rowing Program which provides rowing opportunities for adults. The center is a home to the USRowing National and Olympic Teams, as well as rowing clubs and schools. PNRA received generous support from Killrney’s Publik House, JL Racing, Swift Racing, Bai, Wells Fargo Advisors Gould Group, Holiday Inn and Residence Inn by Marriott.
For more information, contact Kristopher Grudt, tel: 609-977-1094, krisgrudt@rowpnra.org or visit www.rowpnra.org.
Zach Spitzer Joins Princeton National Rowing Association Staff
For Immediate Release
March 14, 2016
W
est Windsor, NJ – The Princeton National Rowing Association (“PNRA”) is pleased to welcome Zachary Spitzer to our team to coordinate our outreach activities. In this position, Mr. Spitzer will be responsible for PNRA’s Rowing is Growing (“RIG”) program. Rowing, the nation’s oldest team sport, builds team spirit, fitness and discipline. PNRA’s RIG program seeks to provide disadvantaged youth from greater Trenton and Mercer County opportunities to experience this by participating in rowing with peers that can challenge their life expectations and goals.
Mr. Spitzer is a 2015 graduate of Syracuse University where he earned a master’s degree in secondary education. Zach was introduced to rowing at Niskayuna High School in Niskayuna, NY. As a rower and team captain at Niskayuna, he had a successful career, twice qualifying for USRowing’s Youth National Championships. After rowing as a freshman at Syracuse, Zach returned to coach the Niskayuna Juniors program and the Aqueduct Rowing Masters Rowing Program.
“I am very excited to be able to expand PNRA’s reach into the community, and help coach the already great Mercer rowing team” said Zach Spitzer.
“We are pleased to welcome Zachary to our organization,” said Kristopher Grudt, Executive Director of PNRA. “He brings a drive to expand the reach of rowing in the greater Mercer County area. He is a great compliment to the members of our team and I look forward to his contributions to not only PNRA but our community.”
The Princeton National Rowing Association, a 501c3 organization, operates the Finn M.W. Caspersen Rowing Center located on the shores of Mercer Lake in West Windsor, New Jersey. The Princeton National Rowing Association is dedicated to operating a world-class training site for our nation’s elite athletes, providing opportunities for area youth to excel in the sport of rowing and to expand rowing in the greater Mercer County area through community based programs. The Mercer Junior Rowing Program provides rowing opportunities for youth from over 25 Mercer County area high schools. The center is a home to the USRowing National and Olympic Teams, as well as rowing clubs and schools, including the Hun School, Lawrenceville School and Peddie School. www.rowPNRA.org
For more information contact Kristopher Grudt, 609-799-7100 x100, krisgrudt@rowpnra.org
PNRA Announces 2016 Mercer Lake Regatta Schedule
For Immediate Release
February 25, 2016
West Windsor, NJ
In 2016, National Champions will be crowned, Olympians and Paralympians will be made and thousands of athletes will have a chance to test their ability to row at Mercer Lake in Mercer County Park. The Princeton National Rowing Association (“PNRA”) will host 10 major events including two national championships, Olympic/Paralympic/World Championship trials, and several regional and conference championships on Mercer Lake this year. The Mercer County Park rowing venue has been characterized as “arguably one of the best regatta courses in the country” by USRowing. The fairness of the course and the level of regattas bring people from around the country to compete and watch rowing competition. These events provide over $10 million of economic impact to the region each year according to studies performed by the Princeton Regional Chamber of Commerce and PNRA.
“PNRA has worked hard to develop a race course and overall regatta experience that is nationally recognized as being one of the best. It’s exciting to be the host venue for so many prominent events this spring” stated Events Manager, Hilary Gehman. “The Mercer County Park facilities and the great volunteers in the area have allowed us to build this reputation.”
2016 marks the third year that PNRA has hosted the Intercollegiate Rowing Association (IRA) National Championship Regatta. The IRA scheduled for June 3-5, 2016, is the National Championship for the collegiate open men, lightweight men and lightweight women which are not NCAA championship sports. First raced in 1870, the IRA National Championship came into its current form in 1895 and figures prominently in the bestselling book “Boys In The Boat.” Last year saw the University of Washington edging out California-Berkeley and Princeton for the open men’s championship with Cornell and Stanford taking the lightweight men’s and lightweight women’s National Championships respectively.
USRowing’s Youth National Championship will take place June 10-12. This event brings together the top scholastic and club teams from throughout the United States to crown the National Champion in 18 different events. Last year’s Youth National Championship in Sarasota, FL, featured 163 teams from 39 states. PNRA’s Mercer Junior Program will work toward improving last year’s second place finish as they compete on their home course.
PNRA’s Mercer Junior Rowing Programs will also be competing in the Mercer Lake Sprints, April 16-17 and the USRowing Mid-Atlantic Junior Championships, May 7-8. Both of these events are for high school aged athletes representing both club and scholastic programs. The Mercer Lake Sprints will bring 2,500 athletes from as far away as Georgia and Illinois to compete in the two day event. New in 2016 is the Sweep Sprint Championship Event. This will be the last event of the regatta on Sunday and will be limited to the top 6 teams. Teams will be selected based on performance in their Women’s Varsity 8, Men’s Varsity 8, Women’s Varsity 4, and Men’s Varsity 4. Each of these 4 boats will race 500 meters in relay style to determine the overall Sweep Sprint Champion. The Mid-Atlantic Championships will feature approximately 1,500 athletes and serve as the qualifying event for the 2016 USRowing Youth National Championships.
The Knecht Cup scheduled for April 9-10, is one of the largest collegiate regattas in the country. This regatta is a 2 day collegiate regatta that attracts 70 teams from as far away as San Diego, CA, and Florida. On May 15, the Metro-Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC), Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) and Ivy League will share Mercer Lake for their Conference Championships. The winners of each of the conference championships will earn a berth at the NCAA Women’s Rowing Championships.
As a U.S.A. Olympic Training Site, PNRA will host 3 sets of trials races to select teams for international competition in 2016. On April 6-7, PNRA hosts the trials to select the USA Paralympic TA2x team that will compete in Gavarate, Italy, in an attempt to qualify for the 2016 Paralympic regatta in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, September 9-12. June 20-22 will see the trials for the US Olympic Rowing Team pairs (2-) to determine who will represent the United States in the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, August 6-14. The teams for the Junior, Under 23 and Senior World Championships will be selected in races scheduled for July 18-22. The Championship will take place in Rotterdam, Netherlands, August 20-28.
The Mercer Lake race course will also host several smaller dual races between the programs that row out of the Caspersen Rowing Center. Among these is the Mid-Atlantic Prep League (MAPL) Championship on May 14.
The 2016 calendar is as follows:
April 6-7: US Paralympic TA2X Team Trials
April 9-10: Knecht Cup
April 16-17: Mercer Lake Sprints
May 7-8: USRowing Mid-Atlantic Junior Regionals
May 14: Mid-Atlantic Prep League (MAPL) Championships
May 15: Metro-Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC), Colonial Athletic Association (CAA), and Ivy League conference Championships
June 3-5: Intercollegiate Rowing Association (IRA) National Championships
June 10-12: USRowing Youth National Championships
June 20-22: Olympic Trials II (2- trials)
July 18-22: Junior/U23/Senior World Championship Trials
November 5-6: Collegiate Small Boat Championship
November 12-13: Frostbite and Braxton Regattas
Event sponsorship opportunities are available. Please contact Events Manager Hilary Gehman at hgehman@rowpnra.org or call 609-799-7100 x106 for more information.
About the Princeton National Rowing Association
The Princeton National Rowing Association, a 501(c)3 organization, operates the Finn M.W. Caspersen Rowing Center located on the shores of Mercer Lake, Mercer County Park in West Windsor, New Jersey. The Princeton National Rowing Association is dedicated to operating a world-class training site for our nation’s elite athletes, providing opportunities for area youth to excel in the sport of rowing and to expand rowing in the area through community-based programs. PNRA runs the Mercer Junior Rowing Program which provides rowing opportunities for youth from over 30 area schools and the Mercer Masters Rowing Program which provides rowing opportunities for adults. The center is a home to the USRowing National and Olympic Teams, as well as rowing clubs and schools. PNRA has received generous support from Wells Fargo Investment Advisors Gould Group, JLRacing and Killarney’s Publick House.
For more information, contact Kristopher Grudt, tel: 609-977-1094, krisgrudt@rowpnra.org or visit www.rowpnra.org.
Former Mercer Junior Rower Alex Levine Quoted in Daily Princetonian Article
PNRA Winter Newsletter
The PNRA winter newsletter is now available at: http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs156/1104387530135/archive/1123670406834.html
Mercer Rowing Programs Ergathon
All Mercer rowers who are planning to row during the Spring 2016 season are asked to participate in the Mercer Rowing Ergathon.
Hilary Gehman Joins Princeton National Rowing Association
For Immediate Release
January 19, 2016
West Windsor, NJ – The Princeton National Rowing Association (“PNRA”) is pleased to welcome Hilary Gehman to our team in the role of Events Manager. In this position, Ms. Gehman will coordinate PNRA’s regattas, summer camps and corporate rowing events. Over 15,000 athletes compete in PNRA’s regattas each year. PNRA’s events contribute over $10 million in economic impact to the Mercer County area each year. PNRA operates the Caspersen Rowing Center which is located on Mercer Lake, Mercer County Park in West Windsor, New Jersey. The Mercer Lake venue has been characterized by USRowing as “arguably one of the best regatta courses in the country.”
A two time Olympian, Ms. Gehman is a successful collegiate coach most recently leading the Cornell Women’s program to a silver medal finish at the Ivy League Championship in 2011. Hilary began her rowing career at Colby College before moving to Portland, OR where she both rowed for the Station L Rowing Club and Coached for Lewis and Clark College. She made the US National Team in 1999 and competed in the quadruple sculls in both the 2000 Sydney and 2004 Athens Olympics. While a member of the National Team, Hilary served as the Novice Women’s Coach at Georgetown University. In 2004 she moved to Cornell University first as an assistant coach before taking the helm as Head Women’s Coach in 2007.
“I am thrilled to join PNRA as the Events Manager,” Ms. Gehman stated. “PNRA has a reputation of running top level events and I look forward to continuing to build on that tradition.”
“We are pleased to welcome Hilary to our organization,” said Kristopher Grudt, Executive Director of PNRA. “She brings a wealth of knowledge to PNRA that will enable us to continue to run regattas which are among the best in the country.”
The Princeton National Rowing Association, a 501c3 organization, operates the Finn M.W. Caspersen Rowing Center located on the shores of Mercer Lake in West Windsor, New Jersey. The Princeton National Rowing Association is dedicated to operating a world-class training site for our nation’s elite athletes, providing opportunities for area youth to excel in the sport of rowing and to expand rowing in the greater Mercer County area through community based programs. The Mercer Junior Rowing Program provides rowing opportunities for youth from over 25 Mercer County area high schools. The center is a home to the USRowing National and Olympic Teams, as well as rowing clubs and schools, including the Hun School, Lawrenceville School and Peddie School. www.rowPNRA.org
For more information contact Kristopher Grudt, 609-799-7100 x100, krisgrudt@rowpnra.org
2016 Rio Olympics teams to watch: U.S. women’s eight rowing
Sports Illustrated has named the US Women’s 8+ as one of the team to watch at this summer’s 2016 Rio Olympics: http://www.si.com/2016/01/13/rio-olympic-games-us-womens-rowing
A Successful Past and Plans for the Future of PNRA
by USRowing video by Ed Moran, ed@usrowing.org | Jan 11, 2016
The success of the Princeton National Rowing Association since its inception in 2000 has been clear. It has developed and expanded rowing programs on Mercer Lake for masters and junior rowers and is the host base for the U.S. national team.
The success of the Princeton National Rowing Association since its inception in 2000 has been clear. It has developed and expanded rowing programs on Mercer Lake for masters and junior rowers and is the host base for the U.S. National Team . . . for more and video interview of Kris Grudt click here
PNRA Releases 2015 Annual Report
The Princeton National Rowing Association is pleased to announce the release of its 2015 Annual Report. The report can be found at the following link:
For a hard copy of this report, please contact Kris Grudt at krisgrudt@rowpnra.org or 609-799-7100.
Top 15 Team USA Women Of 2015 – Including the US Women’s 8+
The USA Women’s 8+ was named to the United States Olympic Committee’s top 15 Sports Women of 2015. Congratulations! It is an honor well deserved and represents the dedication, drive, talent and commitment of not only these nine women but of all of the women at the Training Center in Princeton. Thank you for letting us be a part of your journey.
Used Ergs for Sale
PNRA will be replacing a portion of our Concept 2 ergs at the Caspersen Rowing Center. The result of this replacement is that we have 8 each Concept 2 Model D ergs available for immediate sale. The price is $450.00 (new is $900). These are being sold “AS IS” on a first come basis. Please contact Kris Grudt at krisgrudt@rowpnra.org if you are interested.