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PNRA/Mercer Rowers Compete at USRowing Youth National Championships

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Mercer Juniors Varsity Women’s 8+ at the 2017 Youth National Championship in Sarasota, FL.

June 12, 2017

West Windsor, NJ – The Princeton National Rowing Association’s Mercer Rowing Club had six boats turn in impressive performances at the 2017 USRowing Youth National Championships at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota, Florida on June 9-11, 2017.   PNRA/Mercer’s women’s youth eight with coxswain (8+) finished seventh in the nation by edging out Nashville at the finish line in the Petite Final.  PNRA/Mercer had trailed Nashville most of the race but started walking through their competitor in the final 200 meters of the race.  The PNRA/Mercer 8+ crew finished about four seats up and a time of 6:34.78 minutes.  

“We started our sprint with 400 meters left in the race, which is earlier than we usually start it, but we had to do that to catch Nashville,” said senior coxswain Caroline Galati (West Windsor-Plainsboro High School South). “I kept saying ‘Beat the A Final times’ to motivate them, and we got our split down to 1:30 for the last one hundred meters,” Galati added.  A split represents the time required to travel 500 meters or one quarter of the race.  Other members of the PNRA/Mercer women’s 8+ included co-captains senior Celia Varga (Princeton Day School) and Laila Shehab (Hunterdon Valley Central High School), junior Katryna Niva (Hunterdon Valley Central High School), junior Emmanuelle Adamson (Princeton High School), senior Katie Lustig and junior Kieran Wild (both from Council Rock North High School), as well as juniors Mia Barkenbush and Sara Hansen (both from West Windsor-Plainsboro High School South).   

First-year coach girls’ coach Matt Carlsen also saw his women’s youth 4 with coxswain (4+) and women’s youth lightweight 8 with coxswain (lightweight 8+) finish 12th and 15th in the nation.  The women’s youth 4+ was a Cinderella story for PNRA/Mercer, as the boat did not qualify for the national regatta during the rainy and stormy Mid-Atlantic Regional Championships in May but received their bid through the petition process.  By winning a spot in the Petite Final, the crew showed they deserved their spot.  The women’s youth 4+ included junior Peri Mishkin (Allentown High School), senior Grace Wonnell (West Windsor-Plainsboro High School South), sophomore Sarah Closser and junior Bridget Parker (both from Princeton High School) and coxswain junior Lauren Preston (Notre Dame High School). 

The PNRA/Mercer lightweight 8+ featured senior Sheila Kennedy-Moore (Princeton High School), junior Maheera Bawa (Montgomery High School), sophomore Jacqueline Armetta (Villa Joseph Marie High School), junior Taylor Vierling (Northern Burlington High School), freshman Eveline Enthoven (Princeton High School), sophomore Chloe Couillens (Hopewell Valley Central High School), juniors Julia Berdzik and Erin Dobbs (both from Notre Dame High School) and coxswain junior Maddy Peel (Princeton High School). 

Justin Ochal in his second year as Mercer Program Director and third year as Boys’ Varsity Coach boys was pleased with the performance of his two pairs (2-).  The boys rowed in borrowed boats because their own boats were damaged during a Sarasota thunderstorm when another club’s boats that were not tied down properly were blown onto the PNRA/Mercer boats.  Despite this setback, one pair consisting of junior Evan Kinter (Steinhert High School) and senior Lachlan Mersky (Haddonfield High School) finished eighth in the nation and the other pair consisting of junior Andrew Moss and junior Dana Gajewski (both from Princeton High School) finished 13th in the nation. 

PNRA/Mercer’s men’s youth lightweight 4 with coxswain (lightweight 4+) qualified for the Petite Final as senior coxswain Sarah Brune (Lanoka Harbor, NJ) pushed her crew hard during the qualifying time trial on Friday. For the 2017 Youth National Championships, USRowing altered the regatta format by replacing 2000-meter heats with 1900-meter time trials in the initial round.  Some crews found the new format difficult because their spring seasons featured 2000-meter races side-by-side with the competition. Some regatta spectators missed the competitive drama of side-by-side heats and the opportunity to see crews from different regions race each other. 

Along with Brune, PNRA/Mercer’s lightweight 4+ crew, which finished 12th in the nation, included sophomore Alex Brodowski (Pennsbury High School), senior Enzo Couillens (Hopewell Valley Central High School), sophomore Brady Stergion (Notre Dame High School), and senior Tyler Harris (West Windsor-Plainsboro High School North).   

The PNRA/Mercer men’s youth 8+ crew finished 17th in the nation.  The crew included sophomore Jack Gallagher (Council Rock North High School), co-captain senior Daniel Stoddard (West Windsor Plainsboro High School South), senior Chris Silva (Hopewell Valley Central High School), junior Eli Kalfaian (Delaware Valley Regional High School), co-captain senior Andrew Hickey (Notre Dame High School), co-captain senior Carter Levine and freshman Leon Deng (both from Princeton High School), senior Rex Berger (The Hun School), and coxswain senior Kate Takacs (Princeton Day School). 

PNRA/Mercer will begin its summer season soon.  In addition, many of the PNRA/Mercer rowers and coxswains will assist with instructing new rowers at the club’s renowned summer camps for middle-school and early high-school-aged athletes who wish to get involved with rowing.  For more information on PNRA/Mercer summer camps, visit www.rowpnra.org.

 

About the Princeton National Rowing Association 

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 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 which provides rowing opportunities for the 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. PNRA received generous support from JLRacing, 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 Rowers Win Bids to USRowing Youth National Championships

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Mercer Rowing Program Men’s Varsity 8+ racing at the Mid-Atlantic Junior Regional Championship on Mercer Lake.

May 15, 2017

West Windsor, NJ – In spite of torrential rain on Saturday and associated changes to the racing schedule mandated by USRowing officials, the Princeton National Rowing Association’s Mercer Rowing Club earned six bids to the 2017 USRowing Youth National Championships by winning medals at the Mid-Atlantic Youth Championships.  PNRA/Mercer boats have been invited to compete in the women’s youth eight with coxswain (8+), the men’s youth 8+, the women’s youth lightweight 8+, the men’s youth lightweight four with coxswain (4+), and two crews in the men’s pair without coxswain (2-) events at the National Championships taking place at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota, Florida, on June 9-11, 2017.  Sending six boats to compete in the USRowing Youth National Championships would be a high-water mark for the club, which is led by Justin Ochal in his second year as Mercer Program Director and third year as Boys’ Varsity Coach.  

Hosted by PNRA, the Mid-Atlantic Youth Regional Championships took place on Mercer Lake in Mercer County, NJ this past weekend and featured crews from 42 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. 

Weather conditions on Saturday resulted in a decision by race officials to utilize a single time trial in qualifying events to determine invitations to the Youth National Championships, rather than the usual two-day progression of heats, semi-finals, and finals.  In a time trial, each boat is sent out at a regular interval and races against the clock to secure the fastest time.  The crews with the three fastest times in each event with more than three entries were awarded medals.  

PNRA/Mercer placed first in the women’s youth eight plus coxswain event by a wide margin, despite the challenging circumstances.  “Time trials can be difficult because no crews are around you to help you measure how you are doing,” said co-captain senior Celia Varga (Princeton Day School).  

“The weather conditions were not optimal,” said co-captain senior Laila Shehab (Hunterdon Valley Central High School). “But experiences like that are going to make you a better rower, technically and mentally.” 

“We couldn’t worry about things beyond our control.  We had to lay it all on the line, listen to our coxswain, and row our own race,” added Varga.  The boat was coxed by senior Caroline Galati (West Windsor-Plainsboro High School South) and in addition to Varga and Shehab, included junior Katryna Niva (Hunterdon Valley Central High School), junior Emmanuelle Adamson (Princeton High School), senior Katie Lustig and junior Kieran Wild (both from Council Rock North High School), as well as juniors Mia Barkenbush and Sara Hansen (both from West Windsor-Plainsboro High School South). 

PNRA/Mercer’s men’s youth 8+ crew experienced an odd turn of events related to its time trial.  When results were posted initially, PNRA/Mercer was announced as the first-place boat. Later, after individual judges’ stop watches were re-evaluated, Gonzaga High School was listed with a time of 6:30.08, just ahead of PNRA/Mercer’s 6:30.29.  Both crews received bids to the Youth National Championships where they are likely to compete against each other once again.  The PNRA/Mercer men’s youth 8+ crew includes sophomore Jack Gallagher (Council Rock North High School), co-captain senior Daniel Stoddard (West Windsor Plainsboro High School South), senior Chris Silva (Hopewell Valley Central High School), junior Eli Kalfaian (Delaware Valley Regional High School), co-captain senior Andrew Hickey (Notre Dame High School), co-captain senior Carter Levine and freshman Leon Deng (both from Princeton High School), senior Rex Berger (The Hun School), and coxswain senior Kate Takacs (Princeton Day School). 

The other medal-winning boys’ crews were the lightweight 4+ which included sophomore Alex Brodowski (Pennsbury High School), senior Enzo Couillens (Hopewell Valley Central High School), sophomore Brady Stergion (Notre Dame High School), senior Tyler Harris (West Windsor-Plainsboro High School North) and coxswain Sarah Brune (Lanoka Harbor, NJ), one pair consisting of junior Andrew Moss and junior Dana Gajewski (both from Princeton High School) and one pair consisting of junior Evan Kinter (Steinhert High School) and senior Lachlan Mersky (Haddonfield High School). 

“We’re taking twice as many guys to Nationals this year, in three different boat classes.  It shows how everyone—from the veteran seniors to the underclassmen—is stepping up to make this a big year for Mercer,” commented co-captain Andrew Hickey. 

The other nationals-qualifying boat is PNRA/Mercer’s lightweight 8+ with the crew of senior Sheila Kennedy-Moore (Princeton High School), junior Maheera Bawa (Montgomery High School), sophomore Jacqueline Armetta (Villa Joseph Marie High School), junior Taylor Vierling (Northern Burlington High School), sophomore Caitie Vinch-Buck (The Pennington School), freshman Eveline Enthoven (Princeton High School), sophomore Chloe Couillens (Hopewell Valley Central High School), junior Julia Berdzik and coxswain junior Lauren Preston (both from Notre Dame High School). 

Co-captain Laila Shehab commented on the culture that first-year coach girls’ coach Matt Carlsen has fostered on the team. “A lot of the girls have learned to push themselves farther than they thought they could.  Coach Matt always says, ‘It’s never enough’.  He can joke and have fun, but he’s no nonsense when it comes to racing.  We’re always racing each other at practice.  We push each other. The lightweight 8+ pushes the varsity 8+. They are little beasts. I’m so excited for them to compete at Youth Nationals and have their first experience competing at that level.  It’s such good racing and then they will bring that knowledge back to the club.”  

About the Princeton National Rowing Association 

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 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 which provides rowing opportunities for the 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. PNRA received generous support from JLRacing, 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.

 

Katelin Guregian Joins Princeton National Rowing Association Staff

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For Immediate Release

April 21, 2016

West Windsor, NJ – The Princeton National Rowing Association (“PNRA”) is pleased to welcome Katelin Guregian to our team as the Manager of Community Development.    In this position, Ms. Guregian will work to develop a philanthropic base for PNRA, especially to support the expansion of the Caspersen Rowing Center.  Slated to break ground in March 2018, the expansion will more than double the size of the facility ensuring PNRA’s continued role as a premiere rowing center in country.

“I’m thrilled to be joining PNRA in the Boathouse Expansion campaign,” stated Ms. Guregian. “The Caspersen Rowing Center is a central part of my life, in regards to my Olympic training as well as my role coaching the Junior Girls. I’m passionate about all of the rowing opportunities at PNRA for masters, juniors, and elite athletes, and am so excited to be part of the future of Mercer.”

As the coxswain of the Winter Park High School Men’s 8+, Ms. Guregian won the 2005 Scholastic Rowing Association National Championship on Mercer Lake.  While at the University of Washington, Katelin steered their men’s team to multiple Intercollegiate Rowing Association (IRA) National Championships.  Since 2009, she has been a member of USRowing’s Princeton Training Center.  Katelin has coxed the USA women’s 8+ to two Under-23 World Championships, four Senior World Championship Gold medals and an Olympic Gold Medal at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.  She has also served coach for PNRA’s Mercer Junior Rowing Program.

“We are pleased to welcome Katelin to our organization,” said Kristopher Grudt, Executive Director of PNRA.  “She brings a wealth of knowledge about our sport and a drive which will make her successful directing our development activities.  I look forward to her 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 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 which provides rowing opportunities for the 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

The Caspersen Rowing Center Is Open

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Wednesday, March 15, 2017.
The Caspersen Rowing Center is open for today. There are icy spots on the access road and in the parking lot, so drivers are asked to drive with extreme care.

Due to the weather and indoor capacity constraints, the Varsity Girls Team will practice 3:45pm-5:45pm and the Varsity Boys Team will practice 5:45pm-7:45pm.

Masters will resume normal practice on Thursday, March 16, 2017

Snow Storm Closure – March 14, 2017

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Due to the forecasted snow storm, PNRA and the Caspersen Rowing Center will be closed on Tuesday, March 14, 2017. All activities and practices scheduled for Tuesday are cancelled. Athletes are encouraged to check with their coaches for alternative workouts.

The Caspersen Rowing Center will resume normal operations and practices on Wednesday, March 15, 2017.

First Annual Mercer Indoor Row for the Cure Is A Success

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March 1, 2017

West Windsor, NJ – The first annual Mercer Indoor Row for the Cure took place on Sunday, February 26, 2017 at Peddie School’s Ian H. Graham ’50 Athletic Center. This is the only indoor Row for the Cure competition in the country. All proceeds from this event will go to breast cancer research supported by the Central and South Jersey Affiliate of Susan G. Komen located in Lawrenceville, NJ.

Heat 1 of Varsity Junior Women in progress
PNRA/Mercer rower Chris Silva, 3rd place Varsity Junior Men

There were a total of 99 entries over 7 events including competitors from PNRA/Mercer, Peddie School, Navesink Rowing, Haddonfield, and Carnegie Lake Rowing. Winners of each event received a pink hammer. The Varsity Junior Women and Varsity Junior Men had the most entries with 32 and 26 competitors respectively. PNRA/Mercer Junior Emmanuelle Adamson won the 2000 meter race in a time of 7:15.3. Leila Shehab and Mia Barkenbush both of PNRA/Mercer placed 2nd and 3rd. In the Varsity Junior Men’s event, PNRA/Mercer rower Carter Levine won in a time of 6:10.3 followed by teammates Eli Kalfaian in 2nd place and Chris Silva in 3rd place.

PNRA/Mercer rower Mia Barkenbush (3rd place Varsity Junior Women) with dad Jeb Barkenbush

The Novice Junior events raced 1000 meters and PNRA/Mercer rower Sylvie Tuder won the Girls event in 3:53.6 with teammates Michele Granozio and Anna O’Neill placing 2nd and 3rd. For the Novice Boys, PNRA/Mercer rower Jake Bouldin won the 1000 meter race in 3:22.1 with Nick Cushman in 2nd and Will Griesinger in 3rd also from PNRA/Mercer. There were 4 competitors from the Trenton 9th Grade Academy Winter Erg Team. Ulises Quiñonez finished 14th out of 17 in the Novice Boys event. Marshella Thomas finished in 6th place out of 12 in the Novice Girls event with Trenton teammates Alisheh Mott and Rachel Marshall competing as well.

The Coxswain event was also a 1000 meter race with three PNRA/Mercer coxswains fighting for the title and the pink hammer. Kate Takacs came from behind to win in a time of 4:28.8 with Caroline Galati a close second and Kira Sung in 3rd.

There were two competitors in the Masters Men event – Steven Schultz of Carnegie Lake Rowing Association who won the race, and John McClatchy from PNRA/Mercer placing 2nd.

PNRA would like to thank Peddie School for serving as the host venue, as well as USRowing, RegattaCentral, Row2K, Concept2, Row for the Cure, and the Central and South Jersey Susan G. Komen.

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, Courtyard by Marriott, and Residence Inn by Marriott.

For more information, contact Kristopher Grudt, tel: 609-977-1094, krisgrudt@rowpnra.org or visit www.rowpnra.org.

Mercer Rowing Survey Results

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Thanks to the many of you who participated in the Mercer Rowing survey this fall.  Linked here you will find our report on the results.  About half of the Mercer junior families and a majority of current masters participants responded.
In a spirit of transparency, this is the full report, with actual results and anonymous quotes.  We have only omitted the appendix that included all the quotes, which we have read in detail and incorporated in the themes you see here.  Our goal is to present the results to you in a fair and balanced way, describing both positives and negatives plainly-glossing over nothing.
We are currently at work developing a multi-year strategic plan for Mercer, based on these results and the strong foundation we have to build on.
Should you have any comments or questions about the survey, please contact any member of the Mercer Rowing Advisory Committee.  Our email addresses are included below.
Many thanks, and Go Mercer!
The Mercer Rowing Advisory Committee
Kristin Appelget
Dave Kuhlman
Stephen Parker
Jim Stoddard
Jamie Tanguay

Mercer Junior Rowers Finish In Top 10 at C.R.A.S.H.-B. World Indoor Rowing Championships

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February 15, 2017

West Windsor, NJ – Three Mercer Junior Rowers finished in the top ten of their divisions of the C.R.A.S.H.-B. World Indoor Rowing Championship on February 13, 2017.  Andrew Hickey led the Mercer Rowers by finishing 3rd with Jack Gallagher finishing 7th in the Lightweight Men’s Division.  Sara Hansen finished 5th in the Lightweight Women’s division to lead the Mercer women competing in the event.  The C.R.A.S.H.-B. Championships bring athletes from around the world to Boston, MA, to compete by rowing 2,000 meters on indoor rowing machines.  2017 marked the 38th year of the C.R.A.S.H.-B. event. 

Mercer Junior Andrew Hickey at 2017 C.R.A.S.H.-B.

Andrew Hickey finished the 2000 meter race in 6:23.9, just under three seconds behind the winner in a Lightweight Junior Men’s field that featured 190 rowers.  Mr. Hickey who is a senior at Notre Dame High School has committed to row for Cornell University next fall. Jack Gallagher (Council Rock North) finished in 6:32.2 to finish in 7th place.  Also representing Mercer in the Lightweight Junior Men’s division was Pavel Zhelnin (Princeton HS) and Evan Kinter (Steinert).  Representing Mercer in the open Junior Men’s Division was Brian Radvany (Princeton Academy) who finished in 41st and Andrew Moss (Princeton HS) 44th.

Sara Hansen finished the race in 7:28.6 to earn a third place finish in Lightweight Junior Women’s field of 107 athletes.  Ms. Hansen is a junior at West Windsor Plainsboro South.  Emmanuelle Adamson (Princeton HS) and Mia Barkenbush (West Windsor Plainsboro South) led the Mercer Juniors in the open Junior Women’s division contingent finishing 23rd and 36th out of almost 200 rowers.  Sarah Closser (Princeton HS), Taylor Vierling (Northern Burlington), Kieran Wild (Council Rock North) and Morgan Linsley (Princeton HS) also competed in the open Junior Women’s division.

“We are very proud of the strong performance by our rowers,” stated Director of Mercer Rowing Justin Ochal. “Most of them set personal records at the event.  It is a good sign as we prepare for our spring racing season.”  The Mercer Juniors open their spring season at the San Diego Crew Classic on April 1-2 in San Diego, CA.  They return home the following weekend to take on Boston’s Community Rowing and Gonzaga High School.

The Mercer Rowing Program is operated by the Princeton National Rowing Association (PNRA) located Caspersen Rowing Center in West Windsor, NJ.  The Mercer program is open to all student-athletes from 8th-12 grades.  PNRA also conducts the Mercer Masters Rowing Program and holds summer learn to row camps for 7th-12th grades. For more information on PNRA’s programs go to www.rowpnra.org.

The Princeton National Rowing Association will host its own indoor rowing event, the Mercer Indoor Row for the Cure, on February 26, 2017 at the Peddie School. All proceeds for this event will go to support breast cancer research through the Susan G. Komen Foundation of Central and South Jersey.

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.

Princeton National Rowing Association To Host The Nation’s Only Indoor Row For The Cure

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February 9, 2016

West Windsor, NJ – The Princeton National Rowing Association (PNRA) is teaming up with the Row for the Cure and the Peddie School to host the nation’s only indoor Row for the Cure.  Athletes race each other on Concept 2 indoor rowing machines with all of the proceeds from the event benefiting breast cancer research through the Susan G. Komen Foundation of Central and South New Jersey.  Racing begins at 9:00am on Sunday, February 26, at Peddie’s Ian H. Graham ’50 Fieldhouse.

The Row for the Cure was created by Kathy Frederick in 1993 in Portland, Oregon, after she unexpectedly lost a close friend to cancer. “I saw the Race for the Cure on TV, and I wanted to contribute, but I’m not a runner,” said Frederick. “Since my sisters and I have put on events since we were children, fighting breast cancer by founding Row for the Cure® seemed natural.” 

The Mercer Row for the Cure takes the event off of the water and into the gym on indoor rowing machines. PNRA Events Manager Hilary Gehman describes how the event got up and running. “I ran into Kathy at the USRowing Convention and we started talking about opportunities for a Row for the Cure event at Mercer. The regatta schedule on the lake is pretty packed so I asked about having an indoor event. She was very encouraging and has given me tremendous support to get this off the ground. I’m excited to make the Mercer Indoor Row for the Cure an annual event!”

The Mercer Indoor Row for the Cure will include categories for Junior, Collegiate, Open, Masters, Novice and coxswains as well as a team relay.  All races will be 2,000 meters except the Coxswains and Junior Novices who will race 1,000 meters.

Athletes interested in competing in the Mercer Indoor Row for the Cure can register on RegattaCentral at https://www.regattacentral.com/regatta/?job_id=5023.

 

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.

Del Val wrestling’s old-fashioned ways produce state title (Mentioning Mercer Junior Eli Kalfaian)

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Lehigh Valley Live article on Del Val wrestling’s old-fashioned ways produce state title mentions Mercer Junior Rower Eli Kalfaian: http://highschoolsports.lehighvalleylive.com/news/article/-3596329867152441544/del-val-wrestlings-old-fashioned-ways-produce-state-title/

 

Mercer Rowing competes at 52nd Head of the Charles Regatta

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The Mercer Juniors and Masters competed in the 52nd Head of the Charles Regatta in Boston, MA this past weekend.  One of the most prestigious races of the fall season, crews race against the clock and each other over a curvy 3 mile course.  The regatta draws 2,256 crews representing 820 teams.

The Masters raced in the Men’s 40+ Four and finished 18th out of 23 entries. Rowers Miles Truesdell, Charles Gilbert, Michael Vaccaro, David Potts and coxswain Sarah Brune finished the 3 mile race with a time of 20:47.4. The Masters Women raced in the 50+ Four and finished 21st out of 42 which qualifies the boat for a guaranteed entry next year. This is the first time a Mercer Masters boat has received an automatic qualification! Huge congratulations to rowers Kristin Appelget, Sharon Waters, Cheryl Baldino, Terri Gruber McDonough and coxswain Lulu Herman. (A boat can qualify for the next year by placing in the top half of the field.)

The Juniors had mixed results given the high expectations leading into the race. On the boys’ side, the 8 placed 35th out of 84 entries which qualifies the boat for next year’s regatta, however was not the result that the crew and Coach Justin Ochal were hoping for. There was a very stiff headwind on the course which created tough racing conditions for the crew of Drew Hickey, Julius Ferenc, Jack Gallagher, Carter Levine, Chris Silva, Rex Berger, Enzo Couillens, Dan Stoddard, and coxswain Kate Takacs who finished in a time of 17:14.3.

The Junior Girls had two 8’s racing placing 13th and 37th out of 85 entries which qualifies both boats for next year. In addition, the ‘B’ boat had the second best performance for B boats finishing just .4 seconds behind CRI’s B boat. The ‘A’ boat of Katie Lustig, Celia Varga, Laila Shehab, Katryna Niva, Kieran Wild, Catie Vinch-Buck, Sara Hansen, Mia Barkenbush and coxswain Caroline Galati finished the race in a time of 18:28.5. The ‘B’ boat of Sheila Kennedy-Moore, Bridget Parker, Ciara DeVenuto-Wyeth, Sarah Closser, Emmanuelle Adamson, Erin Heyeck, Gwyneth Lavery, Julia Berdzik and coxswain Lauren Preston finished the race in a time of 19:21.8.

Mercer Junior alumni rowers also performed well at the Head of the Charles.  Geena Fram rowing for Brown University finished first in the Women’s Club 8+.  Eileen Hu’s MIT boat claimed third in the Women’s Lightweight 4 just edging out former Mercer team mate, Elise Gorberg’s Boston University crew which claimed fourth place.

Other Mercer Junior Alumni rowers included Laura Foster, Michigan 10th in the Women’s Championship 8+; Aaron Goodman, Northeastern 12th in the Men’s Championship 8+; Kelly Fischer, Notre Dame 10th in Women’s Championship 4+; Colleen Gillis, University of Miami 16th in the Women’s Championship 4+ Tom Walker, Wisconsin 11th in the Championship 4+, Katie Sessa, MIT 11th Men’s Lightweight 8+; Jack Gleim, Marietta 8th in the Men’s Collegiate 4+; Dan Gleim, Jacksonville 21st in the Men’s Collegiate 4+; and Glorianna Perrotte, University of Miami 20th in the Women’s Club 4+.

Full results can be found here for all races.

Next up for Mercer Rowing will be Head of the Schuylkill this weekend, October 29-30, for the Masters and Novices, and the Frostbite and Braxton Regattas on November 12-13 for Varsity, Novice and Masters. The Head of the Halloween will take place on Mercer Lake this Saturday, October 29 for all varsity rowers as well as novice rowers who are not competing at Head of the Schuylkill.

Matthew Carlsen and Amanda Klaiber-Short Join Princeton National Rowing Association Staff

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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

matt-carlsenMatthew 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-shortAmanda 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

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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.

To read the complete article, click here.

Justin Ochal Promoted to Mercer Rowing Program Director

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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.

Honest mistake leads to passion for coxswain Holgado

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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.

For more . . .

PNRA/Mercer Rowers Win Henley Gold

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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.1DSP6288_pm 200 - U23 Men Ltw 2- Final

“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.

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Mercer’s U-23 Lightweight Men’s Pair (2-) is heading to the World Championships in RotDSCN2383terdam!!

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 Alumni Kyle James and Jack Gleim win Under 23 World Championship Trials

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Jack & Kyle_1

Mercer Junior Alumni Kyle James (University of Wisconsin, ’17) and Jack Gleim (Marietta College, ’17) won the Under 23 Lightweight Pair today at the USRowing World Championship trials. They dominated the regatta winning every race starting with the Time Trial on Monday, July 18, followed by an 8 second win in the Heat on Tuesday, and culminating in an open water win in the Final on Thursday. The Under 23 World Championships will take place August 21-28, 2016 in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

Princeton National Rowing Association (PNRA) Board Establishes Mercer Rowing Advisory Committee

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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.

 

PNRA/Mercer Rowers Compete at USRowing Youth National Championships

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June 13, 2016

Girls 8 2016 Youth Nationals

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

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IRA Crowd

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.

 

PNRA/Mercer Rowers Win Bids to USRowing Youth National Championships

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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.

Mercer Boys 8 with coxswain Mid-Atlantic Youth Championships
Mercer Junior Boys Varsity 8+ – Kevin Borup, Jack Gallagher, Dan Stoddard, Grant Barthelmes, Sarah Brune (coxswain), Carter Levine, John Tanguay, Jason Fleurial, Andrew Hickey

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.