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Mercer Rowing 2018 Fall Season Recap

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The Fall Head Racing Season finished for the Mercer Juniors and Mercer Masters at the Head of the Schuykill Regatta in Philadelphia, October 28, 2018.   The weather was beautiful for the first race of the Head season on October 6th in Shelton, Connecticut for the Head of The Housatonic.  Mercer followed that two weeks later at the cold and blustery Head of The Charles.  The last Head races took place the weekend of October 28-29 for the Head of The Schuykill in Philadelphia.  There was heavy rain on Saturday for the Masters races, but for Sunday’s Junior races the weather improved substantially.   Congratulations to all who represented Mercer Junior and Masters Rowing at these regattas!

Results from the HEAD OF THE SCHUYKILL for Mercer Rowing were:
Boys’ Varsity 4 – 6th
Boys’ V8—12th
Boys’ JV8—12th
Boys’ High School JV 4- 36th
Novice Boys 8- 4th + 13th
Boys’ Novice 4—2nd
Girls’ V8 –5th
Girls’ V4 –4th
Girls JV8—1st, 4th and 13th
**Girls’ Novice 4—1st and 17th
Novice Girls 8—9th & 16th and 21

Mercer Masters
Masters Women’s 8—4th
Masters Men’s 8 (combined with Swan Creek)—6th

Results from the HEAD OF THE CHARLES, October 20-21st, 2018,
Boys’ (Junior Men)—28th out of 85
Girls’ 8 (Junior Women)—5th out of 85
Girls’ JV 8–15th out of 85
Masters Women—27th out of 44
Coach Hilary Gehman—6th place in Masters 2X, Women 40+
Coach Anna Kalfaian—Princeton alumni 8—22nd
Coach Jamie Hamp—Princeton alumni 8—3rd

 

HEAD OF THE HOUSATONIC, October 6, 2018
**Junior Boys 1X—1st place-Jack Gallagher
Girls’ Varsity 8—7th
Girls’ Varsity 4—8th and 10th
Girls’ JV 8—2nd and 6th
Girls’ Novice 8—4th
Boys’ Varsity 8—8th
Boys’ Varsity 4– 2nd
Boys’ JV 4—4th
Boys’ Novice 8—3rd
Boys’ 2V 8—10th and 16th
Masters Women’s 8—3rd
Masters Men’s 4—10th
Masters Women’s 4—5th and 7
Coach Anna Kalfaian’s pair—3rd

Princeton National Rowing Association Staff adds Anna Kalfaian as Novice Programs Coordinator and Novice Girls Coach

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For Immediate Release
West Windsor, NJ
July 9, 2018

The Princeton National Rowing Association (PNRA) is pleased to announce that Anna Kalfaian will take on a full-time position with the Mercer Rowing Program coaching staff as the Novice Rowing Coordinator and Novice Girls Coach.

Anna Kalfaian graduated from Princeton University in 2017, where she rowed as a member of the Varsity Openweight Women’s team for four years and earned a degree in Art and Archaeology: Visual Arts.  While at Princeton, Ms. Kalfaian competed in the NCAA National Rowing Championships, the Henley Women’s Regatta and won multiple IVY League medals.   Ms. Kalfaian began her rowing career at Blair Academy in 2009 and attended Junior National Team Selection Camp in 2012.  Ms. Kalfaian previously worked in art/nonprofit education and coached the Belvidere Barracudas Swim Team for three years, and most recently served as the Mercer Varsity Women’s Assistant Coach.

 

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 USRowing, University Orthopaedic Associates, bai, JL Racing, Resolute Racing Shells, 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

116th Intercollegiate Rowing Association National Collegiate Rowing Championship Returns to Mercer Lake

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For immediate release

May 23, 2018

WEST WINDSOR, N.J. – The Princeton National Rowing Association (PNRA) will welcome the Intercollegiate Rowing Association (IRA) National Collegiate Rowing Championship to Mercer Lake in Mercer County Park on June 1-3, 2018.  This marks the 4th time that this prestigious regatta will be held on Mercer Lake.  First held in 1896, the IRA Championship Regatta brings the top Men’s, Lightweight Men’s and Lightweight Women’s Crews from throughout the United States to crown the national collegiate champion in 10 different events.  With the NCAA conducting only a Women’s Open Rowing Championship since 1996, the IRA Regatta has long provided the opportunity our country’s top collegiate rowers to have a national championship.

 

The IRA National Championship returns to Mercer Lake this year after being in Sacramento California in 2017.  PNRA previously hosted the IRA regatta in 2014-2016.   The IRA Stewards have also announce that the 2020 and 2021 editions of the IRA Championship will be on Mercer Lake.  Approximately 1200 collegiate athletes participate in the IRA regatta.

The Mercer County Park venue is considered one of the top rowing locations in the United States.     The venue in Mercer County Park has hosted many major regattas including six US Olympic Rowing Team Trials and the 2006, 2012 and 2017 NCAA Women’s Rowing Championship Regatta and USRowing’s Youth National Championships.  Regattas held on the on lake produce over $10 million in total local economic impact each year.

“It is an honor to be able to bring the IRA National Championship Regatta back to Mercer Lake,” stated Kristopher Grudt, Princeton National Rowing Association’s Executive Director. “The IRA has long been considered one of the nation’s premier rowing events and it is great to host it at one of the top rowing venues in the country.  We have inquiries from people from as far away and New Zealand who are planning on attending this event.  We thank Mercer County, Mercer County Parks and all of our dedicated volunteers for their support in our ability to attract top level regattas to Mercer County.”

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.

For more information, contact Kristopher Grudt, tel: 609-799-7100 x100, krisgrudt@rowpnra.org or visit www.rowpnra.org.

PNRA/Mercer Rowing Shines at Mid-Atlantic Regionals

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For immediate release
May 18, 2018
West Windsor, NJ

Princeton National Rowing Association/Mercer Juniors excelled at USRowing Mid-Atlantic Youth Regional Championships walking away with the Overall Team Points Trophy, the Women’s Team Points Trophy and qualifying nine boats for the Youth National Championship. The Regional Championships were held on Mercer Lake May 12 and 13, 2018 and drew 41 teams from seven states competing in 357 boats. The event is a qualifying regatta for the USRowing Youth National Championship which will take place June 7-10, 2018 in Sacramento, California.

Mercer Rowing Program Director and Varsity Boys Head Coach Justin Ochal will take three of his men’s boats to nationals this year. The Men’s Youth 4+ took first place overall in their event, finishing more than ten seconds ahead of second place South Jersey. Rowers Jack Gallagher, Eli Kalfaian, Evan Kinter and Herbert De Cokere were coxed by Annie Huber, and finished with an official time of 6:58.97. In addition, Ochal qualified two Men’s Youth 2- boats. Mercer rowers Dana Gajewski and Andrew Moss won that event with a time of 7:45.39, followed by teammates Brady Stergion and Pavel Zhelnin in third with their time of 8:05.481.

Coach Ochal had nothing but good things to say about his rowers. “This year at Mid-Atlantics there was a lot of competition. I’m proud of the guys for stepping up and competing in difficult events. This year the boys worked hard to put themselves in the best possible position. We had some good results, and we learned where we stack up against the competition. The boys should be proud of how they rowed.”
The Mercer Junior Women will be sending its largest contingent ever to the Youth National Championship. Proving their depth as a team, the women qualified six boats: the Varsity Women’s 8+; Varsity Women’s Lightweight 8+; 2nd Varsity Women’s 8+; Women’s Varsity 4+; Women’s Varsity Lightweight 4+; and Women’s 2-.

“This entire year, I wanted to instill the ‘Team First’ attitude,” Varsity Girls Head Coach Matt Carlsen said. “It doesn’t matter what boat you are in, as long as you make it as fast as you possibly can. It really showed this past weekend. Every single girl walked away with a medal, and we won the Girl’s Team Points Trophy. I am very proud of all the hard work the girls put in over the course of the year, and for some, there are still four more weeks of even harder work to go.”

Mercer’s first and second varsity boats finished first and second in the Women’s Youth 8+ event, both qualifying for the Youth National Championship. Coxswain Lauren Preston steered rowers Bridget Parker, Katryna Niva, Elyssa Aronson, Kieran Wild, Emmanuelle Adamson, Sarah Closser, Mia Barkenbush, and Sara Hansen to victory with a time of 7:15.58. Not far behind were teammates Peri Mishkin, Sylvie Tuder, Kristen Harkins, Morgan Linsley, Catherine Dyevich, Erin Heyeck, Jacqueline Armetta, and Olivia Andersen. Coxed by Helena Wolk, their boat finished in second place with a time 7:25.53.

The Mercer Girls Team will also be sending rowers to compete in the Women’s Youth Lightweight 8+, the Women’s Youth 4+, the Women’s Youth Lightweight 4+, and the Women’s Youth 2-.
The Mercer Junior Rowing Program provides opportunities to participate in rowing to182 athletes from 46 area schools. The 48 athletes who have qualified for the USRowing Youth National Championships represent 15 area schools:

Women’s Varsity 8+
C: Lauren Preston – Notre Dame HS
8: Bridget Parker – Princeton HS
7: Katryna Niva – Hunterdon Central HS
6: Elyssa Aronson – Cherry Hill HS East
5: Kieran Wild – Council Rock HS North
4: Emmanuelle Adamson – Princeton HS
3: Sarah Closser – Princeton HS
2: Mia Barkenbush – West Windsor HS South
1: Sara Hansen – West Windsor HS South

Women’s 2nd Varsity 8+
C: Helena Wolk – Princeton HS
8: Peri Mishkin – Allentown HS
7: Sylvie Tuder – Princeton HS
6: Kristen Harkins – Notre Dame HS
5: Morgan Linsley – Princeton HS
4: Catherine Dyevich – Princeton HS
3: Erin Heyeck – Pennington School
2: Jacqueline Armetta – Villa Joseph Marie HS
1: Olivia Andersen – Princeton HS

Women’s Varsity Lightweight 8+
C: Madeleine Peel – Princeton HS
8: Catherine Vinch-Buck – Pennington School
7: Erin Dobbs – Notre Dame HS
6: Nathalie Verlinde – Princeton HS
5: Taylor Vierling – Northern Burlington HS
4: Maheera Bawa – Montgomery HS
3: Julia Berdzik – Notre Dame HS
2: Chloe Couillens – Hopewell Valley Cent HS
1: Eveline Enthoven – Princeton HS

Women’s 2-
2: Sophie Craver – Princeton HS
1: Sylvie Tuder – Princeton HS

Women’s Varsity 4+
C: Maura Harkins – Notre Dame HS
4: Sophie Craver – Princeton HS
3: Elena Kosowski – Steintert HS
2: Emma Bryan – Princeton HS
1: Caroline Gibson – Princeton HS

Women’s Lightweight 4+
C: Anna Hu – West Windsor HS South
4: Ava Wisnoski – Northern Burlington HS
3: Olivia Estes-Downs – Princeton HS
2: Caroline Adams – Council Rock HS North
1: Abigail McAleer – Council Rock HS North

Men’s 2-
2: Dana Gajewski – Princeton HS
1: Andrew Moss – Princeton HS

2: Brady Stergion – Notre Dame HS
1: Pavel Zhelnin – Princeton HS

Men’s 4+
C: Annie Huber – Stuart Country Day School
4: Jack Gallagher – Council Rock HS North
3: Eli Kalfaian – Delaware Valley Regional HS
2: Evan Kinter – Steinert HS
1: Herbert De Cokere – Montgomery HS

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.
For more information, contact Kristopher Grudt, tel: 609-799-7100 x100, krisgrudt@rowpnra.org or visit www.rowpnra.org.

Jan. 4 2018 Winter Weather Practice Updates

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Due to the Winter Storm Warning that will be in effect and the forecast that is calling for increasing snow amounts and wind, the Mercer Masters practice scheduled for the morning of Thursday, January 4, is cancelled.

An announcement regarding the status of Mercer Junior practices will be made on Thursday morning based on how the storm develops.  If the Mercer Junior practices are cancelled a message will be posted on this blog and sent out via the emergency text messaging service.

To sign up for the emergency texting service, text PNRA to 313131.

 

Mercer Rowing Shines at Elite Head of the Charles Regatta

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Mercer Youth Men’s 8+ at the 2017 Head of the Charles Regatta Photo courtesy of Helene Gallagher

October 27, 2017, West Windsor, NJ – For immediate release

Thousands of rowers from around the globe descended upon Boston last weekend to compete at the elite Head of the Charles Regatta.  The weather was picture perfect on the Charles River, and the Mercer rowers used that to their advantage as they took to the water in the hopes of improving their times from last year and securing automatic invitations to return next year.  They did not disappoint.

Mercer’s first varsity women’s boat competed in the Women’s Youth Eights.  Rowers Katryna Niva, Sarah Closser, Elyssa Aronson, Bridget Parker, Emmanuelle Adamson, Kieran Wild, Mia Barkenbush, Sara Hansen and coxswain Lauren Preston finished the course in 16:40.878, earning them a 5th place medal in the field of 85 boats.  While their finish was certainly impressive, co-captain Adamson was quick to note that there is still work to be done.

“Head of the Charles is an amazing experience and so much fun,” she said.  “It’s pretty great to have the entire team do so well.  Our 2V has been doing insanely well and proving the depth we have.  It’s great to have success early in the season, but we have a long time to continue to improve before nationals.”

The 2V Adamson speaks so highly of is Mercer’s second varsity women’s boat, coxed by Madeleine Peel and rowed by Sophie Craver, Julia Berdzik, Peri Mishkin, Morgan Linsley, Jacqueline Armetta, Erin Dobbs, Chloe Couillens, and Eveline Enthoven. They finished closely behind the women’s 1V with a time of 17:04.439, earning them a 13th place finish and highest positon by a 2V boat in the event.

“I am very pleased with the results from the weekend,” varsity women’s coach Matt Carlsen said.  “Going into the head of the Charles, my goal for the varsity 8 and second varsity 8 was to get into the top 5 and top 15 respectively. They both accomplished those goals, but if we want to reach the end goal of medaling at the national championships in June we have to find even more speed on and off the water. I am hoping by the successes of this past weekend, it will light a fire under the girls that did not get a chance to compete and keep the fire lit for those that did!”

Mercer had one varsity men’s team competing in the Men’s Youth Eights at HOCR this year.  Annie Huber coxed rowers Dana Gajewski, Andrew Moss, Evan Kinter, Jack Gallagher, Eli Kalfaian, Herbert De Cokere, Brady Stergion, and Leon Deng to a 19th place finish with a time of 15:09.921.  Their placement guarantees that Mercer will send at least one varsity men’s boat back to the Charles River next year, in addition to the top two women’s varsity boats.

The Mercer Masters were also in attendance in Boston this year, sending one boat each to compete in the Men’s and Women’s Senior Master Fours.  Rowers Miles Truesdell, Charles Gilbert, Michael Vaccaro, David Potts and coxswain Helena Wolk finished in 29th place with a time of 19:44.742, while the women’s boat, coxed by Madeline Alden and rowed by Kristin Appelget, Sharon Waters, Meredith Lavery, and Terri Gruber McDonough finished in 25th place with  time of 20:48.833.

“It has been a great start to the 2017-18 season with the whole team, women, men and masters, having strong performances at our races so far this fall,” stated Justin Ochal, Mercer Rowing Program Director. “Our athletes have shown that we can race aggressively against some of the best teams in the country.  We are looking forward to continuing to build on this for the rest of the fall and throughout the spring season.”

Congratulations to all the Mercer rowers who competed in the Head of the Charles Regatta this year.

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.

 

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

 

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

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/

 

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.

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.

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.

 

Mercer Juniors Open Home Regatta Season With Medals at the Mercer Lake Sprints

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Mercer Juniors Men’s 4- crossing the finish line ahead of their competition.

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

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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.

2016 Mercer Spring Photos-1a
Top row: Albert Bergeron (The Hun School),Will Grimes (Hopewell Valley HS),David Pe (West Windsor Plainsboro HS North), Brandon De Paulis (The Hun School), Ani Shyansundar (West Windsor Plainsboro HS North), Joseph P. Brown (Hopewell Valley Central HS), Nikhil Modi (West Windsor Plainsboro HS South), Jason Fleurial (Princeton HS), Kevin Borup (South Brunswick HS), John Tanguay (Hopewell Valley Central HS) Bottom row: Eileen Hu (West Windsor Plainsboro HS South), Elise Gorberg (West Windsor Plainsboro HS North), Kathryn Miller (Steinert High School), Caitlin Cleary (Princeton HS), Kate Hickey (Notre Dame HS), Rachel Mumau (Millstone Township), Glorianna Perrotte (Monroe HS), Colleen Gillis (Freehold Township HS), Jenna Kugel (Montgomery HS), and Sydney Holgado (Robbinsville HS)

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

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For Immediate Release

March 14, 2016

WDSC_0491est 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