By STEVE PANZIK
Port Rowing recently competed in the prestigious Head of the Charles in Boston against the top programs from North America and Europe, as well as the Head of the Schuylkill in Philadelphia against the best teams on the East Coast.
The women’s four received a bid for the Charles on Oct. 21 and sent a boat with Melissa Iannucci, Lindsey Heyman, Mara Davis, Molly Alstodt and Maggie Nelson. The girls raced down the three-mile course, passing two boats on their way to a top 50 finish. This was a huge success against the best teams in the world, especially since it is only the team’s second Fall season. The girls look forward to getting invited next year and a chance to continue to move up in the rankings.
On Oct. 28, the team traveled to Philadelphia to compete against the top crews on the east coast. More importantly, it marked the first time the Port Rowing adaptive program raced in any event. Michael Kessaris and Peter Marooneyrowed with their Port Rowing partners Molly Alstodt and Yvette May down the entire 3.1mile course in two-man boats (called pairs). They came in second and third, respectively, and had a great time in their first official race. Coach Briana Pittman partnered with Senior Lindsey Heyman in a collegiate pair event and took home the silver as well. The day was capped off with the Men’s U17 four taking the gold. The four consisted of Zach Herron, Carl Finkbeiner, Joel Kagan, Ben Schor and Alex Herron. It was the first win at a major regatta for the young team and a sign of things to come for the program.
