Bucknell closed out its regular season at the Kerr Cup last weekend where it took on a mix of high-level varsity and club programs. Aware that an impressive showing could secure a high seed for next month’s National Championship, the team was excited to prove its speed. Within days leading up to the race, however, a handful of crucial athletes were sidelined for various health-related reasons, forcing new team members to step up. This meant that each lineup would take its first strokes together during the race itself without much opportunity to gel beforehand. By the end of the afternoon, most boats felt content with their effort based on the unique circumstances.
The #6-ranked varsity eight raced twice on the day, doing what it needed in the heat to advance to a challenging final that included club rivals #4 Virginia and #7 Rutgers. Bucknell separated itself ahead of each of these crews for the first 1500m, but saw its lead on Rutgers slip away during the final sprint. Ultimately the 1v finished bow to stern behind Rutgers, but open water ahead of Virginia.
The second varsity eight followed in the footsteps of the 1v, taking care of business in the heat to put itself in the grand final. With three new athletes filling seats for those who were sidelined, the boat entered the final hoping to exceed tempered expectations. The boat would place fifth, six seconds behind Virginia.
Participating in an event with minimal subscription, the third varsity eight raced a straight final. Much like the 2v, a large portion of the 3v consisted of athletes making their debut in the lineup. Heading into the final 300m, the boat found itself in third, two lengths behind Virginia but open water ahead of Rutgers. With around one minute remaining, the boat caught a crab. Unfortunately it was unable to recover as the oar dragged through the water for the remainder of the race, pushing Bucknell back to fourth place. Misfortune aside, the boat felt pleased with its effort leading up to that moment.
The four rounded out the day with a race where it was simply outmatched, finishing fourth in its heat and fifth out of eight boats overall in terms of time.
Next week Bucknell will look to defend its conference title at the MARC Championship in Fairfax Station, VA.
Grand Final
Varsity 8+
Drexel – 6:29.5
La Salle – 6:41.0
#7 Rutgers – 6:47.9
#6 Bucknell – 6:50.8
#4 Virginia – 6:56.3
Marist – 7:11.0
2nd Varsity 8+
La Salle – 6:43.3
Drexel A – 6:52.2
Virginia – 7:01.8
Drexel B – 7:05.6
Bucknell – 7:07.9
Marist – 7:24.1
3rd Varsity 8+
Drexel – 6:56.1
Virginia – 7:03.8
Rutgers – 7:18.4
Bucknell – 7:23.8
Heat
4+
Fairfield – 7:02.8
Virginia – 7:08.1
Loyola – 7:25.1
Bucknell – 7:39.4
1st Varsity 8+ – 2022 Hudson S8.32 SHARK Super Predator
Coxswain: Izzy Mersky, Jr.
Stroke: Andrew Viola, Jr.
7: Sen Zelov, So.
6: Kevin Carney, Jr.
5: Zach Gerhardt, Jr.
4: Dirk Puleo, So.
3: Jack Fiala, Sr.
2: Ryan Genel, Fr.
Bow: Dominic Canale, Jr.
2nd Varsity 8+ – 2022 Hudson S8.32 SHARK Super Predator
Coxswain: Emma Minadeo, Sr.
Stroke: Ryan Spallone, So.
7: Oliver Abushacra, Fr.
6: Andy Thompson, So.
5: Nathan Peot, Jr.
4: Josh Raeter, Fr.
3: John Kirincich, Fr.
2: Chris Kirby, Fr.
Bow: Luca Arvanitis, So.
3rd Varsity 8+ – Class of 2020
Coxswain: Jack Lieblein, Fr.
Stroke: Mason Cametas, Sr.
7: Will Blumenthal, Fr.
6: Ethan Jones, Jr.
5: Dan Van Syckle, Sr.
4: Chris Morale, Fr.
3: Travis Stantis, Fr.
2: Graham Knox, Jr.
Bow: Brent Mankin, Sr.
4+
Coxswain: Josiah Kwok, Fr.
Stroke: Griffin Walsh, Fr.
3: Brendan Arnold, So.
2: Garret Van Blarcom-DeLuise, Fr.
Bow: Peter Nasto, Fr.