High-powered ACRA regatta kicks off spring racing season

On a weekend where adverse weather plagued rowing along the east coast, the Susquehanna River graced club rowers with the perfect arena for early-spring racing: flat water, minimal wind and only a subtle current. For the third year running, Michigan, Virginia and Rutgers were in town to compete at the Susquehanna Duals. Each team would race once in the morning and again in the afternoon against a new opponent.

In the morning, Bucknell was tasked with the 14-time ACRA National Champion, Michigan. The varsity eight led things off, exploding from the line to create a two seat advantage through the first quarter of the race. Around the halfway point, however, Michigan made a move to put itself ahead by half of a length. Michigan would eventually win by one full boat length.

The second varsity eight went next. A lethargic start put Bucknell down early. The crew shifted to a base rhythm around 32-33spm, a couple beats lower than its competitor. Michigan would gradually walk away to win by a length. While the crew hoped to have won, it was at least able to pinpoint an area of its game that could be improved with the right training. The 2v will develop its base speed over the next month and be ready to compete for a national championship come May.

Seeking to avenge its loss from last year’s national championship, the Bucknell third varsity eight relished the opportunity to take on the defending champs. Stroked by co-captain Luca Arvanitis, the 3v blasted out the gates to build an early cushion. The crew would cross the finish line ahead of Michigan by a few seats of open water.

For the first time since 2018, Bucknell fielded a novice eight, and what better way to be introduced to the event than by racing the 2023 national champs themselves. The crew understood that it would be outmatched in terms of strength and size, so technique and cohesion would need to be the difference if it were to pull off the upset. Sure enough, Bucknell finished the race ahead by one length.

The fourth varsity eight concluded the morning slate with a tight matchup against the Michigan 4v and second novice eight. Bucknell would cross the line sandwiched between each crew – one length down on Michigan’s 4v, but one length up on their 2N.

Afternoon racing proved to be far less exciting with every Bucknell boat winning its race against Rutgers in convincing fashion. The varsity eight suffered the lone loss of the afternoon, falling to a strong Rutgers crew that has had its number each of the last few years.

The team left the weekend with some highlights towards the bottom of the team and clear room for improvement towards the top. As athletes return from injury, rowers make technical changes and coaches take a closer look at personnel, the team is bound to pick up speed.

Next week Bucknell will test itself over a series of 1500m pieces against Hobart College in Geneva, NY.

Round 1 vs. Michigan

Round 2 vs. Rutgers

1st Varsity 8+ – 2024 Hudson U8.43 Ultra Super Predator
Coxswain: Izzy Mersky, Sr.
Stroke: Andrew Viola, Sr.
7: Chris Kirby, So.
6: Ryan Genel, So.
5: Zach Gerhardt, Sr.
4: Solomon Bell, Fr.
3: Sen Zelov, Jr.
2: Miles Clyde, Fr.
Bow: Jonas Sanchez, Fr.

2nd Varsity 8+ – 2022 Hudson S8.32 Super Predator
Coxswain: Tyler Leong, Fr.
Stroke: Luke Lambropoulos, Sr.
7: Sebastian Brandt, Fr.
6: Graham Knox, Sr.
5: Kevin Carney, Sr.
4: Soren Stein, Fr.
3: Jackson Green, Fr.
2: Dominic Canale, Sr.
Bow: John Kirincich, So.

3rd Varsity 8+ – 2022 Hudson S8.32 Super Predator
Coxswain: Regine Escher, Fr.
Stroke: Luca Arvanitis, Jr.
7: Ryan Spallone, Jr.
6: Tim Robertson, So.
5: Ethan Jones, Sr.
4: Robert Canestrari, Fr.
3: Jack Greenleaf, Fr.
2: Oliver Abushacra, So.
Bow: Tennyson Kelly, Fr.

4th Varsity 8+ – Class of 1985
Coxswain: Jack Lieblein, So.
Stroke: Will Blumenthal, So.
7: Andy Thompson, Jr.
6: Griffin Walsh, So.
5: Ryan Firestone, So.
4: Chris Morale, So.
3: Collin Campbell, Fr.
2: Connor Orkin, Fr.
Bow: Brendan Arnold, Sr.

Novice 8+ – Class of 2020
Coxswain: Zach Singer/Luke Catalanello, Fr.
Stroke: Wes Peot, Fr.
7: Cornelius Nichilo, Fr.
6: Kristian Komorowski, Fr.
5: Joe Hofmann, Fr.
4: Tiarnan Nowak, Fr.
3: Jacob Mohr, Fr.
2: Tanner Tighelaar, Fr.
Bow: Tommy Smith, Fr.