It wasn't a good weekend for rowing, but after rain, mud, hail, and 35 mph wind gusts, the Row New York squad left Saratoga Springs on Sunday with a smile- and a state championship. The Novice Four of Claudia DiMaio, Abre Bokhari, Emma Buford, Shannon McCann, and Sophie Mitropoulos raced down the course in 6:12, ten seconds ahead of the nearest boat, to win Row New York its first States cup.
This wasn't a solo performance. All around, RNY boats represented the program at a highly competitive level. The novice eight, without the help of the championship four oarswomen, pushed down the course to finish 13th of 33- the fourth fastest club. The second varsity four made the state semi-final of the first varsity four event, and the third varsity four was just a second off of qualifying. After going through some growing pains in the fall, a first varsity boat with four first-time members battled to take the bronze medal by one second, representing the third medal in the event in as many years.
In the process, the glass ceiling is starting to break for RNY crews at this level: a state championship; medals in multiple events; lower boats qualifying for first boat semis. With the core of most of these crews returning, the future looks bright.
And even beyond the results, there was something magical about the weekend. In a sport where fortunes are often crushed by near misses, it was inspiring to see possibility transform into reality. All season, we have won the small battles, and in fighting and succeeding, we feel closer then ever.
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