The Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School rowing team made an impressive debut at the Saint Andrew’s Noxontown Regatta, claiming three first place victories and two second place medals.
The regatta was held in Delaware on May 10 and featured teams from schools including Saint Paul’s, Gunston, Freedom, Notre Dame Prep, Roland Park Country School and Saint Andrew’s.
The RFH Girls Junior Varsity (JV) 4, the Boys JV 4, and the Boys Novice 8 all came home with First Place wins. The boys JV 4 and the girls JV 8 claimed second place in their respective races. Due to thunder from an impending storm, the regatta was called off before last three races, which would have included the boys varsity 4, girls novice 8 and the boys novice 4.
The first place-winning girls JV 4 team consisted of coxswain Isabella Mayo, Katie Eskwitt, Rosie Litwin, Madison Bess and Holly Faulkner. The boys JV 4 members were of Kaitlin Hill (coxswain), Matt Bavuso, Ben Cooper, Sheridan Camarata and Brendan Edwards. The boys novice 8 brought the first place medal count to three with coxswain Bram Bruno, Gavin Hallisey, Liam Hughes, Ryan Kearney, Teddy Montalbano, Greg Nixon, and Noah Tucker.
Earning second place medals for the team in the girls JV 8 were coxswain Nicole Buckley, Sydney Buchanan, Clara Eskwitt, Maren Gierlatowicz, Shelby Heard, Holly Hurst, Kimberly Leftwich, Christina Tardiff, and Abbie Wallhauser.
–Photo Courtesy RFH
Also claiming second place in the boys JV 4 were coxswain Matt Hughes, Kevin Lenahan, Mike Longo, and Ian Vernon.
Head coach Molly O’Rourke was quite pleased with the day’s performances.
“We had a great day of racing at Saint Andrews … while gaining great experience,” she said. “All of the athletes were ready to row their races and proved that through consistent focus, dedication, and hard work, great results will happen.”
RFH Rowing is now a fully recognized high school varsity team that also encompasses competition at the junior varsity and freshman levels.
The program’s roster includes 95 student-athletes, coached by O’Rourke who is assisted by Matt Cini, Andrew Hudson, Mike Lehman, Chris Seslar, and Mike Zupplulla.
Support for the program is provided by the RFH Rowing Booster Club, an organization comprised of parents.
