GONZAGA COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL
Rowing 2022/2023
Congratulations Kyle McHugh ‘24 and 2022-2023 Gonzaga Rowing
COMPLIMENTS OF
FRANCIS J. COLLINS FUNERAL HOME, INC. SERVNG THE GONZAGA COMMUNITY AND GREATER WASHINGTON - SINCE 1939
MAUREEN COLLINS MCHUGH PARENT 1988, ‘93, ’96
JOHN K.C. MCHUGH CLASS OF 1993
TERENCE L. MCHUGH CLASS OF 1996
WWW.COLLINSFUNERALHOME.COM
President’s Letter
2022-2023 Gonzaga Rowing Program | 1
Headmaster’s Letter
GONZAGA COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL 19 EYE STREET, N.W. WASHINGTON, D.C. 20001 (202) 336-7161 (202) 336-7164 FAX
AMDG
OFFICE OF THE HEADMASTER
Spring 2023 Dear Rowing Fans, It has been said about rowing that members of a Crew Team can forever say, “I was a member of a very special team whose whole was greater than the sum of its parts.” To me, this quote demonstrates the total team mentality required in the sport of Rowing. Sure, there are those that are superior rowers in their own right, but not like in other sports where the star hogs the glory. In rowing, the star is the athlete who puts the team in the best position to succeed, through selfless, hard work and dedication to the whole. A good Crew member is, by definition, a man for others. It is always a good idea to reflect on the role of sports in a Jesuit school. Athletics at Gonzaga is about being generous with one’s God-given talents and life lessons like dedication, commitment, and sacrifice. The hard work a student-athlete puts into the season is for the team, our school, and the season’s goal. Athletics is a part of cura personalis – that hallmark of Jesuit education – care of the whole person. Gonzaga forms young men who are well-rounded in body, mind, and spirit; young men who learn that giving one hundred percent is more important than wins and losses. The experiences of our students on the water, in the classroom, and on retreats and Christian service projects, all work together in their formation into outstanding young men. On behalf of the students and faculty, Gonzaga’s rowers and coaches, I want to thank you for all your support of this program and for helping to make athletics such a positive experience for so many. The lessons our students can learn in a program such as this will last them a lifetime. I close with an ancient African proverb. Never has it rung more true than for our rowers who don the purple and white: If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. Congratulations to all the coaches, coxswains, and rowers! Go Eagles! Sincerely, Thomas K. Every II Headmaster
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Schedule of Events/Races/Regattas Day
Date
Race
Location
Sunday
October 16, 2022
Occoquan Chase Varsity Only
Sandy Run Boathouse Fairfax Station, VA
Friday - Sunday
October 21-23, 2022
Head of the Charles Varsity Only - Selected Athletes
Boston, MA
Sunday
October 30, 2022
Head of the Schuylkill Varsity Only
Philadelphia, PA
Sunday
November 6, 2022
Head of the Occoquan
Sandy Run Boathouse Fairfax Station, VA
Monday
November 21, 2022
Winter Training Begins
Gonzaga Erg Room
Tuesday
February 21, 2023
Crews Return to the Water
Anacostia Community Boathouse
Saturday
March 25, 2023
vs Bethesda Chevy Chase and DeMatha
Georgetown Waterfront Washington, DC
Wednesday
March 29, 2023
Varsity Spring Break Trip Depart
Oak Ridge, TN
Thursday
March 30, 2023
vs McCallie Prep (Scrimmage)
Oak Ridge, TN
Wednesday
April 6, 2023
Varsity Spring Break Trip Return
Oak Ridge, TN
Saturday
April 15, 2023
St. Andrew’s Invitational and Foley Cup vs. St. Alban’s
Middletown, DE
Sunday
April 23, 2023
5th Flick-Horvat Regatta
Philadelphia, PA
Saturday
April 29, 2023
vs Central Catholic (PA) and Chaminade (NY)
Cordorus State Park Hanover PA
Sunday
May 7, 2023
WMIRA Championships
Sandy Run Boathouse Fairfax Station, VA
Thursday - Saturday
May 18-20, 2023
Stotesbury Cup
Philadelphia, PA
Thursday - Saturday
May 25-27, 2023
SRAA National Championships
Oak Ridge, TN
Thursday - Saturday
June 8-11, 2023
US Rowing Youth National Championships if qualified
Sarasota, FL
Photography courtesy of Susann Martino, John McHugh, Preston Thomas ‘24, and Jeff Williams 2022-2023 Gonzaga Rowing Program | 3
FLY EAGLES FLY The Salemme Family
Lemocello Boutique 4518 Cherry Hill Road Arlington VA 22207
4 | 2022-2023 Gonzaga Rowing Program
@LEMONCELLOBOUTIQUE https://lemoncellobtq.com (571) 444-7177
Gonzaga Rowing Coaches – 2022-2023
Thomas Daley Head Varsity Coach Coach Daley began rowing at Father Judge High School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1974, and continued rowing at Temple University, graduating in 1981. He competed in both sweep and sculling events at Crescent Boat Club in Philadelphia until starting a 32-year career in law enforcement in 1984. He served as a Uniform Patrol Officer with the United States Capitol Police in 1984 and then the Arlington County, Virginia Police Department. In 1987, he was appointed as a Special Agent to the United States Department of Justice Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. He retired in 2016 having served in both investigative and supervisory roles. Coach Daley’s coaching career began in college, when he served as Assistant Coach with Northeast Catholic High School in 1978. He became Assistant Coach at Bishop Ireton High School in 2012 and began coaching at Gonzaga in 2014, serving as Assistant Freshman/Novice Coach, Head Freshman/Novice Coach, Varsity Assistant Coach, and now Head Coach of the program. Coach Daley and his wife, Claudia, have been married since 1988. They have three children: Patrick ‘11, Colette, and Kathleen. Patrick Daley was a fouryear member of the Gonzaga Crew Team. Coach Daley: “To coach at Gonzaga is a blessing. By the time I meet the boys at 3:00 PM, they’ve had a full day of exposure to Gonzaga’s mission to be Men for Others. This mission is led by people who give everything of themselves to ensure the boys’ success. As a result, the other coaches and I are given the opportunity to lead young men of outstanding character, rather than manage them. Furthermore, Gonzaga Rowing is supported by the school, the athletic department, and a group of parents whose support and dedication are nothing short of extraordinary.”
Bobby Brown ‘04 Assistant Varsity Coach Coxswain for four years at Gonzaga and a 2004 Washington Post First Team All-Met selection, Coach Bobby coxed the first Gonzaga Varsity 8+ to final at the Stotesbury Cup in 2003. He went on to Boston College, where he coxed all four years and graduated in 2008. At BC, he coxed the Collegiate Four+ to a bronze medal at the Head of the Charles Regatta and won the New England Fours Championship. Coach Bobby has coached at Gonzaga since the fall of 2008, starting as Assistant Freshman Coach and then serving as Head Freshman Coach from 20112014 when the Freshmen 8+ won four straight WMIRA Freshmen Championships. He has served as Varsity Assistant Coach since Fall 2014. In his day job, Coach Bobby works in federal acquisition for the U.S. Department of Transportation in the D.C. Navy Yard. He and his wife, Kate, live in McLean with their three children: Bobby (7), Jack (5), and Caroline (2). When not at work, coaching Gonzaga, or helping out with kids’ sports and activities, Coach Bobby is busy planning a 2024 trip to Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas to watch the Washington Football Team bring home the 4th Lombardi Trophy to D.C. Coach Brown: “I absolutely love and believe in Gonzaga. It is hard to properly articulate how special Gonzaga is and the profound impact the school and community have had on me since I showed up on Eye Street - I wouldn’t want to coach anywhere else.”
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Gonzaga Rowing Coaches – 2022-2023
Paul Holland Assistant Varsity Coach Coach Holland rowed at Washington Lee HS from 1994-1997, Princeton University Heavyweights from 1997-2001, Oxford University Boat Club from 20032004, and Potomac Boat Club from 2005-present. He coached Washington Lee HS in 2003 and from 20052009 and has coached at Gonzaga College HS from 2017-present. A 2001 graduate of Princeton University and a 2004 graduate of Oxford University (UK), Coach Holland is a Land Use Planner and Environmental Consultant for the Federal Government. Coach Holland is married to Caroline, who was Captain of the Trinity College women’s rowing team and is a former USRowing Judge Referee. Their daughter Amelia (10) and son Elliot (8) both enjoy playing soccer and spending time with their friends, and they all enjoy two rescue kitties, Tibby and Pickles. Coach Holland: “I am honored and blessed to be part of the Gonzaga Rowing staff. It is a joy to work with such dedicated and hard-working student-athletes who truly embody the spirit and mission of “Men for Others.”
Stephen Hoskins Assistant Varsity Coach Coach Hoskins rowed for Syracuse University from 2011-2015 where he graduated with a B.S. in Civil Engineering in May 2015. He earned a Masters in Infrastructure Planning and Management from the University of Washington in August 2022. Coach Hoskins has coached crews at George Washington University (2016-2018), Syracuse University (20182020), and Gonzaga (2020-present). Coach Hoskins has worked in the energy sector as a utility engineer and project manager since 2015. He worked as an Underground Transmission Engineer with Pepco from 2015-2018 before moving to Syracuse, NY
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to coach full-time at Syracuse University. Moving back to D.C. in 2020, Stephen worked for a construction company as Project Manager building underground electric lines throughout D.C. He currently works as a Project Engineer for an engineering and consulting firm working on renewable energy and transmission line projects. Coach Hoskins: “The synergies between the mission of Gonzaga as a school and what we strive to do on the water create a great environment. The student-athletes bring a contagious energy to practice to be the best they can be and we have all the pieces to be successful. Thankful to be a part of the Gonzaga family. Go Cuse!”
John Meehan Assistant Varsity Coach Coach John rowed at George Washington High School in Alexandria, VA from 1964-67, Old Dominion Boat Club 1968-69, and Masters Rowing with Occoquan Boat Club from 1984-2003. He served as Novice Coach at TC Williams High School in 1973 and coached Occoquan BC Masters Rowing from 1986-92. Coach Meehan served as Head Coach at Woodson High School from 1989-94 and Head Girls Coach at Woodbridge High School from 1994-2016. He coached at Robinson High School from 2016-17. He was Head Men’s Coach at Oakton High School from 2018-2021. Coach John was Assistant Freshman/Novice Coach for Gonzaga in 2021-22 and is now assisting the varsity crews. Coach John graduated from Virginia Tech with a B.S. in Biology in 1971, and completed a PHS Traineeship at East Tennessee State University in 1980. He worked for the Virginia Department of Health from 1972-2011 and married Kathleen in 2014. She is a former crew Mom from Canisius High School, Buffalo, NY. Coach Daley alleges that someone on the starboard side of General Washington’s Delaware River boat looked like Coach John, but he wasn’t rowing that year. Coach John enjoys coaching at Gonzaga because of the “great kids, great coaching, and a competitive program.”
Gonzaga Rowing Coaches – 2022-2023
Daniel Voigtsberger Head Freshman/ Novice Coach Coach Dan rowed at Wakefield High School, graduating in 2011, and then at Old Dominion University. He coached for six years at Wakefield from 2013-2018 and is now in his 5th year coaching Gonzaga rowing. Coach Dan coached at the World Rowing Championship in 2018, earning bronze. Along with his father, David, Coach Dan runs AA-Air conditioning, his family’s HVAC contracting business based in Arlington, VA. Coach Dan: “Coach Tom Daley asked me to help with the freshman in 2018, and the next year, I came on full-time – this phenomenal program is all I could imagine coaching.”
Maximilian Gisler ‘21 Assistant Freshman/ Novice Coach Coach Gisler rowed with St. Albans Summer Rowing from 2014-2016 and with Gonzaga from 2017-2021. This is his first season coaching and he is excited to put his experience as a former Gonzaga rower to good use. He has worked with Washington Fine Properties, Sonic Automotive, Porsche Bethesda, and Audi Rockville.
David Kelley ‘20 Assistant Freshman/ Novice Coach Coach DK rowed during freshman year at Gonzaga and then served as Coxswain on Varsity during his sophomore, junior, and senior years. He was Coxswain and rower at John Carroll University, and he currently attends Anne Arundel community college. Originally from Bowie MD, his nickname during his days as a student at Gonzaga was “DK” so, naturally, he is now called “Coach DK”.
Angus Long Assistant Freshman/ Novice Coach Coach Long rowed for three years at Wakefield High School and then for three years at the University of Mary Washington. A winter snowboard instructor at Wintergreen Resort, and a swim teacher for elementary and high school students, this is Coach Long’s first year coaching rowing. At home, Coach has two Great Pyrenees dogs named Annabelle and Frisco.
2022-2023 Gonzaga Rowing Program | 7
Philip Williams ‘23
Always Fly High and Far!
Congratulations! Love Mum and Dad 8 | 2022-2023 Gonzaga Rowing Program
Varsity Seniors – 2022-2023 Robby Canestrari Rowing at Gonzaga has taught me.....The value of shared suffering. My favorite memory from rowing at Gonzaga is.....My first 2k. My best advice for future Purple Eagle Crew members is.....Shoot for 9 hours of sleep. I’m heading to Bucknell University (Army ROTC) this fall.
Alex Carpentier Rowing at Gonzaga has taught me.....That if you truly put your mind to something, you can achieve it. My favorite memories from rowing at Gonzaga are.....The shenanigans at Oak Ridge. My best advice for future Purple Eagle Crew members is.....Never give up. Not on a piece, not in a race, never in life. Giving 100% is the only thing you can control in life. I’m heading to the United States Merchant Marine Academy this fall.
Rowing at Gonzaga has taught me.....The power of self-determination and that consistent hard work will pay off in the end. My favorite memory from rowing at Gonzaga is..... Winning SRAA Gold my junior year. My best advice for future Purple Eagle Crew members is.....To commit 100% effort to the sport as early as possible. I’m heading to Tufts University this fall. 2022-2023 Gonzaga Rowing Program | 9
Varsity Seniors – 2022-2023
Rowing at Gonzaga has taught me.....That success is a whole lot more than doing the big things well, but the small things, the invisible things, too. My favorite memory from my time rowing at Gonzaga is.....From quiet time at Oak Ridge where Coach Steve would tell us to be silent and enjoy the moment while we took a break. My best advice for future Purple Eagle Crew members is.....To realize that every day, every practice, and every moment is a chance to prove yourself on the erg, water, or whatever. The sooner you realize that, the better. I’m heading to the University of Michigan this fall.
Matt Ingoglia Rowing at Gonzaga has taught me.....Pain is just a building block to success. My favorite memory from rowing at Gonzaga is.....Medaling at SRAA’s in the Light Four junior year. My best advice for future Purple Eagle Crew members is.....If you ain’t crying, you ain’t trying. I’m heading to the University of Delaware this fall.
Max Kiriakou Rowing at Gonzaga has taught me.....If you ain’t first, you’re last. My favorite memory from rowing at Gonzaga is....When me, Wolfe, and Peot ran to Checkers after being subbed out in Bladensburg. My best advice for future Purple Eagle Crew members is.....Stick with it even if it seems impossible. I’m heading to Miami University this fall.
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Varsity Seniors – 2022-2023 Thomas O’Neill Rowing at Gonzaga has taught me.....The value of leadership and the importance of team culture among athletes. My favorite memory from rowing at Gonzaga is....My time in Oakridge, Tennessee with my teammates annually. My best advice for future Purple Eagle Crew members is.....Do not give up and do not let Crew get in the way of schoolwork. I’m heading to Loyola University Maryland this fall.
Wesley Peot Rowing at Gonzaga has taught me.....The importance of having someone equally committed working next to you. My favorite memory from rowing at Gonzaga is.... The spring of last year when we were waiting for coaches in Narnia when two bald eagles started fighting each other over a fish right above our boats. My best advice for future Purple Eagle Crew members is.....To never be satisfied and always aim as high as possible. I’m heading to Bucknell University this fall.
Matthew Peterson Rowing at Gonzaga has taught me.....Lactic acid is a state of mind. My favorite memory from rowing at Gonzaga is....Winning in Cincinnati in the hail storm. My best advice for future Purple Eagle Crew members is.....Listen to the coaches I’m heading to WIlliam and Mary this fall. 2022-2023 Gonzaga Rowing Program | 11
Varsity Seniors – 2022-2023
Rowing at Gonzaga has taught me.....Hard work, teamwork, and brotherhood My favorite memory from rowing at Gonzaga is....When Coach Daley pretended to be a priest when I first met him. My best advice for future Purple Eagle Crew members is.....Go to Waffle House for lunch at Oak Ridge before the afternoon practice. I’m heading to the University of Glasgow this fall.
Rowing at Gonzaga has taught me.....The meaning of a team, the importance of adversity, and the exquisite taste of the Bacon Egg & Cheese Omelet at Pete’s Diner. My favorite memory from rowing at Gonzaga is.... Bus rides, Head of the Charles, and the last 250m. My best advice for future Purple Eagle Crew members is.....Make sure the bow ball is inflated monthly (ask Coach Steve where the bow ball pump is). I’m heading to Georgetown University this fall.
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ARLINGTON SOPHOMORE CREW CARPOOL
“We can’t. We have crew.”
Owen, Tres, Jack, Colin & CJ What do you get when you cram five sweaty sophomores into a car after crew practice? Close friendships and an odor you’ll never forget.
Congratulations on your championship season!
With love, from your parents and drivers.
2022-2023 Gonzaga Rowing Program | 13
Varsity Juniors – 2022-2023
Nathanael Abrials
Will Alexander
Joseph Campione
Jimmy Corcoran
Luke Gormsen
Brady Heafitz
Colin Heil
George Keusenkothen
Benjamin Lacuesta
James Martino
Thomas Martino
Dave McCarthy 2022-2023 Gonzaga Rowing Program | 15
Varsity Juniors – 2022-2023
Kyle McHugh
Pablo Noguera
Andrew Ott
Aidan Potter
Ben Profaizer
Luke Robb
Ethan Soriano
William Spooner
Brendan Stroh
Preston Thomas
James Turner
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Varsity Sophomores – 2022-2023
Enzo Bunag
Joey Bunag
Tobin Choquette
JP Coogan
Ben Cruley
Will Decker
Owen Donohoe
Jack Egge
Jacob Fernando
Christian Francis
Bryce Gilbertson
Anderson Harlor 2022-2023 Gonzaga Rowing Program | 17
Varsity Sophomores – 2022-2023
Aakash Hill
Andres Krizan
Jason Mohr
Tres Monteverde
Pierce Reisig
Michael Schaefer
Henry Scherer
Leo Wach
CJ Wagner
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Varsity Roster Graduation Date
Height
Robby Canestrari
2023
6’3”
Samantha and Robert Canestrari
Davidsonville, MD
Alex Carpentier
2023
6’1”
Katja Eichinger and Gary Carpentier
Washington, DC
Jack Donovan
2023
6’5”
Lori and Daniel Donovan
Washington, DC
Nick Gaston
2023
5’7”
Denyse and John Gaston
Fairfax, VA
Matthew Ingoglia
2023
6’1”
Julie and Chuck Ingoglia
Washington, DC
Maximos Kiriakou
2023
6’1”
Heather and John Kiriakou
Arlington, VA
Thomas O’Neill
2023
Coxswain
Susan and Thomas O’Neill
Alexandria, VA
Wesley Peot
2023
6’0”
Laura Grosso and Christopher Peot
Washington, DC
Matthew Peterson
2023
6’0”
Catherine and Mark Peterson
Arlington, VA
Philip Williams
2023
6’2”
Meredith and Jeff Williams
Gaithersburg, MD
William Wolfe
2023
5’9”
Jennifer and Stefan Wolfe
Washington, DC
Nathanael Abrials
2024
6’3”
Kristin and Mark Abrials
Alexandria, VA
Will Alexander
2024
5’10”
Mary and John Alexander
Fairfax, VA
Joseph Campione
2024
Coxswain
Meghan and Chris Campione
Alexandria, VA
Jimmy Corcoran
2024
6’0”
Trisha and Joe Corcoran
Washington, DC
Luke Gormsen
2024
6’1”
Elizabeth and Christopher Gormsen
Great Falls, VA
Brady Heafitz
2024
5’10”
Alison and Jonathan Heafitz
Silver Spring, MD
Colin Heil
2024
6’0”
Heather and Clayton Heil
McLean, VA
George Keusenkothen
2024
5’7”
Heidi and Ed Keusenkothen
Reston, VA
Benjamin Lacuesta
2024
5’11”
Victoria and Mark Lacuesta
Bethesda MD
James Martino
2024
5’10”
Susann and John Martino
Annapolis, MD
Thomas Martino
2024
5’8”
Susann and John Martino
Annapolis, MD
Dave McCarthy
2024
6’1”
Rachel and Tom McCarthy
Vienna, Virginia
Kyle McHugh
2024
6’3”
Isabelle and John McHugh
Chevy Chase, MD
Pablo Noguera
2024
6’1”
Mabel and Jose Noguera
Washington, DC
Andrew Ott
2024
Coxswain
Florence and Keith Ott
Bethesda, MD
Aidan Potter
2024
6’0”
Michelle and Eric Potter
Arlington, VA
Ben Profaizer
2024
5’10”
Ashley and Joe Proaizer
McLean, VA
Luke Robb
2024
6’2”
Gloria and Doug Robb
Alexandria, VA
Ethan Soriano
2024
Coxswain
Gina and Rene Soriano
Fairfax Station, VA
William Spooner
2024
5’11”
Cristina and Tom Spooner
Bethesda, MD
Brendan Stroh
2024
Coxswain
Jenny and Robert Stroh
Annandale, VA
Preston Thomas
2024
5’7”
Shaté Jackson and Steven Thomas
Bowie, MD
James Turner
2024
5’7”
Julia and William Turner
Oakton, VA
Parents
Hometown
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Varsity Roster Graduation Date
Height
Enzo Bunag
2025
5’8”
Marie and Jay Bunag
Clarksburg, MD
Joey Bunag
2025
5’8”
Marie and Jay Bunag
Clarksburg, MD
Tobin Choquette
2025
5’9”
Monica and Tom Choquette
Alexandria, VA
JP Coogan
2025
6’2”
Kathleen and Kevin Coogan
Washington, DC
Ben Cruley
2025
Coxswain
Sara and Kyle Cruley
Arlington, VA
Will Decker
2025
6’0”
Jennifer Short and John Decker
Arlington, VA
Owen Donohoe
2025
5’9”
Margaret and Leo Donohoe
Arlington, VA
Jack Egge
2025
5’9”
Sarah and John Egge
Arlington, VA
Jacob Fernando
2025
5’9”
Ganga and Eric Fernando
Vienna, VA
Christian Francis
2025
6’3”
Theresa and Shawn Francis
Washington, DC
Bryce Gilbertson
2025
6’0”
Jami and Bryant Gilbertson
Falls Church, VA
Anderson Harlor
2025
6’2”
Mitzi and Doug Harlor
Darnestown, MD
Aakash Hill
2025
5’8”
Amrita Hill
Springfield, VA
Andres Krizan
2025
6’2”
Adela Luque and CJ Krizan
Washington, DC
Jason Mohr
2025
5’8”
Geraldine and Joseph Mohr
Hyattsville, MD
Tres Monteverde
2025
5’11”
Jennifer and Miguel Monteverde
Arlington, VA
Pierce Reisig
2025
5’11”
Ann Reisig and Richard Reisig
Alexandria, VA
Michael Schaefer
2025
Coxswain
Nina and Brett Schaefer
Washington, DC
Henry Scherer
2025
6’4”
Sarah and Tom Scherer
Darnestown, MD
Leo Wach
2025
5’10”
Amy and Greg Wach
Vienna, VA
CJ Wagner
2025
6’5’’
Becky Wagner and Neal Lawsom
Arlington, VA
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Parents
Hometown
24 | 2022-2023 Gonzaga Rowing Program
Freshman/Novice Roster Graduation Date
Hometown
Lucas Barthel
2026
Washington, DC
TJ Corcoran
2026
Washington, DC
Michael Corso
2026
Arlington, VA
Sam Cruley
2026
Arlington, VA
Greyson Donnelly
2026
Bethesda, MD
Brendan Erceg
2026
Chevy Chase, MD
Nicholas Fletcher
2026
Arlington, VA
Peter Francese
2026
Vienna, VA
Jesus Gonzalez
2025
Silver Spring, MD
Jack Grace
2026
Oakton, VA
Alex Guarini
2026
Rockville, MD
Matisse Haag
2025
Chevy Chase, MD
Amir Hall
2026
Washington, DC
Dan Keller
2025
Alexandria, VA
Dylan Kennedy
2026
Washington, DC
Aidan Linegang
2026
Vienna, VA
Terence Noone
2026
Gaithersbug, MD
Colin Phoel
2025
Arlington, VA
Michael Popil
2026
Laurel, MD
Nico Rodriguez
2026
Springfield, VA
Matthew Salemme
2026
Arlington, VA
Graeme Stewart
2026
Gaithersburg, MD
Thomas Stockwell
2026
Washington, DC
Johan Torres
2026
Alexandria, VA
Diego Mateo Velasquez
2026
Alexandria, VA
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Keep up your DREAM NATHANAEL!
Your HARD WORK and DEDICATION is ADMIRABLE! Love, Mom, Dad, Josie and The Whole Abrials Family
CONGRATULATIONS PURPLE EAGLE ROWERS
Aidan Potter ‘24 We are so proud of you and love you Mom, Dad, Kiley and Ryan 2022-2023 Gonzaga Rowing Program | 23
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AMDG Matthew Peterson ’23
We are so proud of you! Love, Mom, Dad, Annaka, Zachary and Bridget 20 | 2022-2023 Gonzaga Rowing Program
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Gonzaga Rowing History
I
n the spring of 1995, the first Gonzaga Crew put two “pre-owned” eight-man shells on the Anacostia River and raced in four events. Setting a standard for future Eagle crews, the Freshman 8 and 3rd Varsity 8 finished first and the Novice 8 and 4th Varsity 8 placed third. With this impressive start, Gonzaga was initiated into the sport of rowing and became one of only nine Jesuit high schools in the country to establish a rowing program. The foundation for this competitive team was laid in early 1994 when a group of interested students led by Junior Matt Weeden approached Kevin Harris – Gonzaga history teacher, rower, and local crew coach - for help in establishing a rowing program at Gonzaga. The Weeden family had recently moved to Arlington, VA from Philadelphia, PA where Matt had attended St. Joseph’s Preparatory School “the Prep”. Although Matt had not rowed for the prestigious Prep crew program, he was an experienced sculler. Matt’s exposure to the sport at The Prep and the success of his sister, Kate Weeden, on the Yorktown Crew (coached by Kevin Harris) motivated him to pursue starting a crew program at Gonzaga. This lucky confluence of motivated students, an experienced and enthusiastic teacher/ mentor, and an explosion of interest in high school rowing in the Washington Metropolitan area resulted in the birth of Gonzaga Rowing. Gonzaga Rowing owes its great start to the guidance and sheer hard work of Kevin Harris and the commitment and dedication of its charter rowers and parents. During the twelve months preceding that first regatta on the Anacostia, Kevin Harris submitted a rowing program proposal to the school administration, borrowed training and rowing equipment, and persuaded Derek Parsons and George Kirschbaum to conduct a two-week introductory rowing summer course for the fledgling crew. Unsuspecting parents, attending a backyard luncheon to hear a presentation by Kevin Harris about crew, formed the first board of
Gonzaga Crew Boosters that afternoon and enthusiastically embarked on the organizational and fundraising groundwork that made Gonzaga Crew a reality in 1995. Successful fundraising efforts resulted in the acquisition of two used racing shells: the Exorcist and the George Preston Marshall. Mr. Kirschbaum was hired as Head Coach and Eric Edmonds became Assistant Coach. By the Spring 1995 regatta season, Gonzaga Crew consisted of 47 competitive novice rowers and Gonzaga added a new team to its tradition of excellence and achievement in sports.
1995 Founded by Kevin Harris George Kirschbaum, Head Coach Eric Edmonds, Assistant Coach Gonzaga Crew began competition as a novice rowing program practicing out of Thompson Boat Center (TBC) on the Potomac River. Senior Matthew Weeden was named Washington Post All-Met Honorable Mention.
1996 George Kirschbaum, Head Coach Teresa Spillane, Assistant Coach Al Thompson, Booster President The program acquired another 8, the “Joe Kozik.” Gonzaga extended its winning tradition to the water. The Varsity Lightweight 8 placed third in the Northern Virginia Championships, fourth at the prestigious Stotesbury Cup Regatta (“Stotesbury”) in Philadelphia, and fifth at the Scholastic Rowing Association National Championship (the “Nationals”).
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1997 George Kirschbaum, Head Coach Eric Edmonds, Assistant Coach Ann and Ted Gerarden, Booster Co-Presidents Now accorded veteran status, Gonzaga Crew competed against well-established, experienced rowing programs. Another 8 was added to the fleet, the “Adamas.” Indicating just how far the rowing program had come by its third season, Crew now owned three 8s, four sets of oars, two launches, cox-boxes, ergometers, and assorted other training equipment necessary to support the developing program. A sure sign of its veteran status, Crew received a designated work-out room at school. Junior Mike Bonitt was named an All-Met Honorable Mention.
1998 George Kirschbaum, Head Coach Eric Edmonds and Jen Severidt, Assistant Coaches Sharon and Jay Bonitt, Booster Co-Presidents Crew acquired another shell, a racing 8 christened the “Die Macht 8.” The Freshman 8 competed at
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Stotesbury and the Nationals. Senior Mike Bonitt was the first Gonzaga oarsman named to the All-Met first team. Charlie Gans and Sean Holman were All-Met Honorable Mentions.
1999 Dave Foley, Head Coach Brendan O’Malley, Assistant Coach Lynn Berry and John Pelkey, Booster Co-Presidents The generous gift of Gonzaga alumnus Richard Loftus (‘56) funded the purchase of a four-man shell – the “Captain Casten.” Under the direction of new head coach Dave Foley, Gonzaga Crew set a new competitive standard. Crew entered five boats in the National Capital Area Scholastic Rowing Championships (the “NCASRA Championships”). Four boats competed at Stotesbury and the Nationals. At the NCASRA Championships, the Varsity 8 finished third, winning bronze. The 1st Varsity 4, the 2nd Varsity 8, and 3rd Varsity 8 each placed second, winning silver. The Freshman 8 made team history by advancing to the semi-finals at Nationals.
2000
2002
Dave Foley, Head Coach Dan “Killer” Kilpatrick, Freshman Coach Eric Leeder, Jen Severidt, Assistant Coaches Lynn Berry and John Pelkey, Booster Co-Presidents
Dave Foley, Head Coach Pat McCloskey, Freshman Coach Melissa Conradi, Assistant Coach John Pfeiffer, Booster President
Crew built on its impressive 1999 season. At the NCASRA Championships, the Lightweight 4, Freshman 8, 3rd Varsity 8, and 4th Varsity 8 each captured first. The 1st Varsity 8 and 2nd Varsity 8 finished second. The Freshman 8 continued its tradition of post-season success, placing fifth at Stotesbury.
Gonzaga Crew enjoyed a sensational season. A new Vespoli M2 joined the fleet. The new 8 was christened the “Joe Curseen, Jr. ‘72” in honor of a Gonzaga alum who died of inhalation of anthrax contracted from letters addressed to the Senate Office building after the September 11 attacks. The Freshman 8 finished first in the Anacostia Classic, the area championship for lower boats. At the NCASRA Championships, the 1st Varsity 8 placed third. The 2nd Varsity 8 finished first. The Lightweight 4 finished second to capture the silver medal. The powerful 2nd Varsity 8 made team history, recording an undefeated season and winning the bronze medal at Stotesbury. At the Scholastic Rowing Association of America (SRAA) Nationals, the 2nd Varsity 8 capped its remarkable season by finishing fourth. In recognition of the tremendous growth of the Gonzaga rowing program, The Washington Post awarded Dave Foley “Coach of the Year” and named the 2nd Varsity 8 “Best Boat.” Senior Marty Gehrke was the second Gonzaga oarsman to be named to the All-Met first team.
2001 Dave Foley, Head Coach Eric Leeder, Freshman Coach Casey Lingan ‘96, Assistant Coach John Beattie (Fall), John Pfeiffer (Spring), Booster Presidents A new 8, the “Doctor C,” was added to the fleet. During the regular season, most Gonzaga boats placed first, second or third. This competitive surge continued in the post-season as the Lightweight 4, 1st Varsity 8, and 2nd Varsity 8 all advanced to the semi-finals at Stotesbury. The hopes of the Freshman 8 to continue its strong showing at Stotesbury were dashed when a pre-race collision at the starting line prevented the boat from competing. At the Nationals, all Gonzaga boats advanced to the semi-finals. Junior Marty Gehrke was named an All-Met Honorable Mention.
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2003 Dave Foley, Head Coach Denise Kersten, Freshman Coach Tom Spooner, Keith Roussil ‘97, Assistant Coaches German Paraud, Booster President In another outstanding season, Gonzaga recorded seventeen first place finishes in the regular season and won the 2003 NCASRA Men’s Team Points Trophy. The 1st Varsity 8 placed first at the Charlie Butt Regatta, the Mayor’s Challenge, and the Darrell Winslow Regatta. A new Vespoli M2 (temporarily named “The Sully” to honor their manager, Ryan Sullivan ‘03) arrived in time to be raced at Stotesbury, where the 1st Varsity 8 made team history by advancing to the grand final for the first time. The 2nd Varsity 8 delivered another amazing performance in an undefeated season: National Capitol Champions, NCASRA Champions, and the silver medal at Stotesbury. At SRAA Nationals, in a heart-stopping battle for silver, Prep, Chaminade, and Gonzaga all crossed the finish line within seven-tenths of a second. Upon videotape review, the 2nd Varsity 8 finished fourth. The Washington Post again named the 2nd 8 “Best Boat.” Significant changes marked the 2003 season. Anticipating the construction of the Swedish Embassy on the compound where high school shells were kept, Crew Boosters began efforts to move Gonzaga Crew out of TBC. Gonzaga Crew became an Associate Member of the Anacostia Community Boathouse Association (ACBA) and relocated to its new boathouse on the Anacostia. After five impressive years, Dave Foley left Gonzaga to pursue an MBA at the University of Michigan. Tom Spooner became head coach. Senior Eric Gehrke was the third Gonzaga oarsman named to the All-Met first team. Paul Hamm and Neal Sonnenberg were All-Met Honorable Mentions.
Championships (NCC), the 1st Varsity 4, Junior 4, and 2nd Varsity 8 placed first, the 1st Varsity 8 and 3rd Varsity 8 placed second, and the Novice 8 placed third. At the NCASRA Championship, the 2nd Varsity 4 and 2nd Varsity 8 won gold and the 1st Varsity 4 won bronze. The 2nd Varsity 8 and Junior 8 made the finals at Stotesbury. For the third consecutive season, the 2nd Varsity 8 medaled, bringing home a bronze. Gonzaga raised the bar again as the 1st Varsity 4 and Junior Varsity 4 made history by winning bronze medals at SRAA Nationals in Orlando. Seniors Bobby Brown and Sean Riordan were the fourth and fifth Gonzaga oarsmen to be named to the All-Met first team. Andrew Killion, JT McGrath, and Wally Sedgewick were All-Met Honorable Mentions.
2005 Tom Spooner, Head Coach Kevin O’Connor, Freshman Coach Jonathan Kidwell, Sean Riordan & Scott Gorman, S.J., Assistant Coaches Mike Stack, Booster President The 2004-2005 season marked an important transition for Gonzaga Rowing. The coaches, supported by Gonzaga’s athletic department and the Gonzaga Crew Boosters, embarked on a strategy to make Gonzaga Rowing more competitive with the top programs across the country. Gonzaga began a fall rowing program that included several head races. The Crew’s fall performance exceeded all expectations, winning the Occoquan Chase and placing 15th in the Head of the Charles Regatta (HOCR) in Boston against some of the top teams from around the world. However, the NCASRA Crew Council objected to Gonzaga’s fall rowing, saying it was inconsistent with NCASRA rules, and sanctioned Gonzaga from
2004 Tom Spooner, Head Coach Kevin O’Connor, Freshman Coach Jonathan Kidwell, Assistant Coach Bob Brown, Booster President The season began with the christening of three shells: the Rev. Allen P. Novotny, S.J., a new Filippi eight, the Brother Jon V. King (formerly known as The Sully), and the Matthew Weeden ‘95, a new Filippi four. In a highly competitive season, Gonzaga Crew won the Men’s Team Point Trophies for the NCC and NCASRA Championships. At the National Capital 2022-2023 Gonzaga Rowing Program | 31
participating in any NCASRA-sponsored events in the spring of 2005. Gonzaga Rowing resigned from NCASRA to pursue a schedule as an independent team. Gonzaga entered the brave new world as an independent team with confidence and emerged with impressive results. Gonzaga boats swept dual meets against Wilson, Bethesda-Chevy Chase (BCC), and St. Albans (STA). The boys rowed well against some of the top teams on the east coast in an invitation-only regatta at St. Andrews. For the first time, Gonzaga rowed in the Northeast Junior Regional Championships, with the 2nd Varsity 8, 3rd Varsity 8, and the 2nd Freshman 8 winning gold medals. At Stotesbury, the 2nd Varsity 8 won the silver medal while the 1st Varsity 8, Junior 8, and Freshmen 8 reached the semi-finals. At the SRAA Nationals, the 1st Varsity 8, 2nd Varsity 8, and Freshman 8 reached the semi-finals with the 2nd Varsity 8 racing in the finals. Senior Co-Captain Michael (Packey) Stack and Sophomore Carl Thunman were named to the Washington Post’s first All-Met team. The 2nd Varsity 8 was named by the Post as the best in the region. Gonzaga oarsmen continued to match their athletic accomplishments with academic success. In the finest tradition of Gonzaga scholar-athletes, Senior Ty Newell was named salutatorian for Gonzaga’s Graduating Class of 2005.
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2006 Tom Spooner, Head Coach John Linnehan ‘01, Freshman Coach Jenn Bradley, Assistant Coach Jack Pfeiffer ‘02, Assistant Freshman Coach Ken Eggleston, Booster President 2006 was another highly competitive year for the Eagles. Head Coach Tom Spooner welcomed new coaches: assistant coach Jenn Bradley, freshman coach John Linnehan ’01, and freshman assistant Jack Pfeiffer ’02. The varsity team continued to enjoy the benefits as an independent program, and thrived at the championship regattas. After a slow start to the racing season, the 1st Varsity 8 made key changes to its lineup and found success towards the end of the season. The boat finished in the top six in time trials at Stotesbury, and missed the final by only 2 seconds in its semi-final. The 2nd Varsity 8 showed speed throughout the entire season, culminating in a first place finish at the Northeast Regional, a fifth place finish at Stotesbury, and a sixth place finish at SRAA Nationals. Individually, Carl Thunman was named first team All-Met for the second consecutive year and competed for the United States in the World Junior Rowing Championships in Amsterdam.
2007 Tom Spooner, Head Coach John Linnehan ‘01, Freshman Coach Jenn Bradley and Jesse Burns, Assistant Coaches Terry Ethridge, Booster President The team christened the newest Filippi 8, the LCDR Erik S. Kristensen ‘90, at an event attended by members of Navy Crew, Erik’s parents and friends, the Gonzaga team, and others. In the fall, Gonzaga competed at the Occoquan Chase, the HOCR, and the Head of the Occoquan, finishing 4th in the 1st Varsity 8 and 1st in the 1st Varsity 4. The Eagles began winter training atop Kohlman Hall, acquired an additional erg room in the basement, and purchased eight new ergometers. At the first spring race, the Manny Flick, the 1st Varsity 8 and 2nd Varsity 8 finished first in their races and the Junior 8 finished 3rd. They dueled against BCC, Dematha, and Wilson the next two weeks. At St. Andrews, the 1st Varsity 8 defeated, for the first time, Prep while coming in 2nd to future Stotesbury champions Thomas Jefferson (TJ). The 2nd Varsity 8 finished 5th in a tight race for 3rd, while the Junior 8 won their race against very tough competition. The Freshman 8 placed 3rd against two Prep boats, while the 2nd Freshman 8 placed 2nd. At the newly named David P. Foley Cup (formerly the God Cup), named after former Head Coach Dave Foley, the 2nd Varsity 8 defeated STA with the Junior 8 coming in only a second behind STA. The Freshman lost a tight race by only a second while the Varsity 4 defeated STA by several. The 1st Varsity 8 lost in a very exciting race. Neck and neck until the 750, STA pulled off an enormous lead gaining almost a boat. Gonzaga fought back and in the sprint gained several seats, only losing the race by 3 seats,1.3 seconds. Mrs. Sam Kristensen, mother of Erik, rode along in the launch. A learn-to-row was held after the race, which benefited the Gonzaga Gala. At Stotesbury, the Freshman 8 placed 17th in trials and 6th in their semi-final. The Junior 8 placed 10th in trials and 4th in their semi. The 2nd Varsity 8 earned 8th in trials and placed 4th in their semi. The 1st Varsity 8 placed 9th in trials and was placed in a difficult semi-final with Prep, Chaminade, and Mainland, earning 4th. At SRAA Nationals in Camden, NJ, the Eagles were back. The Freshman 8 had an unfortunate end to their season, finishing 6th. The Junior 8 finished 4th in a tough heat with Prep, and the 2nd Varsity 8 finished 3rd, in a very good race against Winter Park and New Trier. The 1st Varsity 8 finished 2nd in their heat, putting them in a repechage against St. Andrews and
Ocean City in which they earned 1st. In the semifinal against Prep, Greenwich, and STA, the 1st Varsity 8 finished 3rd, defeating STA by a second and behind Greenwich by .8, just out of qualifying. In the petite final, they finished second. Senior Carl Thunman was named to the Washington Post All Met team, and Dan Gallagher (Sr.) and James Stewart (Jr.) received All Met Honorable Mention. Senior coxswain Dan Albornoz was Senior Class Salutatorian..
2008 Tom Spooner, Head Coach John Linnehan ‘01, Freshman Coach Jenn Bradley, Jesse Burns, Ryan Sullivan ’03, Assistant Coaches Karen Stewart, Booster President The 2007-2008 rowing year opened with a successful Head of the Occoquan regatta, a large contingent of freshman/novice rowers, good rowing weather, and the commissioning of two new double/ pair training boats (the Donna Mae Hummel and the Susan & John Sedgewick). Shortly after fall racing concluded, Head Coach Tom Spooner announced that he would resign at the end of the spring racing season. During the spring, Gonzaga won back the Foley Cup, won the inaugural Washington Metropolitan Interscholastic Rowing Association (WMIRA) Championship (the 1st Varsity 8, 2nd Varsity 8, 3rd Varsity 8, and 4th Varsity 8 all won their events), performed well at Stotesbury (both the 1st Varsity 8 and 3rd Varsity 8 finished 6th in their time trial, four Gonzaga 8s made the semi-finals, and the 2nd Varsity 8 made the Finals) and SRAA Nationals in Oak Ridge, Tennessee (the 1st Varsity 8 won the Petite Final from Lane 1 in a race that included TJ and Yorktown, while the 2nd Varsity 8 finished 5th in the Grand Final and was the only Washington area boat in the Grand Final). The Washington Post selected the 1st Varsity 8 and the 2nd Varsity 8 as the “Best Boats” (a first for the 1st Varsity 8). Senior James Stewart was named First Team All-Met, Senior Nico Dodd and Junior Richard Johnston were named Honorable Mention All-Met, and Coach Spooner was named Men’s “Coach of the Year.” At the season’s conclusion, Marc Mandel was appointed the new Head Coach of the Gonzaga Crew. The Crew Banquet welcomed Coach Mandel, and paid tribute to Coach Spooner and departing Freshman/ Novice Coach John Linnehan ’01, who had announced that he would begin a Masters Program in Public Health at Johns Hopkins University.
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The Stroh Family
Celebrating Five Years with Gonzaga Rowing Jenny, Bob ‘90, Luke ’22, Brendan ‘24, & Owen ’26
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
- African Proverb
Gonzaga Rowing... Building Men for Others One Stroke at a Time Marc ‘13, Woods ’16, Catherine,
Mary Beth and Marc Connell 34 | 2022-2023 Gonzaga Rowing Program
2009 Marc Mandel, Head Coach Eric Gehrke ‘03, Freshman Coach Aliyah Snyder, Bobby Brown ‘04, Andrew Killion ‘04, Assistant Coaches Kathy and Pete Prominski, Booster Co-Presidents 2009 proved a historic year for Gonzaga. Aliyah Snyder was hired as Assistant Varsity Coach. The Freshman Coaching Staff were all Gonzaga Crew alums, led by Head Coach Eric Gehrke, a 2003 All-Met rower, and Assistant Coaches Bobby Brown, a 2004 All-Met coxswain, and Andrew Killion, a 2004 All-Met Honorable Mention rower. The team christened two new boats, a Resolute Eight to honor Sr. Seton Cunneen, which became the 1st Varsity 8 boat, and a new Wintech pair to honor former Head Coach Tom Spooner, a strong proponent of training in smaller boats, as well as a pair of wakeless launches named for Karen Stewart and Pete Liashek, both of whom contributed countless hours to Gonzaga Crew. Gonzaga won every race in its first spring regatta with DeMatha and BCC. Gonzaga also repeated as the Foley Cup Champions and won the 1st Varsity 8, 2nd Varsity 8, 3rd Varsity 8, 4th Varsity 8, and Freshman 8
events. At the WMIRA Championships, Gonzaga placed first in the 1st Varsity 8, 2nd Varsity 8, 3rd Varsity 8, Freshman 8, and 2nd Freshman 8 events and won the Boys’ Team Trophy for the second consecutive year. Gonzaga had its best performance ever at Stotesbury. The 1st Varsity 8 won silver in the Senior Eight Final, becoming the first Gonzaga 1st Varsity 8 to medal in this event. The Freshman 8 won bronze, becoming the first Gonzaga freshman boat to medal at Stotesbury. Other Gonzaga boats also performed well, with the 2nd Varsity 8 missing a spot in the 2nd Varsity Final by just more than one second and the 3rd Varsity 8 reaching the semi-finals. At Nationals at Mercer Lake in New Jersey, the 1st Varsity 8 won the National Championship, finishing 1st in its qualifier, 1st in its semi-final heat, and 1st in the Men’s Senior Eight Grand Final. The 2nd Varsity 8 finished second in its qualifier, third in its semi-final heat, and sixth in the Second Eight Final. The Freshmen 8 finished 3rd in their qualifier, but missed a spot in the Final by less than 1 second in a barnburner semi-final. With much effort and tremendous support from the Gonzaga Crew community, the 1st Varsity 8, two spares, and Coaches Mandel and Snyder traveled to England for the Henley Royal Regatta. Gonzaga won the inaugural race, but failed to advance in the Princess Elizabeth Cup competition. The trip reflected the growth
“For the rest of your life, you will always be able to say I was a member of a very special team whose whole was greater than the sum of its parts, and it was one of the greatest experiences of my life.”
Colin, We are so proud of the hard work you and your teammates have put in this year. Congratulations! Love, Mom, Dad, Declan and Amelia 2022-2023 Gonzaga Rowing Program | 35
of the Gonzaga Rowing program and provided a memorable experience for the athletes and coaches – racing overseas in a premier international regatta, in a completely different format (head-to-head racing) over a 2,112 meter course. The Washington Post selected the 1st Varsity 8 as the “Best Boat” in the Washington metropolitan area. Senior Richard Johnston was named a First Team “AllMet” athlete and seniors Johannes Schmidt and Greg Beckwith were named Honorable Mention “AllMet” athletes.
2010 Marc Mandel, Head Coach Eric Gehrke ‘03, Freshman Coach Paul Hamm ‘03, Bobby Brown ‘04, Tom Cosgrove ‘05 Assistant Varsity Coaches Andrew Killion ‘04, Matt Lavin, Assistant Freshman Coaches Deb and Bill Leahy, Booster Co-Presidents Gonzaga had another successful Spring racing season but faced stiff competition at both the local and national levels. Gonzaga dominated the early local races against DeMatha, BCC, Wilson, and Westfield. The Crew participated in a Manny Flick in Philadelphia,
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where the 1st Varsity 8, 2nd Varsity 8 and Lightweight 4 won their heats. At St. Andrew’s, there was strong racing against tough competition from Prep, Kent, TJ, and St. Andrew’s. Gonzaga also participated in the Charlie Butt Regatta on the Potomac, which saw the Foley Cup run within that regatta. A fast STA crew took the 2010 Foley Cup despite a strong Gonzaga showing. STA and Gonzaga finished 1-2 in the Charlie Butt Varsity 8 and Freshman 8 events and the Gonzaga Junior 8 and 3rd Varsity 8 won their events. At WMIRA, Gonzaga again won the Graves Trophy as the top Men’s Crew. The 1st Varsity 8, Junior 8, Novice 8, 4th Varsity 8, and Junior Varsity 4 won their events. The Freshman 8 was denied a win because of the suspension of racing and subsequent cancellation of the Freshman race due to high winds. The Crew also rowed well at both Stotesbury (where the 1st Varsity 8 finished 4th in its time trial, but was unable to advance out of what was the fastest semi-final race; the 2nd Varsity 8 finished 3rd in its time trial and raced in the Final, finishing 5th; a total of four Gonzaga 8s, including the Freshman 8, made semis) and SRAA Nationals in Saratoga Springs, New York (the 2nd Varsity 8 won bronze, the 1st Varsity 8 won the Petite Final, and the Junior 8 and Lightweight 4 boats made semis). Senior Joe Hanlon was named a Washington Post First Team “All-Met” athlete and seniors Matt
Grandchamp and Matt Weider were named Honorable Mention “All-Met” athletes. The Washington Post named the Lightweight Four as “Best Boat.”
2011 Marc Mandel, Head Coach Bobby Brown ‘04, Freshman Coach Paul Hamm ‘03, Tom Cosgrove ‘05, Assistant Coaches Matt Lavin, Assistant Freshman Coach Tom and Claudia Daley, Booster Co-Presidents 2011 was an important year that helped lay the foundation for the performance of the next decade. The 1st Varsity 8 finished a very close second place at the WMIRA championship and all other Gonzaga boats won their respective events. The 2nd Varsity 8 won the first Stotesbury gold medal in program history, finally bringing home The Hammer Trophy that had been just out of grasp for the previous decade. The 1st Varsity 8 just missed out on qualifying for the Stotesbury final but the next week in Cherry Hill they earned a finals berth and started a streak that has seen the team final every year since. The Freshmen 8 had a breakage in the Stotesbury time trial but the class formed a core group that went on to help elevate the program to new heights.
2013 Marc Mandel, Head Coach Bobby Brown ‘04, Freshman Coach Paul Hamm ‘03, Tom Cosgrove ‘05, Assistant Coaches Wally Sedgewick ‘04, Assistant Freshman Coach Pete and Amy White, Booster Co-Presidents In 2013, Gonzaga proved, once again, it was one of the fastest high-school rowing programs in the country. Building on the prior year’s success, the Eagles did not miss a beat, finishing the regular season undefeated in the 1st Varsity 8 and 2nd Varsity 8. After an open-water sweep of the eight-oared events at WMIRA, the program turned its attention to its most important regatta of the season -- Stotesbury. It was a historic day for the team: the 1st Varsity 8 retained the Stotesbury Cup, the 2nd Varsity 8 won its event to bring home the “Hammer Trophy,” the Junior 8 earned a bronze, and the 4th Varsity 8 finished 5th in the Varsity Lightweight Eight event. At the SRAA Championships, the 1st Varsity 8 saw its two-year domestic win streak come to a dramatic end in the finals in difficult conditions.
2012 Marc Mandel, Head Coach Bobby Brown ‘04, Freshman Coach Paul Hamm ‘03, Tom Cosgrove ‘05, Assistant Coaches Wally Sedgewick ‘04, Chuck Hummel ‘08, Assistant Freshman Coach Chris and Karen McGee, Booster Co-Presidents 2012 was a break-out year for Gonzaga Crew. The 1st Varsity 8 finished its domestic season undefeated, winning the Stotesbury Cup, the SRAA Championship and the WMIRA Championship. This crew traveled to England to compete at the Henley Royal Regatta in the Princess Elizabeth Challenge Cup. Gonzaga advanced to the quarterfinals,, ultimately losing to Abingdon School, the eventual winners. The 2nd Varsity 8 nearly matched the historic run of the 1st Varsity 8, earning gold at the SRAA Championships, silver at Stotesbury, and gold at the WMIRA Championships. Not to be outdone, the 3rd Varsity 8 made the final at Stotesbury and won its event at WMIRA. Finally, the Freshman 8 earned a bronze at Stotesbury, made the final at the SRAA championships for the first time in program history, and won the WMIRA Championship. 2022-2023 Gonzaga Rowing Program | 37
Joseph, Keep Flying on Wings of Eagles
Love, Mom, Dad, CL, James, and Maggie
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2014 Marc Mandel, Head Coach Bobby Brown ‘04, Freshman Coach Paul Hamm ‘03, EJ McCarthy ‘07, Assistant Coaches Tom Cosgrove ‘05, Assistant Freshman Coach Wendy and Joe Allan, Booster Co-Presidents 2014 was another successful year for Gonzaga Rowing. The program swept the eight-oared events at the WMIRA Championships. At Stotesbury, Gonzaga repeated as Senior Varsity 8 Champions for the third straight year, won the 2nd Varsity 8 event for the second year in a row, and earned bronze in the Lightweight Varsity 8 event. The next weekend at the SRAA Championships, the 1st Varsity 8 won for the third time in six years. The 2nd Varsity 8 and Lightweight Varsity 8 also performed well at the SRAA’s, finishing second and fourth, respectively. Finally, Gonzaga capped off its season by winning the 1st Varsity 8 at the inaugural National Schools’ Championship Regatta in Saratoga Springs, NY.
2015 Marc Mandel, Head Coach Tom Cosgrove’05, Freshman Coach Bobby Brown ‘04, EJ McCarthy ‘07, Assistant Coaches Tom Daley, Pat Daley ‘11, Andrew Oestreich, Assistant Freshman Coaches Ann and Marty Gaffey, Booster Co-Presidents In 2015, Gonzaga Crew added to its growing resume of championships. The program repeated as WMIRA champions, winning four out of the five eightoared events. The 1st Varsity 8 won the Stotesbury Cup for the fourth straight year, the first team to accomplish this feat in over 50 years. The 2nd Varsity 8 earned silver at Stotesbury. At the SRAA Championships, the 1st Varsity 8 won for the second straight year, the program’s 4th victory in this event over the past seven years. The 2nd Varsity 8 also won its event at SRAA Championships in a photo finish. Finally, during July,
the 1st Varsity 8 raced at the Henley Royal Regatta in England, where it advanced to the semi-finals, a bestever finish for Gonzaga.
2016 Marc Mandel, Head Coach Tom Cosgrove’05, Freshman Coach Bobby Brown ‘04, EJ McCarthy ‘07, Assistant Coaches Tom Daley, Pat Daley ‘11, Jorge Galindo ‘11 Andrew Oestreich, Assistant Freshman Coaches Wendy and Bob Boehm, Booster Co-Presidents 2016 was another banner year for Gonzaga Crew. Locally, the team repeated as WMIRA Champions for the 5th consecutive year. In Philadelphia, the Eagle Varsity Eight won the Stotesbury Cup for the fifth straight year, becoming only the third program in the regatta’s 89-year history to win the cup five consecutive years, and the first team to do so since 1941. Additionally, the 2nd Varsity 8 and Junior 8 each earned silver. At the USRowing Mid-Atlantic Regionals, the 1st Varsity 8 won its event and the 1st Varsity 4 finished third, both qualifying for the Youth National Championships. At Youth Nationals in June, the 1st Varsity 8 finished in 5th place in the A final, the highest-placing scholastic crew in the event. The 1st Varsity 4+ finished in 2nd place in the C final. Senior Woods Connell was named Valedictorian for Gonzaga’s Graduating Class of 2016.
2017 Marc Mandel, Head Coach Tom Daley, Freshman Coach Bobby Brown ‘04, Andy Bacas, Assistant Coaches Andrew Oestreich, Quinn McGee ’12, Assistant Freshman Coaches Gillam Family, Booster Co-Presidents The Class of 2017 was a breakout class with tremendous erg power and 14 rowing seniors. The HOCR Youth 8 entry performance was marred by a crab but
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still secured the guaranteed entry for the next year’s 8. The team opened the spring season with varsity wins over BCC. Spring Break training took place in Oak Ridge, TN for the first of what would become an annual tradition. Dual race wins followed over Central Catholic, with the Freshmen 8 winning for the first time ever, and a Foley Cup win over STA. The 1st Varsity 8 lost to Kent at St. Andrews by 0.1 sec. The 1st Varsity 8/2nd Varsity 8 skipped WMIRA to compete at the USRowing MidAtlantic Championships in order to secure bids to the Youth National Championships. At the WMIRA championships, the Freshman 8 came in 2nd. At Stotesbury on May 20, the 1st Varsity 8 took silver with a heroic row from Lane 6. The 2nd Varsity 8 won a convincing gold medal by over a length. The Light 8 took home a bronze medal. The Freshman 8 time trialed 9th, but a weather cancellation of the semis, knocked them out of contention. The 1st Varsity 8/2nd Varsity 8 skipped SRAAs to prepare for Youth Nationals. At the USRowing Youth National Championship, the 1st Varsity 8 took 4th in the A final as the top scholastic entry. The Youth 4 was 6th in Final B and the Light 4 was 2nd in Final B. The 1st Varsity 8 and spares went to Henley, winning in the first two rounds, but lost a close race to the Shiplake School on Friday.
2018 Andy Bacas, Head Coach Tom Daley, Freshman Coach Bobby Brown ‘04, Paul Holland, Assistant Coaches Andrew Oestreich, Assistant Freshman Coaches Jenn & Patrick Tobey, Booster Co-Presidents After an out-of-the-gate win at the Occoquan Chase, the HOCR Youth 8 entry suffered a boat stopping collision at the Anderson Bridge and came 33rd after a good start. The 1st Varsity 8 continued to build speed through the spring season after an opening loss to BCC. The team again did spring training in Oak Ridge. The varsity boats swept all races with Central Catholic and then retained the Foley Cup with a sweep of STA in early May. At WMIRA, the 1st Varsity 8 came in 2nd to BCC by less than a second. The 2nd Varsity 8 took 2nd to STA, but with a win in the Junior 8/3rd Varsity 8, and a win in the Freshman 8, the team regained the WMIRA points trophy, the Graves Cup. At Mid-Atlantics, the 2nd Varsity 8 won with the 1st Varsity 8 second to a stellar Montclair crew. Stotesbury was moved to Cooper River when the Schuylkill was flooded by heavy rains.. In an unprecedented show of team strength, the Eagles put seven crews in the Stotesbury
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finals. The 1st Varsity 8 took bronze with a tremendous closing sprint that took them by multiple crews in the final 250 meters. The 2nd Varsity 8 repeated as the Hammer Trophy winner. The Lightweight 4 took bronze while the Freshman 8, Junior 4, and Lightweight 8 all took 4th. A stellar Eagle Junior 8, after winning its semi, caught a crab in the final and finished 6th. At Nationals, the 2nd Varsity 8 again bested the field and took home its second gold of the season. The 1st Varsity 8 was 4th, behind Montclair, New Trier, and Upper Arlington, again the top finisher from D.C. Chris Morrison was named the 2018 Kevin Harris Award winner, with Evan Donohoe as most improved. First year coach Andy Bacas was named Washington Post All-Met Boys’ Coach of the Year.
2019 Andy Bacas, Head Coach Tom Daley, Freshman Coach Bobby Brown ‘04, Todd Jesdale, Paul Holland, Mike Farrey Assistant Coaches Daniel Voigtsberger, Craig McKay, John Roberts ’18 Assistant Freshman Coaches The Klopin Family and Vasquez Families, Booster Co-Presidents 2018-2019 began as a year of great promise. With two big classes of Coach Daley-trained freshman filling the program from top to bottom, the table was set for another great year. At the Occoquan Chase, both the 1st Varsity 8 and Junior 8 won, followed by a clean run at HOCR after starting back in the back. In windy and frigid conditions, the Eagles finished 12th, as the 4th fastest scholastic team. The team took a winter training trip to Tampa with Dave Vogel joining as Coach Emeritus. The team held the ergathon at the Washington Navy Yard, hosted graciously by Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral John Richardson and his wife Dana (Matthew ’20). The team trained in Oak Ridge, TN during Spring Break. After a losing to BCC in the traditional spring opener, the Eagles responded by beating Montclair
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HS, the defending Stotesbury 1st Varsity 8 champion, in early April. The Eagles swept every event versus Central Catholic on April 27. On May 5, the 1st Varsity 8 defended the Foley Cup, winning for the fourth year in a row. On May 6, the 1st Varsity 8 finished 4th in a close race at the WMIRA Championship while the Freshmen 8, 3rd Varsity 8, and Lightweight 8 all won, earning the team the Graves Trophy for team points. At Stotesbury, the 1st Varsity 8 came in 4th in the final. The 2nd Varsity 8 won silver, with the Junior 8 winning and taking home the Charlie Butt Trophy for the first time in program history. The Freshman 8 came fourth in the final. The team’s third Stotesbry medal came in the Lightweight 8. The program again put many crews in a position to win, with all five of the eights in the Stotesbury finals. SRAA Nationals took place in Zanesville, Ohio. The program qualified all five of its eights and had a history-making finals day. The Eagles took silver in the Junior 8, repeated as 2nd Varsity 8 winner and, in a thrilling 1st Varsity 8 final, medaled for the first time since 2015, taking bronze. The three medal performance at SRAA’s was a program first. Ethan Tobey of the Nationals winning 2nd Varsity 8 was named the 2019 Kevin Harris award winner. Matthew Fiorenza was named as most improved. Ryan Link ’21 made the U19 US National Team as a spare and traveled to Japan.
2020 Andy Bacas, Head Coach Tom Daley, Freshman Coach Bobby Brown ‘04, Todd Jesdale, Paul Holland, Mike Farrey Assistant Coaches Daniel Voigtsberger, Craig McKay, Jordan Cameron ’15, Rob Houghton Assistant Freshman Coaches The Klebes Family and Ryan Family, Booster Co-Presidents With the full complement of athletes back in the program and a large senior class made up of the first class of “Daley-Freshmen,” the 2019-2020 season
seemed to be very promising. The team rowed its HOCR 8 in the Head of the Housatonic in Connecticut on October 5, rowing a boat borrowed from Yale, finishing 4th. In Boston on October 20, the crew finished 16th out of 80 entrants. The HOCR Youth 4 also had a great row, also finishing 16th. The fall finished up with a solid performance at a wet Head of the Schuylkill. Boating out of the Prep Boathouse, the Youth 4 won for the first time since 2017. The team had a tough, stay-in-D.C. winter training season, with many strong erg performances throughout the team. After a stellar opening few weeks on the water beginning in February, the entire on-the-water race season was shut down for the COVID-19 pandemic on March 7. This did not stop the boys training or competing. Virtual erg competitions were held via Zoom with LaSalle, Central Catholic, and Eton College in England in the months before school ended in June. End-of-year awards were given out as usual. Matthew Richardson ’20 won the 2020 Kevin Harris Award and Nathan Peot was named Most Improved. All involved with Gonzaga Rowing this first COVID year did their best to keep their chins up, but losing the season for the Class of 2020 was very painful. Its impact not only on the Senior Class, but the Freshman cadre of 2020 should not be underestimated, nor under appreciated.
2021 Andy Bacas, Head Coach Dan Voigtsberger, Freshman Coach Tom Daley, Bobby Brown ‘04, Paul Holland Assistant Coaches Stephen Hoskins, Craig McKay, Jordan Cameron ’15, Assistant Freshman Coaches The Shaheen Family and Fox Family, Booster Co-Presidents The fall of 2020 began as another virtual experience. All training during the fall of 2020 was conducted virtually with daily after-school erg sessions at home via Zoom. The incoming Freshmen Class of ’24 got no on-the-water learn-to-row sessions. All of their training was at home via Zoom. There was no fall racing season on the water. The only on-the-water experience in the fall was singles rowing on Saturdays. As COVID-restrictions slowly began to lift through the spring semester, more and more rowing began to take place. High school sports practices of any type were banned per City of Washington directives, but in January, with the support of Gonzaga’s Athletic Department, the team began trailering boats outside of the City to row on the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers from launching points outside the city limits.
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The first launching point was Gravelly Point, near the airport in Virginia. Then, with the assistance of DeMatha, the team began to trailer boats and oars every other day to the Bladensburg Water Sports Center in Maryland. Very slowly and modestly, training for the 2021 season began. But very significant training disparities existed across teams as various programs in various jurisdictions and various launching sites followed different protocols. All in all, it was an up-and-down year for the team. The 1st Varsity 8 got a full season in, but it was a very truncated experience of limited training and very limited racing for the rest of the crew. On April 17, the 1st Varsity 8 won the first race on the Potomac versus STA and BCC. The 3rd Varsity 8 also won, while the 2nd Varsity 8 came in second to BCC. The 1st Varsity 8 and 2nd Varsity 8 won races against Central Catholic Pittsburgh on April 24 on a lake in West Virginia and retained the Shrewsbury Cup. The full program was able to compete in the Foley Cup, with the Freshman 8, 2nd Varsity 8, and 3rd Varsity 8 earning wins, but with a tough and close 1st Varsity 8 loss to STA in windy conditions in Narnia on May 2. At the WMIRA Championship, after recording the fastest heat time, the Eagles came a disappointing 4th behind Whitman, BCC and Wilson. The school allowed only one crew to travel to Stotesbury due to COVID precautions. With a changed lineup, the 1st Varsity 8 time trialed 4th, behind Prep, Whitman and STA and ultimately finished 5th from Lane 5 behind those same schools, plus Dallas Jesuit. In the two weeks between Stotes and SRAA Nationals, the crew finally regained their mojo. The crew was going much faster in practice and it showed in May when the Eagles were back in Philadelphia to face a national field. The 1st Varsity 8 won their heat on Friday by open water, with the second fastest heat time of 4:19.5. The Saturday morning semis took place in cold, windy rain, but the guys were prepared and won the semifinal. The 1st Varsity 8 eagerly awaited the chance to face off with STA (and the other crews) one last time later that day in the grand final. Unfortunately, due to the cold, wind, and fast-flowing river, once the boys’ Varsity 8 semis finished in the morning, the officials called off the remaining semi-finals in other categories and all of the finals. By rule, the last fully complete round of racing settles final awarded results, giving the Eagles a somewhat unsatisfying Nationals silver this year. The 1st Varsity 8 crew’s last race of the season was Youth Nationals in Sarasota, FL. The 8 finished 14th overall. Kevin Gallagher ’21 was honored with the Kevin Harris Award. Later in August of 2021, Ryan Link ’21 won a U19 World Championship Gold Medal in the seven-seat of the USA Eight in Romania.
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2022 Andy Bacas, Head Coach Tom Daley, Freshman Coach Bobby Brown ‘04, Stephen Hoskins, Jack Kiyonaga ’17, Greg King, Paul Holland, Nate Goodman Assistant Coaches Daniel Voigtsberger, John Meehan, Assistant Freshman Coaches The Farley Family and Langkamp Family, Booster Co-Presidents The 2022 season dawned fresh, with COVID restrictions essentially gone and a big, eager, but inexperienced squad ready to get after it. The team had a very good row at the HOCR in October 2021, finishing 12th. The team enjoyed a great winter training in the new erg room in Kohlmann Hall. A lot of hard work and much improvement showed among the team’s largely novice sophomore class. The team opened with a convincing 1st Varsity 8 win over BCC on March 26. The 2nd Varsity 8 and 3rd Varsity 8 also won. Spring Break training was again happily back at Oak Ridge. The first full-regatta race was in Cincinnati on April 9 at the end of Spring Break.
The team had a big Saturday at St. Andrews on April 23. The 1st Varsity 8 won over Kent by 0.9 seconds and the rest of the field. The 1st Varsity 8 also took home the Foley Cup. Gonzaga swept all the other Varsity events as well. On April 30, the Shrewsbury Cup regatta returned to Lake Marburg. Gonzaga won all varsity events. On May 8, at the WMIRA Championship, the 1st Varsity 8 came 2nd by 0.2 sec to BCC. The 2nd Varsity 8, 3rd Varsity 8, and Freshman 8 all won. Gonzaga won back the Graves Trophy for team points. Stotesbury saw a hugely courageous row by a team down numerous rowers due to illness. The team rose to the occasion. The Eagles took silver in the Freshman 8, Junior 8 and 2nd Varsity 8. In the final race of the day, the 1st Varsity 8 finished fourth. SRAA Nationals proved the swan song for departing Coach Andy Bacas. With almost all hands back and reasonably healthy, the Eagles of 2022 notched a never-been-done-before performance. The Lightweight 4 took bronze, the Freshman 8 took silver, Junior 8 took silver, the 2nd Varsity 8 took gold for the third time in four years and, in the most gutsy race of the entire season, the 1st Varsity 8 laid all they had on the racecourse at Cooper River, surging into the lead with 150 meters to go only to succumb to Wilson, the Stotesbury Champion in the last few strokes. Nationals Silver again. But Gonzaga set a new record – FIVE Nationals medals, the most ever and the most of any team at the regatta. Frankie Keusenkothen was the 2022 Kevin Harris award winner, with Alex Carpentier as Most Improved.
2023 Tom Daley, Head Coach Dan Voigtsberger, Freshman Coach Bobby Brown ‘04, Stephen Hoskins, John Meehan, Assistant Coaches Maximilian Gisler ‘21, David Kelley ‘20, Angus Long, Assistant Freshman Coaches Tom and Cristina Spooner, Booster Presidents The Eagles returned to the water with new Varsity Head Coach Tom Daley eager to build on the 2022 season. In beautiful fall weather at the HOCR, the Youth 8 placed 10th out of 89 boats and the Youth 4 placed 29th out of 90 boats. In October, Gonzaga raced at the Head of the Schuylkill Regatta with strong performances in the 1st Varsity 8, Junior Varsity 8, and Varsity 4 events. The Freshman 8 and Novice 8 joined the Varsity for the final head race of the year at the Head of the Occoquan regatta in Northern Virginia. The team returned to the Anacostia after winter training in Kohlmann Hall. During the Gonzaga Day of Service, the athletes cleaned the immediate vicinity of ACBA picking up over 100 pounds of trash and improving the bioswale.
The Varsity again traveled to Oak Ridge, TN for spring training, which included a scrimmage against McCallie School. In the cold and rainy season opener against BCC and DeMatha, BCC bested the 1st Varsity 8. In April, before the disruptive thunderstorms that canceled later races, the 1st Varsity 8, 2nd Varsity 8, and 3rd Varsity 8 won their races at St. Andrews. With the 1st Varsity 8 win over STA, Gonzaga retained the Foley Cup for a second consecutive year. The Eagles wrapped up the regular season at Lake Marburg with the Shrewsbury Cup races against Central Catholic and Chaminade. Gonzaga retained the Shrewsbury Cup with wins in the 1st Varsity 8 (Paul G. Hamm Trophy), 2nd Varsity 8 (Theresa Clair Cup), 3rd Varsity 8, 4th Varsity 8, and the 2nd Freshman 8/ Novice 8. The boys of Eye Street had a huge day on May 7, taking home the Varsity 8s and 4s team trophies at the WMIRA Championship, and winning the 1st Varsity 8 for the first time since 2016. Every rower that launched earned a medal. Eight crews traveled to the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia to compete in the Stotesbury Cup Regatta – the Senior 8, Senior 4, 2nd Varsity 8, 2nd Varsity 4, Junior 8, Junior 4, Lightweight 4, and Freshman 8. All eight boats advanced from the time trials to the semi-finals, with five of those advancing to the grand finals. Four of the five crews in the grand finals medaled, with the 1st Varsity 8 and 2nd Varsity 8 earning silver medals, and the Junior 8 and Freshman 8 earning bronze medals. The across-the-board finishes of all eight crews reflect the depth and intensity of the training the boys put in during the year, and the four medals reflect the largest number of medals earned by any Gonzaga team at Stotesbury. Seven Eagle Crews returned to their spring training site, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, to compete in the Scholastic Rowing Association of America (SRAA) National Championship Regatta on May 26 and 27 the very next week. Four crews made the finals, with the 2nd Varsity 8 bringing home the silver medal. The 1st Varsity 8 and JV 8 both just missed the medal podium, coming in 4th place by ½ second. At the end of season team banquet, the first ever printed program media guide was distributed. Seniors Robby Canestrari and Wesley Peot shared the 2023 Kevin Harris award honor, while Junior Kyle McHugh was recognized as most improved. In Sarasota, Florida at the USRowing Youth National Championship in June, the 1st and 2nd Varsity 8 entered via petition as the WMIRA Championship was not an automatic qualifier. The 1st Varsity made the B final ultimately placing 14th (the 6th overall scholastic program in the country) and the 2nd Varsity placed 19th overall. 2022-2023 Gonzaga Rowing Program | 45
"The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in determination.” -Usain Bolt
William, We're so proud of you Love, Mom & Dad 46 | 2022-2023 Gonzaga Rowing Program
Gonzaga College High School Rowing Boats
Die Macht 8 - German for “The Power 8”, this Resolute 8 is the second boat to carry this name. The first boat was dedicated in 1998 during the tenure of head coach George Kirschbaum.
8+
Joseph Curseen Jr. ‘72 - Joe Curseen was a postal worker who was tragically killed during the anthrax attacks that occurred shortly after 9/11. This Resolute 8 is the second shell in his name. The first was dedicated in 2002.
John C. Warman ‘57 - “Doc” Warman taught Latin and Greek to generations of Gonzaga boys for over 48 years. Always seen in a jacket and tie, Doc also served as the longtime director of Gonzaga’s theater productions, and could regularly be relied on to spontaneously break into song. This Hudson 8 was dedicated in 2016. Paul Hamm ‘03 - current science teacher and former assistant coach, Paul was a member of the first Gonzaga varsity 8 to make its final at Stotesbury (2003), as well as a player on the 2002 WCAC champion football team. This Hudson 8 was dedicated in 2019.
Father Bruce Steggert - Fr. Steggert taught science at Gonzaga from 1993 to 2012 and could often be found cheering the team on race days.
Marc Mandel - Gonzaga Rowing head coach from 2009 to 2017, Marc elevated Gonzaga to the top tier of US high school rowing programs, and oversaw the historic run of 5 straight Stotesbury Cup championships from 2012-2016. Marc is now the head coach of the Williams College men’s rowing team. This Hudson 8 was dedicated in 2019. LCDR Erik S. Kristensen ‘90 - US Navy SEAL, Erik was killed in action in Afghanistan on June 28, 2005 while leading a rescue mission to save four of his fellow SEALs. Erik was a 1990 graduate of Gonzaga, where he played football, lacrosse, and the trumpet in the school orchestra. During his postgraduate year at Andover Erik started rowing, and earned his varsity letter in heavyweight crew during his undergraduate years at the US Naval Academy. This Resolute 8 was dedicated in 2013, and is the second Gonzaga boat to carry his name; the first shell was dedicated in 2007. Sister Seton Cuneen - Sister Seton Cuneen was a beloved former religion teacher and Director of Christian Service at Gonzaga. This Resolute 8 was dedicated in 2009 and carried the Gonzaga Varsity 8 to its first SRAA National Championship in 2009. Rev. Allen P. Novotny, S.J. - Fr. Novotny served as President of Gonzaga from 1994 until his unexpected passing in 2010. He was fond of his role in helping the rowing program get on its feet by soliciting a $50,000 donation that helped fund the purchase of several boats. Fr. Novotny referred to the team as “Gonzaga’s Navy.” This Resolute 8 was dedicated in 2010, and is the second boat to carry his name. The first shell in his honor was dedicated in 2005. 2022-2023 Gonzaga Rowing Program | 47
4+ Patty Tobin - Gonzaga’s former librarian and moderator of Campus Kitchen, Patty supported the rowing team in a unique way: by letting the team borrow her rather large pick-up truck to haul the boat trailer to races. David Foley - Gonzaga’s second head coach and former history teacher from 1999 to 2003, Dave can be credited for turning around what had been a struggling program and providing it with its North Star: winning the Stotesbury Cup. Almost everything the team has accomplished in the following years flows from his vision. Joe Reyda ‘85 - Gonzaga athletic director and long-time supporter of the rowing program. Joe can be credited for supporting the decision in 2004 for Gonzaga to leave the former National Capital Scholastic Rowing Association in order to have the flexibility to row year-round. This support was foundational for the team’s later success. Thomasina Armwood - Thomasina was a long-time administrative assistant in the business office, and worked at Gonzaga for over 45 years.
2Tom Spooner - Tom served as head coach from 2004-2008 and founded the Washington Metropolitan Interscholastic Rowing Association. John and Susan Sedgewick - John and Susan are the parents of Wally Sedgewick ‘04 and long-time supporters of the team.
Championships, Men’s Lightweight 8+ Colin Ethridge ‘07 - 2016 World Championships, Men’s lightweight 1x; 2015 Pan Am Games, Men’s 4x and lightweight 2x (Silver); 2015 World Championships, Men’s lightweight 4x; 2013 World Championships, Men’s lightweight 4x Joseph Hanlon ‘10 - 2014 World Championships, Men’s lightweight 8+
Under 23 National Team John Devlin ‘09 - 2012 World U23 Championships, Men’s lightweight 2Joseph Hanlon ‘10 - 2013 World U23 Championships, Men’s lightweight 4Leo Toch ‘14 - 2017 World U23 Championships, Men’s 4Christian Tabash ‘17 - 2021 World U23 Championships, Men’s 4+ (Bronze) Woods Connell ‘16 - 2019 World U23 Championships, Men’s 8+ (Silver); 2018 World U23 Championships, Men’s 4+ (Gold)
Row, Row, Row Your Boat
Kyle ‘24
Donna Mae Hummel - Donna is the grandmother of Chuck Hummel ‘08. Colin Ethridge ‘07 - four-time US national team sculler, Colin rowed at the University of Delaware after Gonzaga.
Gonzaga National Team Rowers
ALL THE BEST TO YOU AND GONZAGA ROWING THIS YEAR
Senior National Team John Devlin ‘09 - 2017 World Championships, Men’s lightweight 2-; 2015 World
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WITH LOVE FROM YOUR FENNELL FAMILY MIMI & BILLY THE BACONS, P.FENNELLS, HAIM-FENNELLS, AND SOULARDS
Junior National Team Eric Gehrke ‘03 - 2022, 2021 World Junior Championships, Coach Carl Thunman ‘07 - 2006 World Junior Championships, Men’s 8+ Joseph Johnson ‘17 - 2016 World Junior Championships, Men’s 2Ryan Link ‘21 - 2021 World Junior Championships, Men’s 8+ (Gold); 2019 World Junior Championships, spare Christian Tabash ‘17 - 2016 World Junior Championships, Men’s 2-, 2017 World Junior Championships 8+
Washington Post First Team All-Mets 2023 - Alex Carpentier ‘23, Jack Donovan ‘23, Phillip Williams ‘23, Coach of the Year Tom Daley 2022 - Michael LesStrang ‘22, Luke Stroh ‘22 2019 - Owen Malone ‘20 2018 - John Roberts ‘18, John Jaicks ‘18, Coach of the Year Andy Bacas 2017 - Richard Hrdy ‘17, Joe Johnson ‘17 2016 - Woods Connell ‘16, Brian Kilner ‘16, Christian Tabash ‘17 2015 - Patrick Dent ‘15, Kevin Garvis ‘15 2014 - Devin Flynn ‘14, Leo Toch ‘14, Frank Vasquez ‘14, Coach of the Year Marc Mandel
Washington Post Honorable Mention All-Mets 2023 - Nathanael Abrials '24, Pablo Noguera '24, Brendan Stroh '24 2019 - Colin Dent ‘19, Tom Scherer ‘19 2018 - Jack Howland ‘18, Winston Leslie ‘18 2017 - Jack Kiyonaga ‘17, Stephen Ponticiello ‘17, Thomas Vasquez ‘17 2016 - Richard Hrdy ‘17, Joe Johnson ‘17, Colin Silvers ‘16 2015 - Woods Connell ‘16, Quillin Gaffey ‘15 2014 - Mark Roberts ‘14 2013 - Anlon McGuigan ‘13, David White ‘13 2012 - Will Nogay ‘12, Rene Trujillo ‘12 2011 - Alex Casey ’11 2010 - Matt Grandchamp ‘10, Matt Weider ‘10 2009 - Greg Beckwith ‘09, Johannes Schmidt ‘09 2008 - Nico Dodd ‘08, Richard Johnston ‘09 2007 - Dan Gallagher ‘07, James Stewart ‘08 2004 - Andrew Killion ‘04, JT McGrath ‘04, Wally Sedgewick ‘04 2003 - Paul Hamm ‘03, Neil Sonnenberg ‘03 2001 - Marty Gehrke ‘02 1998 - Charlie Gans’ ‘98, Sean Holman ‘98 1997 - Mike Bonitt ‘98 1995 - Matthew Weeden
2013 - Thomas Garvis ‘13, Leo Toch ‘14 2012 - Phil Bates ‘12, Kevon Bridges ‘12, Stephen Ueland ‘12, Coach of the Year Marc Mandel 2011 - Greg Snyder ‘11 2010 - Joe Hanlon ‘10 2009 - Richard Johnston ‘09 2008 - James Stewart ‘08, Coach of the Year Tom Spooner 2007 - Carl Thunman ‘07 2006 - Carl Thunman ‘07 2005 - Michael Stack ‘05, Carl Thunman ‘07 2004 - Sean Riordan ‘04, Bobby Brown ‘04 2003 - Eric Gehrke ‘03 2002 - Marty Gehrke ‘02, Coach of the Year Dave Foley 1998 - Mike Bonitt ‘98
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Washington Post All-Met Best Boats 2023 - First 8, Second 8, First 4 2019 - Second 8, Light 8, Light 4 2018 - First 8, Second 8, Light 8, Light 4 2017 - First 8, Second 8, Light 8 2016 - First 8 2015 - First 8 2014 - First 8, Second 8, Light 8 2013 - First 8, Second 8, Light 8 2012 - First 8 2011 - Second 8 2010 - Lightweight 4 2009 - First 8 2008 - First 8, Second 8 2005 - Second 8 2004 - Second 8 2003 - Second 8 2002 - Junior 8
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Discovering Narnia “They open a door and enter a world.” – C.S. Lewis Readers of C.S. Lewis will recognize this quote as describing the famous Wardrobe, the passageway from the modern world into the magnificent and enchanted world of Narnia. For the literary fan the name “Narnia” might conjure up images of fauns and centaurs, lions and witches, and epic battles between the forces of good and evil. Ask any Gonzaga rower what Narnia means to them, and you’ll get a much different answer. Ask any Gonzaga rower if they have ever passed through the Wardrobe and into an enchanted land, and the answer will most definitely be a resounding yes. Ask any Gonzaga rower what it is like rowing in Narnia and their response might be similar to the children in the story when they recall their time in Narnia: “If ever they remembered their life in this world it is as one remembers a dream.” Ask any Gonzaga parent if they know much about Narnia and they may answer no. It is likely because their sons are heeding the warning, “Don’t talk too much about it even among yourselves. And don’t mention it to anyone else unless you find that they’ve had adventures of the same sort themselves.” I too have been to Narnia. My time there, both as a rower and as a coach, are to this day some of my fondest memories. Narnia on the Anacostia is a special place and has helped shape the Gonzaga crew program in countless ways. Where is this magical training ground and how does one get there? You must, of course, pass through the Wardrobe, the old Anacostia railroad bridge just past the Seafarers Yacht Club. The bridge, owned by CSX and originally built in 1872, acts as the gateway from the busier parts of the river to the quieter and more peaceful stretch which flows past RFK stadium and the Arboretum all the way up to Bladensburg. My first time passing underneath the bridge was in the spring of 2003 in my senior year. Coach Tom Spooner was fed up with some of the boat traffic, choppy water, and angry fishermen, and he decided it was time to try the bridge. I still remember approaching the bridge with anticipation as our coxswain, Bobby Brown, skillfully maneuvered us through the small opening. When we emerged on the other side we were in awe of this newfound territory, a sheltered stretch of flat water
just waiting to be explored. That was one of our best practices that year, the kind where everything clicked perfectly, the kind of practice you don’t want to end. As we made our way back out through the Wardrobe and back to the dock, we decided that the only suitable name for that stretch of river was Narnia, a place to be remembered forever. It is fitting too that one can not simply travel to Narnia whenever one wants as the approach to the Wardrobe very much depends on the tides. If the tide is too low there are pesky sandbars and if the tide is too high then you simply won’t fit under the bridge. Therefore time in Narnia is coveted and not something to take for granted. A close call during practice in my first year of coaching taught me that one shouldn’t spend too much time in Narnia because of the changing tides you might find yourself stuck permanently! (Luckily the rowers were able to pass through the bridge safely and there was only minimal damage to the coaches launch.) But when the timing of the tides allows for safe passage, time in Narnia provides an excellent opportunity to dig deep, work hard, and gain speed. While the river bends frequently in Narnia, the sheltered water and fewer distractions offer an ideal place to train. When our crews are ready to test themselves, a meeting with the red and blue oars from the North provides an opportunity for battle. Thus in many ways, Narnia has so much to offer and I am grateful that I have been able to spend time there. I know that many Gonzaga rowers feel the same as I and when we stop to remember all the great memories we can take pride in the fact that “Once a King in Narnia, always a King in Narnia!” Paul Hamm ‘03 Assistant Varsity Coach 2009-2013
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Gonzaga Rowing Athletic Facilities The Anacostia Community Boathouse: Home of Gonzaga Rowing Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the commercial Navy Yards lies one of Gonzaga’s hidden gems: the Anacostia Community Boathouse (ACBA) which serves as home to Gonzaga Rowing. A longtime residence and training ground for countless young Gonzaga Men, the boathouse warmly welcomed Gonzaga to its grounds in 2003, after Gonzaga Rowing, due to being a growing program, was forced to move locations due to the construction of the Swedish embassy in Georgetown.
Following our Jesuit tradition of being “Men for Others”, Gonzaga rowers act upon their respect for the boathouse by practicing stewardship for this special place. Every year, Gonzaga rowers, parents, and coaches come together to clean and maintain the bioswale at the Anacostia River, which filters silt and pollution and helps keep the river and surrounding area clean. Through this act of service, our rowers practice service, charity, and stewardship. Gonzaga Rowing forms excellent athletes but also men of character who are committed to doing justice; in other words, Gonzaga Rowing truly forms Men for and with Others.
Rowing Performance Center
For the past 20 years, many hundreds of Gonzaga Eagles have trained, won races, and formed lifelong bonds at ACBA. Moreover, Gonzaga has had the honor of rowing alongside numerous distinguished organizations and programs in the DMV area while being a member of ACBA. The boys and coaches regard the boathouse as a special place, one where hundreds of thousands of strokes are taken all serving the goal to consistently form championship crews at the national level.
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The Gonzaga College High School Rowing Performance Center erg room is a state-of-the-art facility in a reclaimed space within the basement of Kohlman Hall that provides rowers with the space and equipment they need to train and improve their rowing skills. This space was created as part of the historic Forever Gonzaga Bicentennial Campaign which celebrated Gonzaga’s 200th year by bolstering the school endowment as well as physical spaces. The room is equipped with two dozen ergometers, stationary bicycles, mirrored wall space, state-of-the-art fresh air conditioning, and a large-screen TV that can be used to watch rowing videos and track rowing workouts. Open to all Gonzaga rowers, from beginners to experienced rowers, the room is staffed by our experienced rowing coaches who can provide rowers with instruction and support.
Sheridan Athletic Performance Center The Sheridan Athletic Performance Center is another reclaimed space, which through the generosity of Win Sheridan ‘89 as part of the Forever Gonzaga Bicentennial Campaign, turned the “Old” Gym space in the basement of Dooley Hall into a modern space
worthy of all Gonzaga athletes. This new space takes advantage of the latest training equipment and significantly expanded space for strength and conditioning, athletic training and rehabilitation, fitness education, and athletic staff offices. All Gonzaga students have monitored access to the workout facility and each of the sports teams has regularly scheduled and dedicated shifts.
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Eagles Fly High!