THE
CRIMSON BLADE FALL 2016
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A LETTER FROM JOE KIEFFER PRESIDENT – FRIENDS OF ST. JOSEPH PREP ROWING
A Promising Future The 2016 – 2017 season has begun and Prep Crew has taken again to the waters of the Schuylkill River. Building on last year’s solid performance at the local and national level, the Prep is ready to take on the local, east coast, national and international competition at the Head of the Charles and Head of the Schuylkill. The head race season builds a foundation of endurance and mental toughness. Over the summer, the team has built strength and further developed technical skills by training in various summer programs. Our varsity coxswain, Andrew DiCandilo ‘17, represented the United States at the CanAmMex games – winning the only US men gold medal in the eight. Great job Andrew! Our recent alumni have continued to perform well at championship regattas this past Spring at the Dad Vail, IRA, Eastern Sprints, and Royal Henley regattas. Our own Lou Lombardi ’11, represented the United States, in Rotterdam, Netherlands, in the pair with coxswain finishing 5thplace is a very competitive field. Colin Farrell ’01, lightweight coach at University of Pennsylvania, was again the coach for the Under 23 United States lightweight crew also competing in Rotterdam. Also in the news, Mike Gennaro ’07 has started as the assistant heavyweight coach for Yale University. The Prep legacy continues at the Master’s level with numerous entries and victories this past summer at Master’s Nationals, Independent Day Regatta and other regattas. The Prep is well represented up and down Boathouse Row with our alumni at Undine, Penn AC, Vesper, Malta, University, Crescent and Fairmount – to name a few. Our alumni will represent the Prep under the banner of Friends of St. Joseph Prep Rowing, in alumni and masters events at the Head of the Charles (October 22) and Head of the Schuylkill (October 29). Friends of St. Joseph’s Prep Rowing (FSJPR) continues to make an impact on Prep crew and position our boys for success. The FSJPR mission is to create a formal social network which engages Prep rowing alumni/friends. Throughout the year we will provide communication via social media, emails and newsletters, and social events. As special thanks to AJ Abell ’12, as this edition of the Crimson Blade editor in chief and Harrison Kieffer ’11 as the FSJPR social media chief. FSJPR will also undertake preserving the legacy of Prep rowing and support and motivate current Prep rowers. Over the few past years, FSJPR has been involved in fundraising that has generated over $50,000. The FSJPR continues to grow and deliver upon its mission. Currently, we have a campaign to fund the Father Vincent Taggart SJ freshman racing eight. This will be a wonderful and continued tribute to the long time Prep history teacher and crew moderator. In addition to Fall racing and fundraising, additional upcoming events include Saturday, November 26th, when we gather for our annual Alumni/ Class Day regatta
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" Your loyal support is one of the reasons our boys go fast"
at the Prep boathouse, sponsored by FSJPR and the parents of Prep Crew. Lou and Colin will be added to the Prep rowing honor board for their US National Team accomplishments. A special thanks to Bob Protesto ‘04 and the Prep Crew parents who are organizing the event. On Sunday, January 22, the Prep is hosting the 2nd annual Philadelphia Indoor Rowing Challenge at the Kelly Fieldhouse. This is a great fundraiser for the program with 20 minute, 2k and 500 meter races for high school, college and masters rowers. Start training now and hope to see you there! Please consider becoming a member of FSJPR. Your annual membership fee of $25 will help fund many of these events and initiatives. We have lots of ideas and we need more people to step up and take the lead. If you would like to become involved in FSJPR, please contact me at jkieffer@email.comor 267-228-1341. Thank you to all of you have contributed to Prep Crew, in time or treasure, and look forward to your continued support.
Joe Kieffer ‘84 President – Friends of St. Joseph Prep Rowing
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FALL 2016
Inside The Issue 06 Q&A with Andrew DiCandilo 12 2016 Senior Class 26 Q&A with Lou Lombardi 30 College Seniors Lookback 38 Spring Results
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A Guiding Hand. Q&A with Senior Coxswain Andrew DiCandilo:
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ndrew is in his senior year at the Prep, and recently had the opportunity to compete in the Can/Am/Mex International Regatta, where he guided the U.S. eight to an open water victory over Canada and Mexico. This year, the games were hosted by the United States and took place in Sarasota, FL.
FSJPR: CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR VICTORY IN THE CAN/AM/MEX GAMES. NOT MANY PEOPLE HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO COMPETE INTERNATIONALLY, ESPECIALLY WHILE STILL IN HIGH SCHOOL. WHAT WAS THAT EXPERIENCE LIKE? ANDREW: The opportunity to represent the United States, and race against the Mexican and Canadian teams was an honor. Before selection, I was competing with five other coxswains for one spot on the boat. To be selected from a highly competitive field of coxswains was quite humbling. Can/Am/Mex is unique because it provides an opportunity for the athletes from the three countries to get to know each other. We stay in the same hotel, eat our meals together and get learn about how the teams are selected, train, etc. Racing for the United States was unbelievable. Since I started coxing freshman year, I have always dreamt of representing the U.S.A. in a race, so to be able have the experience was incredible. Here I was, sitting at the start line wearing a USA uni, listening to the officials announce each country’s name was a dream come true. However, the most thrilling moment of the en-
tire experience was after the race, standing on the medal dock as they played the National Anthem. That’s when it really hit me - that we had just won a gold medal for the United States. FSJPR: WERE THERE AND SURPRISES OR ANYTHING UNEXPECTED THAT HAPPENED? EITHER ROWING OR NON-ROWING? ANDREW: The Regatta took place over two days and the small boats raced on the first day. After seeing and talking to the other countries, we were clearly the bigger, stronger guys and I think that got into our heads. The Mexican team brought eight rowers as opposed to everyone else’s 13 and their tallest rower was the size of our shortest rower, so our guys didn’t see them as a big threat. Our guys showed up to the starting line feeling very confident. After the first day of racing, the Mexican team had swept all the events and were leading in the points standing as well, so that was definitely unexpected. Also, the day before the first day of racing, the guys went to practice in small boats, so I was just going to ride the launch. As I was getting ready to get on the launch, the Mexican coach came up to me and asked me to cox the 8 for them 7
since they did not bring a coxswain. Only one of the Mexican rowers spoke English so it was definitely tough, but a very cool experience. They told me they wanted to row 12k so that’s what we did. I used a lot of hand motions, learned some Spanish calls, and got to know the rowers as we practiced. Since they didn’t speak much English, I hadn’t really talked to them much beforehand, but this really sparked a unique relationship between us. FSJPR: WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT THING THAT YOU LEARNED FROM YOUR COMPETITION ABROAD? ANDREW: I would say that it’s not always about who has the fastest 2k or who is the tallest. Like I said, the Mexican team brought eight, relatively small guys to race in six events. We really didn’t expect them to do very well. The Mexican team really brought it - winning every event except for the 8, and won the points trophy by 9 points. So I learned that the winner may not be the tallest, strongest, or fastest, rowers, but the rowers with the most determination, heart, and desire to win. FSJPR: DO YOU PLAN TO PURSUE YOUR ROWING CAREER IN COLLEGE? WHAT ARE YOUR CAREER ASPIRATIONS? FALL 2016
ANDREW: I definitely would like to row in college. As far as where, I have been looking at the more competitive IRA schools as I would like to contend for and win a National Championship. Additionally, I would like to continue working my way through the National Team system with the hopes of competing after college on the U23 and Senior National Team; and who knows, maybe topping it off with a trip to the Olympics someday. Obviously, my rowing career will end at some point and I would like to go to Law School and pursue a career in law.
FSJPR: THIS WILL BE YOUR LAST YEAR AT THE PREP, WHAT HAS THE EXPERIENCE BEEN LIKE SO FAR? WHAT CAN YOU SAY ABOUT THE UPCOMING SEASON? ANDREW: Rowing for the Prep has been a great experience. I’ve made some great friends, have had ton of fun, and have had the opportunity to be coached by some of the best coaches in high school sports. I am really looking forward to my senior season. We have a lot of guys throughout the entire program determined to win. The competition this spring will be tough, but with some determination from the guys, I think we can have a very successful season.
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Purchase a NEW Concept II Ergometer Model D – PM5 Monitor St. Joseph’s Prep is purchasing 40 new ergs. These ergs will be used for 1 day of competition at the Philadelphia Indoor Rowing Challenge If you bought directly from Concept II – your cost would be $950 ($900 + $50 shipping) You can purchase an erg for $800 and pick-up at the Prep after the event on Sunday, January 22. If you would like to reserve an erg , please send an email to philadelphiachallenge@gmail.com. For questions, please contact Joe Kieffer ’84 – 267-228-1341 / jkieffer@email.com Supplies are limited – so reserve your erg today
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‘Father Taggart SJ' Freshman Eight Boat Campaign We need your financial support in the purchase of a new freshman eight racing shell. The cost of the shell is just over $35,000. Equipping our boys with the latest equipment will provide them the best chance of being successful against stiff competition. There is a long winning tradition of the Prep freshman eight, numerous Stotesbury and Scholastic Nationals victories. This effort can only be achieved through the generosity of alumni, parents and friends of Prep rowing.
SJ could always been seen on the banks of the Schuylkill, rain of shine.
If you had Father Taggart SJ as a teacher or rowed freshman year - click here to make your donation -> www.sjprep.org/taggart
The freshman eight racing shell is named after Father Vincent J Taggart SJ – one of Prep crew’s biggest supporters. During his tenure at the Prep, that span three decades, he was best know for his freshman history class and consoling . Father Taggart
Or send donations to : St. Joseph’s Prep Development Office – Taggart Boat Campaign 1733 W Girard Avenue Philadelphia PA 19103
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2016 PREP SENIORS
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as told by their follow teammates
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Charlie Lunney
Matthew Ix
Charlie Lunney, or as he is known to his peers “The Farmer,” began rowing in the fall of his sophomore year after a year of lacrosse. In his first year, Charlie quickly proved himself on the team with his great work ethic and strong erg score. During the spring, he stroked the JV4+ to a gold medal at the Catholic League Championships, which Charlie considers one of his favorite rowing achievements. In his junior year, Charlie followed in his older brother’s footsteps, sitting 3 seat in the dominant Lightweight 8+ that took home gold medals at Catholics, Cities, and Stotesbury championships. He also earned silver at SRAA and the 3rd Manny Flick that year. Outside of rowing, Charlie excels in the classroom and is now studying at Cornell University and he is known to all as a kind and loyal friend who will be missed greatly around the Prep and at the Boathouse.
When Matthew Ix ended his illustrious career in grade school-level ski racing to begin rowing, Prep Crew gained a tremendous member of the squad. Instead of following most of his classmates at Tredyffrin/Easttown Middle School to Conestoga, Matt decided to commute to the Prep every day from his home in Berwyn, PA. In his first three years at St. Joe’s, Matt emerged as a leader among his peers and stroked the Freshman 8, JV 8, and Lightweight 8 to countless medal wins on the water. In the classroom, he was known for his hard-working attitude and maintained a 4.0 GPA. During his senior year, Matt was elected by the team to be a captain for the 2015-2016 season, and his performance in the Center City Slam stands as the second-fastest High School Lightweight time ever recorded at the event. In the spring season, Matt won the Philadelphia City Championship over LaSalle Academy as a member of the Varsity 8. This year, Matt is taking his talents to Dartmouth College, where he intends to continue his academic and rowing career.
– Brendan Carney
– Michael Schwenger
FALL 2016
Seamus O'Brien
Harrison Poivey-Olson
From freshman coxswain, to varsity rower, Seamus O’Brien is the definition of hard work and determination. The Havertown native and Fairfield University freshman shocked the St. Joe’s Prep crew team as he went from being a tiny coxswain for the Freshman eight, to the 7 seat in the Lightweight eight his senior year. Not only did Seamus work hard at the boathouse and on the water, but also at home on the erg, trying to catch up with his fellow teammates who have been erging for years. Seamus is not only an excellent rower but is also a hard worker in the classroom and will succeed later in life due to his strong work ethic and determination to compete.
Harrison, or HPO as he goes by, is one of the more decorated seniors graduating in the class of 2016. Winning Catholics, Cities, Stotesbury, and NSRA in the lightweight eight in 2015 was not enough for him, so he came back as one of the two returning members to lead a younger 2016 squad to three more gold medals. HPO seat raced his way into the boat in 2015 after the crew suffered an early loss in the flicks, but with him they were able to win seven out of their next eight races to finish the year strong. In 2016, Harry returned to the lightweights, but switched from port to starboard to accommodate his boats strengths. Harry’s work ethic cannot be questioned, rowing for Vesper boat club under the coaching of Charles Biddle in 2015 and erging endless 10ks last summer as he prepares to continue rowing in college. HPO is attending the University of Delaware in the fall, and from coming in as a skater boy freshman year to graduating a two time Stotesbury champion, HPO is proof that hard work pays off and is an inspiration to all.
– Jonathan Yeagley
– Charlie Lunney
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Chuck Sailer
Alec Vidal
Chuck Sailer is from South Philadelphia and is attending Loyola University Maryland. He will be studying finance and accounting and plans to be in various clubs and sports. One of his finest accomplishments is winning Stotesbury in the Junior Varsity 8+ his junior year as well as rowing in the Second Varsity 8+ his senior year. He is very proud to have been a part of the Prep crew team and represent the Prep in very prestigious and well known regattas such as the Stotesbury Cup Regatta and SRAA championships. His sophomore year, Chuck also started the Young Republicans Club with Joe O’Connell and it ended up being very successful.
Alec Vidal is from Mt. Laurel, New Jersey. While at St. Joseph’s Prep, Alec was a member of the Science Olympiad Club and started his own non profit, Three Kings Care, which is dedicated to bringing Christmas presents to those in need. One of Alec’s academic highlights at the Prep included giving a passionate rendition of Adele’s Hello paired with a melody played on his personally constructed xylophone for his AP Physics quarter project. Outside the classroom, Alec fondly remembers sophomore year participating in a 10K Mud Run the morning of a 6k erg test. His senior year Alec found the most success in the Lightweight 8+, winning gold medals at the Catholic League Championships, the Philadelphia City Championships, and the Stotesbury Cup Regatta. Alec is attending Rutgers Honors College of Engineering at New Brunswick with the goal of becoming a doctor in the future.
– Joe Finelli
– Matt Ix
FALL 2016
Joe O'Connell
Joe Konieczny
Joseph O’Connell is a class act and is a great example of the hard work that goes on in Prep Crew. If he is not talking advanced politics with one of the coaches, he can be seen on the weights putting extra reps in. Joe was in the lightweight 4+ this year, which in my opinion was one of the most exciting boats of the entire season as they ended up getting a bronze medal at the Stotesbury Cup Regatta. He did all of this while also being involved at the Prep, whether that be service with Travis Manion foundation or the Young Republicans club, he took advantage of everything the school had to offer during his time there. I could always count on Joseph for a quick “you got this to get me through a tough ergometer piece. Joe is attending Penn State this fall and will surely be taking his work ethic from the boat to the Happy Valley classrooms.
Joe Konieczny is from Havertown, Pennsylvania and is attending Drexel University on full-scholarship for rowing. Joe will become one of the rowers that Coach Glavin talks about for years after graduation – not necessarily because of just his rowing but also because he was memorable. He looked out for each of his teammates and truly found his niche with the Prep rowing team and has excelled since joining the team. He is one of the best rowers that has ever come through the Prep and ended up breaking the previously standing record at Center City Slams held by Prep Crew alum, John Gaul. Joe was also selected to participate in the US Rowing National Team’s High Performance camp, where he furthered his training and became significantly stronger and faster. Joe was a member of the Freshman 8+, the Junior Varsity 8+, the Varsity 4+, and finally the Varsity 8+. Joe intends to major in Video Game Design, something he has always been fascinated with and has always had a passion for. Joe was an incredible teammate and rower but he was an even better person, and for that we all wish Joe the best of luck in what the future holds for him.
– Troy Bloesch
– Alex Talbot
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Zakir Murji
Troy Bloesch
Zakir Murji is from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and is attending McGill University in Montreal, Canada next year where he intends to continue his rowing career as a lightweight rower. Zakir has been exceeding expectations since his freshman year, and he received the “Hammer” Award for his immense improvement over the course of a season. Zakir rowed in the Freshman 8+ his freshman year, the junior varsity 8+ his sophomore year, the lightweight 8+ his junior year, and the 2x his senior year. He enjoyed an incredibly successful career and was always one of the hardest working members of the team, rowing both starboard and port along with sculling his senior year. Zakir will be studying biology, something that he always enjoyed in high school. He has always been very passionate and determined about his work in the classroom and on the water, and, undoubtedly, Zakir will continue to succeed in these endeavors.
Troy Bloesch is definitely a unique character that has entered the community of St. Joe’s Prep Rowing: it’s quite rare not to see him laugh or trying to make someone else laugh at least once daily. He always seems to have a happy-go lucky feel to him that people know him for. By the same token though, Troy always finds ways to improve both himself and Prep Crew as a whole. A humorous example comes from when he had observed the sign “All crew members must wash hands before returning to work” in a restaurant bathroom, he instinctively thought of getting one for the Prep Crew boathouse bathroom. Simple yet thoughtful examples like these may have been why his fellow teammates elected him to the position of “Commodore,” a position that requires effective communication between St. Joseph’s Prep and its crew team. If you don’t see Troy giving underclassmen rides home or using social media to attract rowers to Prep Crew’s first ever indoor rowing competition, then he is most certainly grinding it out on the erg and on the water. Troy has had the distinction of racing in Freshmen 8, Junior Varsity 8, Lightweight 8, and Varsity 8 and is attending the University of Delaware this fall.
– Joe Konieczny
– Zakir Murji
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Brendan Carney
Jonathan Yeagley
There are few people as driven and passionate on Prep Crew as Brendan Carney, who was Captain in the fall and spring of 2016. Brendan picked up rowing quickly, joining as the team as a sophomore, and went on to rowing in the JV8+ and winning a gold medal at the Stotesbury Cup Regatta. He continued his success the following year by stroking the fastest Prep Varsity 4+ since 1974 to a silver medal in Stotesbury, and by the end of junior year he was the only junior to be placed into 1V8+. In the summer of 2015, Carney was a member of the Vesper Junior Team and competed in prestigious races such as Club Nationals and Canadian Henley. In his senior year, he continued to set a high standard for himself and his boat as he rowed six seat and eventually stroked the 1V8+. Brendan also was a leader outside of the boathouse an led the 2015 & 2016 Freshmen Retreats. In his free time one could find Brendan in the senior lounge playing games such as Subterfuge, Pokemon, or Slither. He will be missed by Prep Crew and we wish him the best of luck this year as he goes to Washington D.C to attend George Washington University.
Hailing from Berwyn, PA, Jonathan Yeagley joined the rowing team his freshman year. He was interested in the sport because he had family who rowed and also because of his own interest in doing an intense team activity that promoted a successful, efficient mentality. During his senior year at The Prep, he was placed in the Lightweight Four, which went on to win the bronze medal at the Stotesbury Cup and the Philadelphia Cities Regattsa. This boat proved to be his favorite while rowing for The Prep due to the hard work of his fellow rowers, their success in races, and his coach Alter who treated them like the top boat even when they had a difficult practice. While participating in crew year round, Jonathan also maintained his grades and this fall he is a freshman at Pennsylvania State University. – Brendan Carney
– Seamus O’Brien
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Jack Molchan
Ryan Shearn
Jack Molchan grew up in Radnor, PA, and is now attending Fordham University studying business with a concentration in finance. As a rower, Jack was a part of the Freshman 8+, the Lightweight 4+, and the Lightweight 8+. He has medaled in many prestigious events such as SRAA and The PCL Championship and has won gold medals in both the City Championships and the much coveted Stotesbury Regatta. This past spring, he also participated in The Youth Nationals Regatta as a member of the Lightweight 8+. In the classroom, Jack was very studious; he had taken several AP courses and had been an honorary member of The French National Honors Society. He was very fun, energetic, and caring. A true man for and with others, Jack has left a positive mark on Prep Crew and has set an example for the aspiring underclassmen as he and the rest of The Class of 2016 pass the torch onto a new generation of Prep Crew.
Ask an astronomer at Los Alamos to name something that is powerful and awesome and he might say The Big Bang or a Supernova. Ask the same question of a teenage girl and she may say Taylor Swift. If you ask a meteorologist, he might be apt to say a Tsunami or Hurricane Katrina. If you were to ask this same question to a St. Joseph’s Prep Lightweight rower, the answer might be the same for everyone: that powerful and awesome something would be Ryan Shearn. While he only tips the scales at 117 lbs. and might not last a round in the boxing ring with Mike Tyson, he is a powerful presence when he takes the coxswain’s seat in the Lightweight 8+, the most successful boat The Prep has had over the past ten years. Under the guidance of the coaching staff, Ryan has honed his ability to be able draw out the very best and motivate us in his boat through a combination of positive reinforcement and the fostering a fiercely competitive atmosphere. He is one of the most decorated coxswains in Prep Crew history, winning a total of 10 gold medals, 2 silver medals, 1 bronze medal, and being able to compete at the Head of the Charles Regatta and the US Rowing Youth Nationals. This fall, Ryan is now attending the College of Charleston.
– Chuck Sailer
– Jack Molchan
FALL 2016
Alex Talbot
Chris Wren
Alex Talbot was a part of this year’s Varsity Heavyweight Eight, in which he sat seven seat. Kicker for the football team, captain of the soccer team, swimmer, ex-lacrosse player, and eventually crew kid, Alex is one of the most diverse athletes to come through the Prep in a long time. Although he may be spectacular on the pitch, field, or water, Alex is also an incredible student. I witnessed his hard work and attentiveness in the classroom, and at times when I didn't understand something, whether it be computer code in AP Computer Science, integrals in Calculus, or solar panels in intro to engineering, he always had time to stop what he was doing and explain. Yes, he has a plethora of medals from his rowing career and numerous academic accolades, but what really sets Alex aside from others is his compassion and kindness towards others. There are certain people who you meet and think to yourself “this is one of the nicest people I've ever met.” Then you meet Alex, and you say, “this is certainly the nicest person I will ever meet.” Alex has a habit of seeing the good in all people, and creating an absurd amount of friendships and connections. A simple trip to wing night with the squad was never complete without saying hi, shaking hands, or dabbing up multiple old friends and helpless acquaintances to Alex's friendliness. Alex is a tremendous teammate, superb leader, and one of the best friends anyone could ever ask for, and I consider myself blessed to consider himself all three. He is attending Penn State this year, where he will study Computer Engineering, and if you bump into him, he'll still probably be the nicest person you'll meet.
Chris has been one of my closest friends since freshmen year and was by far one of the best teammates I ever had the pleasure of competing alongside with. Through the years of high school, Chris progressed in this sport and exceeded his potential, becoming an invaluable asset on the Varsity Team. Whether it be on the river or in the classroom, Chris is always happy to lend a hand to anyone who needed it and always walks around with a smile on his face. Although we may not be going to the same college, I know Chris and I – and for that matter the entire team – will stay close together. Over the past four years, I’ve come to know Chris very well, and one word that absolutely describes him is optimism. No matter how bad the situation may be or how dire the circumstances, Chris has been and will always be able to remain calm, cool, and collected under any bad situations. This, obviously, is essential to have on a team, especially on a rowing team. I believe it is this optimism that led Chris to have such a successful career rowing for the Prep, and it is also why he will be successful in life. – Joe O’Connell
– Harrison Poivey-Olson 21
Michael Schwenger
Pat McKernan
Michael is a grade-A Prepper from Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania. He was an Ignatian Scholar and an excellent student in school. He started out running cross country and rowing, and at the beginning he was the lightest person on the team. Throughout his four years of hard and focused training, he became a competitive rower, earning a silver medal in the Catholic Championships, a bronze medal in the Stotesbury Cup Regatta, and a gold medal in the National Schools Regatta. If I could describe Mike with two words, I would say he is determined and outgoing, always pushing himself to greatness and earning medals that most rowers only dream of having. I always saw him striking conversations with his Prep brothers after practice and they were always laughing and having a good time. Mike is now attending the business school at Penn State University.
Having had the pleasure of knowing Pat since he joined the team has been a great one. Although I never had the chance to be in a boat with him during the racing season, I was able to to watch him develop into the stroke seat of our varsity 8+. His passion for rowing and the water has been a huge part of his ability to be so successful as a rower at the Prep. He continues this passion during the summers as part of the Brigantine Beach Patrol, where he can be spotted doing some more rowing and enjoying living by the ocean. Perhaps the best quality about Pat is his selflessness. He is always there to enjoy a laugh with you, even if he may be laughing out of sympathy, or just to talk to you at practice, though he may not really feel like it. This quality really shows with where he is heading with his life right now. As Pat begins his journey into the Naval Academy and eventually the Navy, I and the rest of the Prep crew community wish him the best as he goes on to show his selflessness to the highest degree.
– Alec Vidal
– Ryan Shearn
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Joe Finelli Joseph Finelli hails from Moorestown, New Jersey and is attending Loyola Maryland this fall. Joe was an outstanding student and constantly pushed his academic success to the limit, resulting in high grades and achievement. Besides succeeding in the classroom at St. Joseph's Prep, he also spent much of his time out on the water as a coxswain for many of the team’s boats. At the end of his career at St. Joe's, Joe earned a total of eight medals for a wide range of boating events. He was a man of few but wise words; however, his time as a coxswain for the team led him to become one of the most trusted and sought after leaders among his teammates for his wisdom. One of the funniest stories about Joe was the time he fell in the river during the start of the spring season his freshman year and had to be rescued because all of his clothes had gotten wet. For the rest of the week, Joe and the four members in his boat were then called the “swim team” for their efforts in capsizing the boat. – Andrew Kuzy
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Create your Legacy and Name a Prep Racing Shell Become a part of Prep crew legacy by providing a tax deductible leadership gift. In turn you will have the naming rights of one of our new racing shells. If you want to Glavin ‘66 (jim.glavin@gmail.com )
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9th
Annual Class Day Regatta Saturday, November 26, 2016 – 9:30am check in Robert M. Gillian Jr Boathouse Prep Crew Alumni are invited to convene at the Prep Boathouse on Saturday November 26th at 9:30 a.m., for the annual Class Day Regatta, sponsored by Friends of St. Joseph’s Prep Rowing and current SJP Crew Parents . The winner of the 500 meter races will be awarded the Vincent Dougherty ‘48 Trophy and championship mugs. All alumni attendees will receive Prep Crew t-shirts. Hope to see you there.
2016 USRowing Fan’s Choice Masters Athlete of the Year
Hugh B Gallagher ‘99 Hugh has been selected by the USRowing community as the 2016 Fan Choice Master Athlete of the year amongst a VERY competitive field. Hugh is a current member and competes for the Philadelphia Adaptive Rowing club. Hugh will be recognized at the Golden Oars Dinner on Thursday November 17, 2016 - 5:30 pm New York Athletic Club - Central Park South NYC Tickets available at www.usrowing.org 25
Best Seat In The House.
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S
ince his first day in the boat in 2008, when Lombardi was asked to jump into the coxswain’s seat because the usual coxswain did not show up, Lou has excelled in the sport both domestically and internationally. During his time at The Prep, Lombardi coxed the heavyweight eight to victory in the 2010 Stotesbury Regatta and the the SRAA National Championships, and claimed another gold medal at the 2011 SRAA National Championships. He also competed internationally in the Princess Elizabeth Cup at the Henley Royal Regatta in England in both the 2010 and the 2011 seasons, and won gold in the eight at the 2010 World Junior Championships. While at the University of Pennsylvania, Lombardi continued to impress, taking bronze in the eight at the 2014 World Rowing Under 23 Championships in Italy and silver in the 2015 World Under 23 Championships in Bulgaria. This past August, the decorated coxswain was on the road yet again; this time in the coxed pair (M2+) at the 2016 Senior World Championships in the Netherlands. We spoke to Lou about this opportunity and his career:
FSJPR: LOOKING BACK AT YOUR ROWING CAREER, COULD YOU PICK OUT ONE SINGLE BEST COACHING ADVICE THAT GOT YOU WHERE YOU ARE TODAY? LOMBARDI ‘11: As a coxswain, it is easy to become too laser-focused and begin to micromanage. Leading up to the 2009 National Championship, Coach Lawn had recognized that I had begun down this path and pulled me aside. By the workbench, he explained to me that one of the most important things in rowing and in life is to not worry about things you can’t control. That was the first time anyone had ever told me that and to this day I live by it. FSJPR: WHAT INFLUENCE HAS PREP ROWING HAD ON YOUR OVERALL CAREER? LOMBARDI ‘11: I have had the opportunity to compete with athletes that have a diverse approach to rowing. I have experienced teammates on both ends of the spectrum: from rigid focus to lackadaisical routine. Prep rowing instilled in me the fine balance of purpose and enjoyment. You cannot commit yourself to training over 20 hours a week to something if you lack passion. By the same token, if you do not relish in the special moments of sport you will burn out and never reach your full potential. FSJPR: YOU HAVE COMPETED INTERNATIONALLY BEFORE, HOW DID YOU SEE THIS TRIP BEING DIFFERENT FROM THE PREVIOUS ONES? LOMBARDI ’11: Racing a coxed pair is unfamiliar to most oarsmen. Not racing in an eight is what’s most distinct for me. Racing in eights affords the coxswain the benefit to see all and everything. This boat has challenged me to hone in on boat feel27
“I am humbly grateful for each opportunity to represent The Prep, Penn, and USA on each national team that I competed for. There is one grand stage that is always in the back of my mind.”
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ing and translate what I am feeling into actionable calls. Additionally, my teammates are seasoned oarsmen. This is my first senior event as I have only raced juniors and U23s, respectively. Downsizing from eight maturing oarsmen to two experienced oarsmen is quite a relief. FSJPR: IF YOU COULD GIVE ONE PIECE OF ADVICE TO THE CURRENT PREP ROWERS, WHAT WOULD IT BE? LOMBARDI ’11: Recently, I spoke to group of high school rowers who were participating in Penn's summer rowing camp. I said to them never stop learning. I have been competing in this sport for nine years now. Each practice, I set out with the goal to learn something new. I challenge you all to do the same.
Fall Schedule Navy Day Regatta Sat Oct 15
Head of the Charles Sun Oct 23 Head of the Schuylkill Sun Oct 30 9th Annual Sat Nov 26 Class Day Regatta
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Alumni Pr
Class of 2012 that rowed four yea
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Profiles
ars in college
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dan henry Dan Henry grew up in the quaint town of Media, Pennsylvania, and rowed for four years at The Prep. While there, he won two Stotesbury gold medals and three SRAA National gold medals, as well as competed in the Princess Elizabeth Cup at the Henley Royal Regatta in 2011. Wanting to get out of the small town, Dan shipped out to Washington, D.C. to attend George Washington University and decided to pursue rowing in college. Rowing collegiately for 4 years, Dan enjoyed many a triumph in the sport. His freshman year, he made the Freshman Eight and won SIRAs in Tennessee. GW went on to place 2nd in the Petite final at Sprints that year with an overall 8th place finish behind the very competitive Harvard, Brown, and Cornell. Throughout the years, Dan’s boats continued to race competitively as Dan traversed through his college years and went from the FH8 to the 3V to the 2V his senior year.
chris henderson A varsity coxswain at St. Joe’s his senior year, Chris was recruited by Drexel University to continue his rowing career at the collegiate level. Staying local, Chris has had the honor of calling the Schuylkill his home for the past 8 years. He is a student at Drexel’s Lebow College of Business majoring in Business and Legal Studies and partook in multiple co-ops, most recently working at the Hay Group, a management consulting firm in Philadelphia. Through balancing school and multiple co-ops, Chris had an illustrious rowing career; a two-time Dad Vail Champion, followed by a third-place finish at the San Diego Crew classic earned them a spot in the Henley Royal Regatta’s Temple Challenge Cup in 2016. While now at the end of his competitive career, Chris plans to continue on in his 5th year of the Drexel 5-year program as a graduate assistant coach for Drexel’s Men’s Rowing team in the 2016-2017 season.
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xavier stanish Xavier Stanish is a former Prep rower hailing form Devon, PA. At The Prep, Xavier won four Stotesbury Championships, three SRAA National Championships, and placed third at Youth Nationals. He is currently in his fifth year at Drexel and is pursuing a career in real estate. After having a successful collegiate career in rowing at Drexel, Xavier really came to appreciate the foundation Prep Rowing had created for him. He explained how we always had top-notch equipment at the Prep thanks to generous donors and alumni. Xavier's advice to current Prep rowers is to not take anything for granted and absorb every piece of Prep Rowing as much as possible.
steve markham Steve comes from Wissahickon and began his rowing career as a freshman at St. Joe's. He had a successful career at St. Joe's, switching in and out of the Varsity as a sophomore, winning multiple Stotesbury medals, and having the opportunity to race at the Henley Royal Regatta. It was successes such as these which eventually earned him a position amongst Coach Todd Kennett's Class of 2016 at Cornell University. Despite a couple of physical set-backs over his career, Steve rowed all four years in college, with a number of appearances in the First and Second Varsity crews in his time at Collyer Boathouse. Academically, Steve was a man of science, recently a graduate from the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences at Cornell, where he focused on all things environmental and biological.
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ryan barker Ryan Barker comes from Devon, PA and recently graduated Princeton University with a degree in Geosciences. While there, he competed in the Ladies Challenge Plate at the Henley Royal regatta in England in 2015, making it his second appearance at the venue. Ryan also won three IRA silver medals in the 2V category from 2014-16, a gold medal at the Eastern Sprints in the 2V category in 2015, a silver medal at the Eastern Sprints in the 2V category in 2014 and 2016, and a gold medal at the Eastern Sprints in the 4V category in 2013. During his time at St. Joe's, Ryan won two Stotesbury gold medals and three SRAA Nationals gold medals as well as competed in the Princess Elizabeth Cup at the Henley Royal Regatta in 2011 in the Varsity eight category. Ryan is currently working as an analyst at Hammond Hanlon Camp, LLC, a health-care focused financial advisory firm in New York City.
sean mcbride Sean started his rowing career his sophomore year at Saint Joseph’s Prep and continued onto the University of Delaware’s heavyweight squad. Sean was one of the leaders of the Delaware Heavyweight squad and played a keystone role in putting Delaware’s heavyweight program back on the map. Throughout his seven- year rowing career, Sean found success not only on the water—winning the Stotesbury Cup and a National Championship at SJP (JV8) and finishing 5th overall in the Men’s Collegiate Eight at the Head of the Charles at UD—but also on land—double majoring in Political Science and Economics. Sean is currently employed at Barclays working as an investment analyst and has aspirations to work in New York City.
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colin dabagian Colin Dabagian grew up in Media, Pennsylvania. As a Saint Joe’s oarsman, Colin finished his high school career with two Stotesbury gold medals, two Scholastic National Championship gold medals, and 1 Youth National bronze medal, all in the Varsity Lightweight Eight. After graduating from the Prep, Colin studied Exercise Science at the University of Delaware. As a Blue Hen, Colin's freshman boat lost only to Princeton and went on to win a gold medal at Dad Vails. He also won two silver medals at Dad Vails in their First Varsity Lightweight Eight as the stroke sophomore year, and again senior year after missing his junior spring season due to injury. After wrapping up a successful rowing career, Colin is now enrolled in an accelerated nursing program, also at the University of Delaware.
alex labruno Alex LaBruno comes from Havertown, PA and began his rowing career as a freshman at St. Joe’s. Alex won gold medals at the Stotesbury and SRAA Nationals Regattas his sophomore year in the JV eight category, and went on to row at the University of San Diego. He rowed in the varsity eight during all four years in his time at San Diego, and his senior year he received the team’s Varsity Leadership Award. During his junior year in 2015 he attended Officer Candidate School and commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Marine Corps in June of 2016. His advice for current Prep rowers is to “constantly strive to better yourself in order to make that goal boat. This can mean talking to coaches after practice, putting in extra work at the boathouse after practice ends, or encouraging your teammates to push as hard as you have been. Setting this kind of example is contagious and will not go unnoticed by coaches or peers. Take advantage of the stellar coaching The Prep has to offer.”
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2016 National Team Members
ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS
2016 FISA CHAMPIONSHIP SENIOR 2+ (5TH) L. LOMBARDI ‘11 2016 UNDER 23 CHAMPIONSHIP COACH C. FARRELL ‘01 2016 NATIONAL TEAM MEMBERS
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TOO EARLY FOR
JOIN US FOR THE INAUGURAL PHILADELPHIA INDOOR ROWING CHALLENGE SUNDAY, JANUARY 22, 2017 A unique opportunity, in Philadelphia, to race at 20min or, if you're up for it, enter the Philly Challenge 20' piece + a 2K, + a 500m sprint - best avg. splits wins!
Where: Kelly Fieldhouse – 1733 W. Girard Ave. Philadelphia PA 19130 Races: 20 minutes , 2,000 meter, 1,500 meter and 1,000 meter events Event Categories: Open, College, LWT, Jr/High School, Middle School, Masters, Dragon Boat, Club, Cross-fit How: Register on Regatta Central – www.regattacentral.com
A Portion of the Proceeds Benefit Project Home
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Spring Results
First Manny Flick Philadelphia, PA Sunday March 13th, 2016
Fourth Manny Flick Philadelphia, PA Sunday April 10th, 2016
Novice 8+: SECOND & fifth Novice 4+ SECOND Freshmen 8+: FIRST Novice 8+ SECOND JV 4+: fifth Freshmen 8+ FIRST JV8+: FIRST & fourth LWT 4+: FIRST Second Manny Flick LWT 8+: FIRST Philadelphia, PA 2v8 +: SECOND Sunday March 20th, 2016 Varsity 2x: fourth Varsity 8+: SECOND
Novice 8+: Freshmen 8+: JV 4+: JV8+: LWT 4x: LWT 8+: 2v8 +: Varsity 2x: Varsity 8+:
SECOND FIRST SECOND FIRST & SECOND THIRD FIRST SECOND fifth THIRD
Third Manny Flick Philadelphia, PA Canceled Due To Conditions
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Noxontown Regatta St. Andrew’s, DE Saturday 16th, 2016 Varsity 8+: 1. Dallas Jesuit 2. St. Joseph’s Prep 3. BCC
4:25.5 4:25.9 4:31.4
Lightweight 8+: 1. St. Joseph’s Prep 2. Dallas Jesuit
4:28.3 4:34.4
2nd Varsity 8+: 1. St. Joseph’s Prep 2. BCC 3. Chaminade
4:40.2 4:42.8 4:48.6
3rd Varsity 8+: 1. St. Joseph’s Prep 2. St. Joseph’s Prep 3. St. Joseph’s Prep
4:46.2 4:52.1 4:55.2
6th Varsity 8+: 1. Chaminade A 2. Chaminade B 3. St. Joseph’s Prep
5:45.6 5:50.7 6:02.8
Freshmen 8+: 1. St. Joseph’s Prep 2. Dallas Jesuit 3. Chaminade
5:11.9 5:16.5 5:18.8
2nd Freshmen 8+: 1. Chaminade 2. Chaminade 3. BCC 5. St. Joseph’s Prep
5:18.4 5:20.5 5:29.8 5:59.2
Varsity 4+: 1. St. Joseph’s Prep 2. St. Joseph’s Prep 3. Yorktown
5:27.4 5:52.0 5:58.9
Fifth Manny Flick Philadelphia, PA Sunday April 17th, 2016 Headraces: Novice 8+ A & B: Freshmen 8+: JV 4+:
Fifth & 14th FIRST 15th
JV 8+ A & B:
SECOND & eighth
Sprint Races: LWT 4+: LWT 8+: 2nd Varsity 8+: Varsity 1x: Varsity 4+: Varsity 8+:
FIRST FIRST SECOND THIRD fourth SECOND
Philadelphia City Championships Philadelphia, PA Sunday May 2nd, 2016 Headraces: Novice 8+: JV 2x: JV 4+ B: LWT 2x: Varsity 1x: Varsity 2x:
11th 7th 9th 9th 8th 9th
Finals Novice 4+: Freshman 4+: Freshmen 8+: JV 4+: JV 8+: LWT 4+: LWT 8+: 2nd Varsity 8+: Varsity 8+:
Fourth THIRD FIRST Fourth FIRST THIRD FIRST SECOND FIRST
MORE RESULTS
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Spring Results Continued
Stotesbury Cup Regatta Philadelphia, PA May 20th-21st Headraces: Junior 4x: 15th Senior 2x: 19th Semi-finals: Junior 2x: Junior 4+: 2nd Varsity 8+: Senior 1x:
Fifth Fifth 4th 5th
Varsity 8+: 1. Gonzaga 2. Dallas Jesuit 3. Lawrenceville 6. St. Joseph’s Prep
4:16.04 4:18.50 4:18.70 4:22.10
SRAA Championships Nashport, OH May 27th-28th
Semi-finals: Junior 4+: Lightweight 4+:
Fifth Fourth
Grand Finals: Freshmen 8+: 1. Winter Park 2. Saratoga 3. New Trier 4. St. Joseph’s Prep
4:38.09 4:38.19 4:43.73 4:46.39
Grand Finals Freshmen 8+: 1. Saratoga 3. Winter Park 3. St. Joseph’s Prep
4:32.42 4:34.46 4:44.87
Junior 8+: 1. Chaminade 2. Gonzaga 3. St. Joseph’s Prep
4:28.06 4:30.89 4:32.92
Junior 8+: 1. Chaminade 2. Upper Arlington 3. St. Joseph’s Prep
4:34.50 4:36.67 4:39.95
Lightweight 8+ 1. St. Joseph’s Prep 2. TC Williams 3. Christian Brothers
4:24.09 4:27.01 4:27.97
Lightweight 8+: 1. Belen Jesuit 2. St. Joseph’s Prep 3. Radnor
4:23.62 4:30.41 4:34.29
Lightweight 4+ 1. E.L. Crossely 2. Father Judge 3. St. Joseph’s Prep
4:55.33 4:57.93 4:59.40
Second Varsity 1. New Trier 2. St. Augustine 3. Loyola Academy 4. St. Joseph’s Prep
4:36.53 4:41.36 4:43.46 4:44.13
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Varsity 8+: 1. New Trier 2. St. Albans 3. St. Edward 4. St. Joseph’s Prep
4:17.06 4:21.90 4:23.61 4:23.72
National School’s Championship Philadelphia, PA June 11th Heats: Varsity 2x:
Sixth
Grand Finals: Freshmen 8+: 1. Saratoga 2. St. Joseph’s Prep 3. Shenendehowa
5:43.55 5:54.10 6:10.46
3rd Varisty 8+: 1. St. Joseph’s Prep 2. Fairfield Prep 3. St. Augustine
5:22.38 5:34.31 5:45.05
2nd Varsity 4+: 1. Dublin 2. St. Joseph’s Prep
5:45.84 5:51.77
2nd Varsity 8+: 1. Kent 2. St. Joseph’s Prep 3. Fairfield Prep
5:04.75 5:13.78 5:14.79
Lightweight 4+: 1. St. Joseph’s Prep 2. Radnor
6:04.65 6:19.71
Varsity 1x: 1. Haddon Township 2. Shenendehowa 3. Roman Catholic 4. St. Joseph’s Prep Varsity 8+: 1. Salisbury 2. Kent 3. Choate 4. Fordham Prep 5. St. Joseph’s Prep
7:00.88 7:13.65 7:22.67 7:27.15 4:48.86 4:51.83 5:00.29 5:05.41 5:11.07
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LET'S GET INVOLVED. Event Planner – FSJPR has several events
Database Administration – One of the big-
Class Captain – FSJPR is looking for class cap-
The Crimson Blade Editors / Writers
Membership Chair – FSJPR annual spring
Assistant Treasurer – Assist in the adminis-
Alumni Racing Coordinator – Identify,
FSJPR Governance – Need a few executive board members to set direction, vision and prioritized initiatives for FSJPR. Need hands and active leadership in the above efforts.
throughout the year and we need someone with strong organization and party planning skills. This includes annual alumni class day event, Summer Social and Regatta events.
tains for their respective class years and maintain alumni information, coordinate reunions, fund raising etc.
membership drive and bookkeeping of receipts. Creativity and persistent personality is needed.
field and entry various alumni race events – in regattas such as Head of the Schuylkill, Head of the Charles, Masters Henley (Canada and UK), Catholic League, etc. Organize practice, uniforms, entrance fees, etc.
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gest challenges that FSJPR has is maintaining current contact information of its 2,000 alumni. We need someone with strong social media, IT skills and techniques to improve alumni contact information integrity.
– We need beat reporters to write about the team, our coaches and alumni and FSJPR happenings. The Crimson Blade is published a few times a year.
trative financial function of FSJPR . Work directly with the Prep finance office.
FSJPR Career Connections – We are look-
Prep Crew Historian – Finds, gathers, cata-
Prep Alumni Rowing Gear Coordinator – Coordinate bi-annual FSJPR
Senior Gifts – As a thank you for four years of
ing for someone to create and lead the effort to connect graduating seniors and students looking for full time and summer internships. FSJPR volunteer will work with coaching staff on gathering resumes and identifying alumni with firms that have positions. Explore option of broadening to all alumni in the career transition.
Rowing gear offering to alumni and parents. Select vendor, items and promote through the web, social media etc
Communications / Social Media – We
need additional resources on the social media team to coordinate race broadcasts, website, Face book, Linked-in, Twitter, blog etc. IT skills and social media geeks are a plus.
Fund Raising – Need committed individual to
help organize alumni fundraising targeted campaign. This is includes the brick campaign. Organizational skills, persistence, and the ability to ask for money are needed.
Assistant Summer Director – Need committed individual to help organize Summer Rowing.
logs, documents and preserves artifacts of Prep rowing for public display or achieves. Oversee the writing of a book on the history of Prep rowing – founded in 1926
rowing and a welcome to FSJPR, we organize a gift / recognition to the graduating seniors each year. Gifts are presented at awards banquet in May.
Boathouse Projects – We need more orga-
nized and lead boathouse beatification projects. This might include hanging pictures, plaques, banners, etc. Past projects include the honor board. Projects typically require creativity, draftsmanship and possibly work working skills.
Questions or if Interested? Please Contact: Joe Kieffer, FSJPR President, jkieffer@email.com 267-228 -1341
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Save the Date
Sat March 18, 2017 Help us Launch the 2017 Spring Season at the 31st Annual Prep Crew Social - Join fellow alumni, firend and parents for an evening food, drink and entertainment.
Robert M. Gillin Jr. Boathouse
Become A Member Friends of St. Joseph's Prep
Rowing
Personal Information (Please print clearly) Name
Class Year/Last Crew Year
Address City State Home Phone Email
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Zip Code Mobile Phone
Membership Dues * Before 2007 & Friends Classes 2008 – 2011 Classes 2012 - 2016
$25 $15 Free
* Please use for dues and member info only Please send payment in the envelope provided to: Friends of St. Joseph’s Prep Rowing St. Joseph’s Preparatory School 1733 W. Girard Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19130 OR Pay online at: www.sjprep.org/FSJPR
Get Connected THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA WITH PREP ROWING ALUMNI
Search on: “Friends of St. Joseph’s Prep Rowing” to join group
http://www.facebook.com/StJoesPrepCrew www.facebook.com/StJoesPrepCrew Over 440 visitors to our Facebook Pages! +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
www.twitter.com/SJPrep_Rowing
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Friends-‐of-‐St-‐Josephs-‐Prep-‐Rowing/29803173
www.instagram.com/SJPrep_Rowing