The Crew traveled to Worcester, Mass., April 28 to take place in the prestigious Q-Cup Race on Lake Quinsigamond. The boys and girls teams raced three boats against some very heavy competition and in windy conditions.
The boys’ team, for the first time in years, competed on three levels — first, second and third varsity. The race is a prequel to the challenging competition ahead. Although the field of competitors can be a bit intimidating to the new rower — sitting, waiting for the start with seven boats lined up — these rowers handled the pressure incredibly well.
Boys’ coach Wendy Sheil said, “I am so impressed with how all of my guys handled the day. The pace of the racing is very high and there are a lot of things going on that can easily distract a rower. This did not happen. They stayed focused and brought their best.”
The boys’ first varsity 8 boat finished fifth. Senior Captain Kyle Breton said, “We beat the boats we set our sights on, I’m really proud of the team.” Other seniors concurred with Breton, feeling that it was a great way for the seniors to finish at the Q-Cup.
Senior Captain Jack Winters added, “We raced really well! There weren’t ideal conditions but we pulled hard and placed impressively considering the other teams in the competition.”
Middletown competed against Connecticut rivals Simsbury and East Lyme in addition to St. Johns, Brookline, Worcester Public and Shrewsbury crews from Massachusetts. While the second and third varsity 8 boats finished seventh and sixth consecutively they were proud of the efforts of the team and happy for the experience.
Junior Kristina DeAngulo, racing in the girls’ first varsity boat said of their sixth-place finish, “It was an exciting day with great competition and while the results don’t show it, it was a strong row. Junior Megan Lacombe, in the second varsity boat, finishing fourth added, “All boats in our race were together until the very end, we were very happy with our row.”
The roughest start of day saw the girls third varsity boat battle strong crosswinds from the Worcester shore. After finally getting the boats aligned and beginning below the starting point the girls finished a strong third, besting their Connecticut rivals. Sophomore Hannah Breton said, “After a tricky start, everyone pulled hard and worked together and we were proud of our finish.”
Thanks to all of the parents who traveled to Worcester to cheer the team on. Please consider joining us at one or all of our remaining races"
- May 5 at Glastonbury (Seaboard Marina area) 3 p.m. (Also racing Stonington)
- May 9 at Farmington (Tunxis Meade Park) 3 p.m.
- May 12 Home vs. Avon 10 a.m.
- May 20 State Championships at Lake Waramaug, New Preston
- May 26 New England Regional Championships, (Lake Quinsigamond, Worcester, Mass.) TBD
- June 2, Emerson Regatta, HOME, 9 a.m.
