Back on the water, the rhythm of the crew propelling the boat forward, a team of rowers with Jesuit crests adorning their chests drive their feet into the floor of the boat. The explosive action shoots the oar through the waves and forces the boat across the water. Against over fifty competitors, the Jesuit oarsmen are driven to perform to their peak.
On the weekend of November 5th, the Jesuit Crew team competed in their final regatta of the fall slate, the Head of the Hooch, in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Overall, the team placed an impressive third in a competition that showcased 62 teams, one of the largest in the United States. Particularly outstanding were the freshmen competing in the Youth 4 race who placed 5th out of 33 teams.
Coach John Fife was satisfied with the performance of the squad, saying of the race, “[it] was a great way to conclude the fall racing season.” Impressed with the varsity boat, Fife added that they “were able to make strides to improve [their] speed, which paid off in [the] race.” He concluded by saying that the crew will take a much-needed rest before “[heading] into the most important part of the year which is our winter training.”
James French ’18, a varsity coxswain voiced his opinion on the performance: “Although we came in 3rd, we were almost 30 seconds faster than last year, the team’s most monumental year to date.” Undoubtedly impressed by the team’s accomplishment, French added, “saying that I’m excited about our upcoming spring season is a major understatement.”
The team will train hard until their next competition which takes place in February. Until then, the Roundup wishes them success in their training.
