Robinson Crew Team Gains Strength in First Away Regatta of the Season

Robinson Secondary School Crew Team took on both out-of-state and local competition in its first away regatta of the season at the Noxontown Regatta #1, in Middletown, Delaware, this past Saturday, March 30.

The Rams raced against host St. Andrew’s School, as well as TC Williams of Alexandria, Walt Whitman of Bethesda, Washington-Lee of Arlington, and Ocean City High School of Ocean City, New Jersey. 

"The competition at St. Andrew's is always great,” said Robinson head coach Jon Barrett, “We were happy to see a few of our boats place well.” 

Most notably, Barrett cited Robinson Boys Varsity 8’s third-place finish with a time of 4:51.  It was the first time in eight years the Varsity 8 beat TC Williams, who came in fourth.   

He also commented on the poise of the Girls Freshman 8, who came in third in their race with a time of 5:50.33, and turned in a smooth performance despite a last-minute diversion from their routine.

“The Girls Freshman 8 were not able to row in their usual shell because of a late change in the schedule, but they adapted quickly, and put together a great performance in their first race.”

The regatta was the first race for many of the novice rowers on the team, and Barrett said he was impressed with their preparation for the race and how they handled “pre-race jitters.”

“The kids learned quickly the importance of being calm and smooth and sticking together. This was intended to be a learning experience for them, and as long as these rowers continue to aim to improve each week, they will be in great shape by the time the championship races roll around in May.”

It was the crew team’s first trip in eight years to the idyllic campus of St. Andrew’s School, where the film Dead Poet’s Society, starring Robin Williams, was filmed in 1989. 

Next up for the Rams is the Walter Mess Regatta at Sandy Run Regional Park on Saturday, which according to Barrett represents “a chance to get back in touch with our in-state rivals.’

“This Saturday will be an important day as we look ahead to the Virginia State Championships. We'll try to work out any kinks that we saw in Delaware and make the necessary adjustments. I think many of our rowers came back with a major appetite to train harder and produce more speed.”

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Other results for Robinson at the Noxontown #1 Regatta include:

Girls

Varsity 8 – fifth

2nd Varsity 8 – fourth

3rd  8 – fourth

5th 8 – fifth

Boys

2nd Varsity 8 – fourth

3rd 8 – second

Freshman/Novice 8 – fourth

2nd Freshman/Novice 8 – second

All times and placements can be found at row2k.com