Press Release by Jen Zuch and Zach Spitzer
Photo credits: Nereid Boat Club
Rutherford, NJ- October 29, 2024- Nereid Boat Club had a remarkable performance at the 59th Annual Head of the Charles Regatta held between October 18-20 on the iconic Charles River in Boston. Competing against over 12,000 rowers from 35 countries and thrilling more than 300,000 spectators. Nereid's four boats secured an impressive 3 medals, showcasing the club's strength and determination.
The event, renowned for its competitive spirit, drew acclaim from rowing legends. 2024 Olympic Gold Medalist Imogen Grant stated, "The Head of the Charles holds a mythical status around the world. "Two-time US Olympian and Head of the Charles Champion Michelle Sechser added, "It's the best competition you'll get anywhere, and it's also a fun festival."
Nereid's Boat Club's Youth Program fielded four boats of high-school aged athletes in the regatta, with three earning medals and the 4th finishing in a commendable 6th place.
"We were happy to see our athletes step up on such a big stage" commented Coach Zach Spitzer. "Most teams would be over the moon with one good result at such a big race, but for us to have four in one year really speaks to the commitment and to the process that our athletes have. We are excited to see how the team keeps growing in the future."
Medal-Winning Results:
First Place: Nereid's Women Under- 17 Four+ set a course record, finishing 1st out of thirty-seven boats. The crew included Julia Fila (Garfield), Eliana Fanders (Weehawken), Emma Miguel-Rasteiro (Rutherford), Olivia Mendelsohn (Rutherford), and Coxswain Nikhil Mascarenhas (New Providence).
Second Place: The Women's Youth Four+ captured 2nd place out of ninety boats, with Ella Woroniecki (Montclair), Violet Lombardo (Montclair), Maeve Bogue (Chatham), Emma Mohanram (Ridgewood), and Coxswain Catherine Miguel-Rasteiro (Rutherford) leading the charge.
Third Place: Nereid's Men's Youth Coxed Quad took 3rd place out of fifty boats, featuring Cameron Gennardo (Tenafly), Max Bednarz (Nutley), Lukas Dolak (Bogota), Nick Antich (Fort Lee), and Coxswain Nethra Thakkar (Short Hills)
Additionally, Nereid's Women's Youth Coxed Quad + finished 6th out of fifty-four boats, comprising Sarah Newman (Tenafly), Erin Kirby (Nutley), Ella Gill (Rutherford), Ava Swinton, and Coxswain Anna Heflin (Chatham).
Two of Nereid's coaches were also in action. Coach Jessica Eiffert competed with the University of Michigan alumna and finished 10th out of 52, and Coach Katherine French rowed in the same race with the Rutgers alumna, placing 12th out of 52.
In the Masters category, five adult rowers from Nereid participated, with Kevin Maloney and Nat Keohane finishing 50th and 55th (out of 114 entries), respectively, in the Men's Grand Master/ Veteran Singles event. Martin Bogue, Kevin Maloney, Charlie Johnston, and Andrew Wilson also showcased their talent by securing 16th place out of 36 in the Directors' Challenge Men's Quad Event.
Nereid's Boat Club's outstanding performance at this year's Head of the Charles Regatta reflects the club's commitment to hard work, excellence, teamwork, and the outstanding leadership of coaches Zach Spitzer, Jessica Eiffert, Katherine French, and Charles Abrahams.
For more information about Nereid Boat Club, please visit Nereidbc.org or contact Coach Zach Spitzer at headcoach@nereidbc.org.
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