Presented By Wildcats outstanding Assistant Coach Connor Walters and Posted By Mr. Eddie Dwyer

Wildcats Varsity 4 and Junior 8 Win Gold at Midwest Scholastic Rowing Championships

Saint Ignatius crews powered through strong, sustained winds en route to two gold medals, three silvers, a bronze and a close team runner-up finish at the Midwest Scholastic Rowing Championships on Lake Dillon in Nashport, Ohio, this weekend.

The Varsity 4 was the first Saint Ignatius Crew to strike gold on Sunday, overcoming an early deficit to blow past the field and claim the title 7.5 seconds ahead of the next boat. The win avenged the Wildcats’ heartbreaking silver medal finish in the event from 2015.

Shortly after them, the Saint Ignatius Junior 8 handled challenges from New Trier, Upper Arlington and Loyola Academy before ultimately walking away with an impressive open-water victory of 6.3 seconds.

Almost immediately after the Junior 8 got off the water, half the boat launched again to race in the Junior 4 event. Though a crew from St. Ignatius (Chicago) jumped off to an early lead, the Wildcats kept it close and took home silver by about 4 seconds.

Among the 12 Wildcat crews in the finals on Sunday was the Lightweight 8, which placed fifth. Seven of the eight rowers in that boat raced earlier in the day in two events, with both crews bringing home medals. Three of the lightweights and an additional rower competed in the 2nd Varsity 4, clinching silver. Four other lightweights raced in the Lightweight 4, earning bronze.

All these medal-winning races by Saint Ignatius Crews qualified the team for the national championships in those events.

One of the most remarkable results of the day was in the 3rd Varsity 8 event, in which the 5th-ranking Saint Ignatius 8 chased a quick Loyola entry the whole way en route to a silver medal. Similarly, the 4th-ranking Saint Ignatius 8 claimed a solid 4th in the 2nd Varsity 8 event.

The day’s final race, the Varsity 8, saw a very tight finish among the top three boats: New Trier (1st), Pittsburgh Central Catholic (2nd) and St. Edward (3rd). Saint Ignatius raced hard and finished right on the tail of the Eagles to finish 4th and qualify for nationals.

Other Wildcat crews racing in the finals on Sunday included the Novice 8 (5th), Freshman 8 (4th), and Lightweight 2x (4th).

All told, the points showed a full-team effort, although Saint Ignatius fell 9 points shy of New Trier, who won three of the 8 events, which are worth the most points. In finishing second, the squad had its highest boys’ points finish under Head Coach Pat Connor ’94.

For the rowers not attending nationals, this weekend marked the conclusion of a long and successful year that began back in August. Yet for a couple dozen Wildcats, the season lasts another two weeks as they prepare for the SRAA National Championships, also on Lake Dillon.

The team would like to thank all the parents who made the journey this weekend and whose die-hard support is greatly appreciated. Stay tuned for results from nationals, set for May 27-28!