From Saint Ignatius' outstanding Assistant Coach Connor Walters '09

Posted By Mr. Eddie Dwyer

WILDCATS' TOP BOAT READY FOR BOSTON

Saint Ignatius returns to world-famous Head of the Charles Regatta

 Wrapping up a final race walk-through on Thursday afternoon, the Saint Ignatius Crew Varsity 8+ looked sharp, powerful, and relaxed. It’s the sort of execution the nine young men in the boat will look to deliver on Sunday when they compete at the prestigious Head of the Charles Regatta in Boston.

 More than 800 teams from around the country—and across the globe—send top crews down the winding race course, which is one of the nation’s toughest—but no tougher than the Cuyahoga River.

 Head Coach Pat Connor’s Wildcats are having one of their best fall seasons in the last decade. Following successful competitive performances against St. Edward, Pittsburgh Central Catholic, Cincinnati Junior Rowing Club and Westerville Crew in the last month, the Wildcat Navy is looking to see where they rank among the very best teams in the country.

 The Men’s Youth 8+ category is one of the largest in the two-day regatta. Saint Ignatius will be 67th through the starting line out of the 85 listed entries. Westerville will start two boats in front of them, while local rival St. Eds will make their Boston debut just four boats behind Ignatius.

 Results are based on clock time, from start to finish, so beginning further back does not necessarily disadvantage a crew. Boats frequently pass one another, which on the twisting, narrow course of the Charles makes for some exciting racing.

 Representing Saint Ignatius will be coxswain Mitch Ramba ’17, stroke Walter Lempke ’17, 7-seat Jacob Leusch ’17, 6-seat David Ranney ’17, 5-seat Griffin Fox ’18, 4-seat Sean Patterson ’17, 3-seat John Pacholski ’18, 2-seat Jacob Vertosnik ’17 and bow Nick Frank ’17.

 The Head of the Charles, now in its 52nd year, features more than 11,000 athletes and welcomes hundreds of thousands of spectators each year. It is where the rowing world unofficially celebrates its homecoming, where Olympic and world champions share the same course as teenage kids.

 Saint Ignatius is scheduled to race around 12:45 p.m. Sunday. A live stream will be available online at www.hocr.org/

Let’s Go Cats!