Oct. 1, 2006

NEW YORK, NY - In a fine start to the season, Pioneer spirit showed at the Head of the Harlem on Saturday, where SHU crews took gold in all events they entered. A steadily building tailwind as the morning progressed opposed a head current and lumped up the river considerably for most racing.

Sacred Heart fielded two varsity eights, expecting to race Manhattan College and Fordham University. Fordham failed to show for their start, so a three boat race got off with the Pioneer 1st eight down the chute followed by Manhattan and the 2nd SHU 8+ respectively. The 1st eight widened their lead over the length of the course, while the 2nd 8+ moved through Manhattan halfway through the race.

SHU frosh Mary Beth Reushe stroked SHU's N4+, with frosh crewmates Jennifer Wolf, Melissa Lott and Kristin Comeau seated forward in that order. Veteran Melissa Allen coxed the crew to victory in a field of varsity fours, as no other entries subscribed in the novice event. V4+ boats from Manhattan and NYU fell to the Pioneer novices, while Fordham beat the three to win the varsity medal.

Coaches Fischetti and Turner rowed to gold in the masters 2X, covering the distance faster than the other masters, the open entries, and several quads who rowed at the same time.

Crews wish to thank their parents at the Pioneer tent, who kept them nourished throughout the day. The trailer and boats moved to Hartford afterward for racing Sunday, while the crew slept soundly on the bus ride home.