The fastest growing team in Manhasset these days is crew. A Manhasset High School Varsity sport since last spring, the team has grown exponentially over this last year from 18 members to the current size of 60, making it the largest team at the high school. As the team has grown in numbers it has also grown in competitiveness. The team placed four boats in the top ten in the state last year, with one finishing as high as third. This past fall the team continued to set high standards with a first place, second place, and three third place finishes in the Long Island Frostbite, followed by two third places in Philadelphia.

This team has also set the standard in community activity. At the Annual Ladies Night Out to benefit the Manhasset Women's Coalition Against Breast Cancer, the team presented the organization with $10,000. This is the largest amount that any Manhasset High School team has ever donated to a community organization. The team raised this money in their first annual Row-a-thon; this year's Row-a-thon will benefit Tuesdays Children.

The team has privately raised most of the funds for all of its equipment and current boat shelter. The Friends of Manhasset Crew have been very supportive of the team and all of its endeavors. The crew team typically competes in Philadelphia four or five times a season, as well as Saratoga for the State Championships. The regattas themselves have become all-day social events where the parents, families, friends and athletes of the team come together. The spectators are not only treated with a day at the water but also with a plethora of baked goods and barbecue provided by the parents.

This sport is a fall and spring sport, with some students just participating in either one season or the other. The team continues to train throughout the winter in the weight room and on rowing machines to prepare for the upcoming spring and the chance at Manhasset's first ever National Championship. Some high school students who have never excelled at a sport before are finding out how tough and competitive they can be on the water. They try crew out of curiosity or because a friend is doing it, and it soon becomes a passion. Over its short existence the crew team has already placed rowers on different collegiate teams; including Yale, Fordham, Skidmore, Northeastern, Colgate, and Penn State. With the current group of seniors this list of colleges will only grow. There are members on the team who have a chance to earn Jr. National Team Camp invitations.

With the continued growth in numbers, talent and spirit of this team, we as a community can truly embrace them. In a sport where every student gets to compete on race day, as opposed to watching the game from the bench, we can certainly enjoy the sportsmanship that this sport brings. The team is currently in the process of raising funds for a new boathouse. They have $10,000 so far but if you have done any construction on your home lately, you know more is needed. The Friends of Manhasset Crew are sponsoring a raffle that includes such prizes as a weekend in Windham, a weekend in Westhampton, golf outings, a sunset cruise, as well as many other great prizes. Look for our team selling tickets in your neighborhood and at the train station. If you are in town, please stop by Powerhouse Pilates and pick up some raffle tickets. If you have any questions about the team or wish to pledge your support please contact Steve Panzik at spanzik@yahoo.com or Pat Burch at hopalong03@aol.com.