Under mostly leaden, and at times very rainy skies, the Manhasset High School Crew Team competed in the New York State Rowing Championships this past weekend. The regatta was held at Saratoga Lake, Saratoga Springs. In spite of the weather, the races were held under almost perfect rowing conditions over a 1500-meter course.

Manhasset crews advanced to six finals of the ten events entered. Three boats garnered placements at the NYS Competition: a gold medal and two bronzes.

The freshman girls won their race and were awarded the Pegasus Cup. This is in addition to the NJ Championship won two weeks ago. The girl's freshman four boat includes Nellie Panzer (stroke), Marina Kajic, Taylor Ferrara, Cali Giannopoulos and Kira Kennedy (coxswain).

In addition, the girl's lightweight eight placed third, losing to Saratoga Rowing Association Crew, which won the 2004 National Championship. The boat includes Katherine Fink (stroke), Mackenzie Burch, Caitlin Carey, Kathryn McCabe (Sr.), Ali Fishlinger (Sr.), Lizzie Gotimer (Sr.), Agnes Shepanzyk, Chrissie Gotimer and Kim Taylo (coxswain).

The race rowed by these girls was as tough and gritty an effort coaches Steve Panzik and David Hilpl have witnessed by any Manhasset Crew. They left absolutely nothing on the water at the finish.

The boy's lightweight four with coxswain Ashley Ayarza (Sr.), stroke Nick Calluzzo (Sr.), Sarik Kumar, David Avasti and Nick Smilios placed third in their final, holding off a fast closing boat to win the bronze medal.

The other three boats to compete in the finals were the girl's varsity four, the boy's freshmen four and the boy's club four.

The coaches are very pleased with everyone's efforts, particularly that of the seniors who have been with the program over the last four years. They have built the foundation and established a tradition of excellence for the Manhasset Crew Team.

Next weekend selected MHS crews will race at the Stotesbury Cup Regatta on the Schulykill River, Philadelphia. Over 175 teams from all over the country compete will be competing at this two day regatta.