For the first time in crew team history at Belen Jesuit, one of its boats won gold at the USRowing Youth National Championship in Princeton, New Jersey.
The lightweight 8+ won by over four seconds and in open water, defeating the best in the country in the June 11 race.
The lightweight 8+ consisted of seniors: Ben Gilbert, Nicholas Waterhouse, Christian Burke, David Gonzalez, Conor Meagher, Daniel Brennan, coxswain Fern Pinera, juniors: Jonathan Menendez, and Carlos Marin.
“There’s something very special about this boat,” said Coach Yunian Cabrera. “Many have been together for the past few years, and although all are so different, they connect on the water.”
And connect they did, to win by open water at not only the USRowing Youth National Championship, but also at the Scholastic Rowing Association Nationals in May, after winning gold at the prestigious San Diego Crew Classic in April.
“We are very proud of the crew team and their many accolades,” said Jesuit Father Guillermo Garcia-Tuñon, school president. “Winning at the national level only reinforces their dedication to the sport and inspires our younger students to strive for greatness.”
The Belen Jesuit crew team participated in several races, competing against other in-state and international rowing programs (schools and clubs) this past academic year.
The crew team is made up of 99 students in grades 6-12. They compete roughly in 10-13 events throughout the season. The team began competing in mid-November of 2000, and since then has secured many victories and awards.
