The Bishop Ireton Crew team had a great start to its rowing season, participating in a scrimmage and two regattas.

On Friday, March 28, the Cardinals hosted a scrimmage with Walter Johnson High School and Elizabeth Ann Seton High School both from Bladensburg, MD.  This informal or practice race was named the Cindy Cole Cup after Cindy Cole, the Walter Johnson Coach, whos rowing career spans 30 years and who at one time was the Program Director and Coach of the Potomac Boat Club.  Bishop Ireton did extremely well in this scrimmage, winning all of their races. 

This practice race warmed up the Cardinals for the Polar Bear Regatta held the next day on the Occoquan River at Sandy Run Park.  Living up to its name, the Polar Bear Regatta was cold; but the sunny day and the good river conditions made for a nice regatta.  Bishop Ireton entered three boats in this opening regatta and raced well in all three events. The Womens Light Weight Four placed second in its race. Coxed by Valerie Roth, the boat consisted of Jenna Keany, Cecilia, Amanda Krauss,and Kerry Fogarty.

On Saturday, April 5, the B.I. Crew had three of its five boats finish in the top three positions at the Walter Mess Regatta also held on the Occoquan River. This regatta involved 28 schools from the local area. In spite of windy conditions that at one point delayed the regatta, the Cardinals stayed focused and did well in all of their races.

The Mens Novice Eight had an outstanding race placing first against powerhouse Thomas Jefferson and Langley.  This boat consisted of rowers Dexter Phan, Thaddeus Babiec, Sean Scalsky, R.J. Nagel, Neil Heitbrink, Ryan Doughtry, Joe Morgan, Frank Kozuch and coxswain Brian McCormack.

Not to be outdone, our Novice Womens Eight also did well in their race placing second against Thomas Jefferson, Lake Braddock and Potomac.  This boat raced with rowers Sara Woodruff, Carmen Fox, Mercedez Riedt, Meredith Ramey, Katherine Aust, Allyson Freeland, Irina Wenderoth and coxswain Madeline Milani.

A new aspect to the Cardinal team this year is the ability to compete in the light weight boat category.  Mens Lightweight Four boat had a great race placing third in its race.  In this boat were rowers Justin Kyker, Nathan Hahn, Patrick Murray, J.R. Famisan and coxswain Erin Cummins.First Mens Eight faced stiff competition from St. Albans, Oakton and Robinson in their early race.  Placing fourth out of six competitors, the Cardinal boat showed great determination.  In this boat were rowers Kevin Borough, Tom Heitbrink, Justin Kyker, Thaddeus Babiec, Dexter Phan, Niall Swider, Chris Ring, Patrick Walsh and coxswain Lisa Bernardi.

Lightweight Womens Four had a more challenging race with seven boats competing against each other. Placing fifth, the boat consisted of rowers Jenna Keany, Cecilia Baxter, Kerry Fogarty, Valerie Roth and coxswain Lisa Bernardi. 

As the season continues, the B.I. Crew team will continue to grow in strength, skill and endurance which will guarantee success in future regattas.