Despite a winding course and tumultuous waters, Andover won all eight of its races this past weekend against Northfield Mount. Hermon. For the fourth, fifth and sixth boats, this feat marked the conclusion to a very successful season. The girls’ first boat started in the forefront of a staggered start, positioned to take the outside turn farther down the course. Andover gained a few seats on NMH in the first 100 meters, but faced a hurdle of river swells as the boat cruised down the middle of the river. But Andover did not let this obstacle deter from the boat’s stability, and while maintaining composure, the team traversed the rough current and preserved its lead. “Our goal was to continue increasing our lead throughout the entire race, and to never settle with just being ahead,” said Sarah Rudder ’09. “We aimed to gain on our opponents constantly, with every stroke.” The girls’ second boat split from NMH early in the race and left its opponents to paddle through Andover’s choppy wake. The team extended its lead to a 23 second victory and finished with plenty of open water over NMH. The girls’ third boat tossed and turned at the start, fighting to keep balance as the current pummeled the boat from side to side. At the 300 meter mark, Andover broke from NMH and finished with a 23 second win. An unexpectedly rushed countdown left the girls’ fourth boat hurried at the start. Only fifteen seconds into the race, the boat caught a crab and came to a complete halt. The team spent over six seconds recovering from the incident and repositioning its oars. However, due to the staggered-start advantage, Andover was able to uphold its lead and resume the race. With only four seats up on NMH, Andover accelerated its stroke count until it regained open water, and finished several boat lengths ahead of NMH. The boys’ first boat passed NMH at the start, and continued to advance its lead throughout the rest of the race. As NMH approached the inside turn, it pulled a power twenty strokes in an attempt to bridge the gap, but Andover struck back and withstood the threat. Andover retained its lead and finished with open water over NMH. The boys’ second and third boats won by outstanding margins of 25 seconds and 29 seconds, respectively. Both teams captured an early lead and separated from NMH the entire race. NMH has an unusually short race course, and this weekend’s races lasted over a minute less than most races. Additionally, the distance markers were scattered along the shoreline at inconsistent intervals, making it difficult for the coxswains to know where they were during the race. Nonetheless, Aysen Muderrisoglu ’11 said, “Everyone was relaxed and having so much fun. It was such a great way to end the season.” The first three boats are now focused on heading to Worcester, where the interscholastic championship will be held next weekend. “We had an excellent race against NMH,” said Ryan Marcelo ’10. “But now our focus has shifted to NEIRA’s and winning the team trophy.”
