SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – The Skidmore College rowing team opened its 2025 season with a home race against RIT, Bryn Mawr, and Vassar. Racing began at 11:45 a.m. under a 5-mph tailwind, with moderate chop that increased throughout the day.
Women's Varsity 8+
The Thoroughbreds set the tone early with a decisive victory in the women's varsity 8+, finishing in 6:56. Bryn Mawr followed at 7:06, Vassar at 7:11, and RIT at 7:17. The winning crew featured
Hayden Harlow,
Maddie Aho,
Molly Sullivan,
Delaney Miller,
Alice Yi,
Camilla Johnson,
Norah Jankey,
Britta Arvold, and
McKenna Otey.
"Today's race conditions were tough, but I felt our boat handled them really well," said sophomore
Britta Arvold. "We stayed focused and demonstrated the hard work we've been putting in. I'm excited to keep training with this crew and proud of how much we've accomplished."
Men's Varsity 8+
The men's varsity 8+ put up a strong fight, nearly completing a comeback against Vassar but ultimately finishing just one second behind. Vassar took the win in 6:09, followed by Skidmore at 6:10 and RIT at 6:32.
Emma Laquinta, Will Landro,
Grant Steinberger, Sam Boogeart,
Ryan Capozucca,
Thomas du Four, Van de Venecia,
Kal Katz, and
Sam Goldberg represented Skidmore in the event.
"Despite coming up short, we had a strong race with a lot of positives," said sophomore
Kal Katz. "We're going to capitalize on this next week of training and stay focused on our process. All eyes on next Saturday."
Second Varsity Events
Skidmore secured wins in both second varsity events.
- The women's 2V8+ finished in 7:24, ahead of Bryn Mawr (7:35) and RIT (8:03).
- The men's 2V8+ battled RIT in a head-to-head race, crossing the line in 6:31 to RIT's 6:53.
Varsity 4+ Races
In the final events of the day, Skidmore's varsity 4s both secured second-place finishes:
- Women's V4+: Vassar won in 8:12, with Skidmore finishing at 8:41 and RIT at 8:57.
- Men's V4+: RIT edged out Skidmore in a close race, 7:38 to 7:39, with Vassar finishing in 7:54.
From Head Coach
Manny Valentin
"Today was a tough day," said Head Coach
Manny Valentin. "We knew that in addition to it being our first race of the season, the conditions would be cold and windy. Our focus was on executing despite the conditions, and we had an excellent showing. Times were fast, and I like where we are at. We have more work to do, but it's a great start to the season!"
Up Next
The Thoroughbreds return to action next week against Williams, Wellesley, and Stockton.
Line Ups
