Athletes from Rensselaer crew traveled to Saratoga Springs, New York to compete in the Adirondack Ergometer Sprints. The event, hosted by Skidmore College, is held annually and takes place on indoor rowing machines. “The distance and competition is a great tune up for our training trip to South Carolina and the rest of our spring racing season,” said Coach Todd Rutecki.
Outstanding performances were turned in by many members of the Red Hawk Crew. Keri Kiernan and Amanda Smith placed second and third respectively in the lightweight women’s division. Corey Lowe and David Danko, taking first and second in the lightweight men’s event, topped competitors from a number of universities including UCAA opponents Union and Skidmore College. Rounding out the place finishers was Christopher Wallace, reigning in two silver medal performances in the men’s heavyweight race—one in the 2000 m event and another in the 500 m dash.
When asked about the prospects for the upcoming season, Kerinan explained, “Due to the [holiday] weekend we were only able to bring about one-third of our team. We’ve got a lot of work a head of us. Even so, you’ve got to feel good about having the most place finishers of any other college.”
The crew team will next compete in Boston on February 23 at the CRASH-B World Indoor Rowing Championships. The team is currently recruiting for its men’s and women’s heavyweight novice walk-on squads—no experience with rowing. The ideal prospect tends to be tall, powerful, and highly fit. Interested candidates should contact Coach Rutecki at rutect@rpi.edu.
