The Fordham rowing team hit the waters of the Schuylkill River once again this season, as they competed in the 56th Annual Kerr Cup on April 16. Fordham entered five boats in the regatta, only competing against two fellow Atlantic 10 (A-10) teams: St. Joseph’s University and La Salle University. However, the presence of larger schools such as Temple University and Loyola University Maryland provided challenges for Fordham to overcome.

The team was ultimately able to find moderate success on the water. The second Varsity Eight, navigated by junior coxswain Stefania Rocca, led the event for the team for the second week in a row, opening with a second-place finish in their heat, then placing third in the event’s grand final. Rocca commented on the tough conditions of the race, “It was a tough race, considering the wind and water conditions, but the girls were able to power through and that made the result even more rewarding.” The junior also commented on the stiff competition on the water, saying, “We were up against some very competitive programs, and even though we placed third, the girls gave it their all and that’s worth even more than a third-place ranking.” 

The team had two other boats of eight competing on the water, with the Varsity Eight advancing to the grand final as well, coming in fourth in their final race of the day. The premier boat was able to finish ahead of conference rival La Salle. The third Varsity Eight finished third in their heat, notably beating out Temple.

The two remaining boats in Fordham’s lineup were the Varsity Four and the second Varsity Four. The first Varsity boat was able to berth a grand final appearance by placing third in their heat. Unfortunately, the boat was not able to medal in the final, taking home fourth. The second Varsity Four placed third in their heat as well, but failed to advance to a final race.

Following a somewhat disappointing week prior, this regatta served to get the Fordham rowing team back on the right track heading into the end of the season. While changes in lineups are expected to occur, the team is looking forward to the final stretch of the spring and the A-10 championships on May 14 and 15. Fordham has performed well against many of its fellow A-10 competitors thus far.

They didn’t compete this past weekend, serving as valuable rest time for the team as they enter the home stretch. The team hopes to build on the season’s success thus far and head into the A-10’s as mentally and physically well-prepared as possible.