October 17 , 2005

ROCHESTER, N.Y.—The Hobart crew team won the men’s novice eights division this past weekend at the Wylie Coyote Chase, which took place at Genesee Valley Park, while the Hobart “B” boat earned a third place finish. The "A" boat prevailed over local competition from the University of Rochester and Rochester Institute of Technology, both of whom fielded two enteries.

“It was a great first race for these crews,” novice coach Michael Hoepp ’05 said. “We have two more weeks left in the fall season and I look forward to seeing how far these crews can go.”

Led by first-years Michael Talarico (Falmouth/Falmouth, Maine), Paul Rueggeberg (Kent School/Greenwich, Conn.), John Heavey (Poughkeepsie/Poughkeepsie, N.Y.), Benjamin Ramsey (Carnegie Vanguard/Houston, Texas), John Coyne (Canterbury School/New York, N.Y.), Aaron Matyac (Raleigh Charter/Raleigh, N.C.), Dan Allen (Cohasset/Cohasset, Mass.), Ben Fenney (John Baptist/Bangor, Maine), and sophomore Jacob Podkaminer (Charles D. Dickenson/Trumansburg, N.Y.), the Statesmen “A” boat completed the 2.75-mile course in a winning time of 16:57, defeating six other squads. They posted a 37 second margin of victory over the field. Talarico steered a masterful course, setting the example for all other crews. The boat's explosiveness through the water generated a commanding lead, which they opened up even further in the last 700 meters of the course.

Powered by first-years Kathy Cross (The Williams School/Waterford, Conn.), T.J. Radzwich (MMI Prepatory School/Hazelton, Pa.), Dale Wilkins (Ledyard/Ledyard, Conn.), Matt Gruppo (Fairfield/Fairfield, Conn.), Andrew Lawrence (Avon Old Farms/Beverly, Mass.), Matt McIvor (WEBB School of Calif/Redlands, Conn.), Brian Fitzgerald (Cazenovia/Cazenovia, N.Y.), Garrett McIntyre (Fairport/Fairfield, Conn.), and Ted Allen (Darien, Darien, Conn.), the Hobart “B” boat crossed the finish line at 18:28, earning third place.

“Assistant Coach Michael Hoepp's leadership of the novice men has to their success today,” said Interim Director of Rowing Sandra Chu said. “His team showed its great depth with its first and third place finishes today.”

Hobart returns to action on Oct. 23 when the varsity squad traveles to Boston for the Head of the Charles. The novice squad will send the next two weeks preparing for the Head on the Fish on Oct. 29 in Saratoga, N.Y.

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