For the first time in a decade, Hingham High School has taken home the hardware for having the best rowers in Massachusetts. Very few could have seen this coming as nothing has come easily for the crew team this year. Both the boys and girls teams experienced the graduation of a significant number of talented athletes. In early October, the girls team got the devastating news that they’d be missing an especially strong rower and leader when Captain Maeve Schnorr (‘25) was lost for the season with a shoulder injury. Despite these setbacks, the team had a few things working in their favor. First, both the boys and girls have seen a huge spike in numbers as a large group of strong new rowers have joined their ranks. Second, both the boys and girls have some of the best rowing coaches anywhere in the country. Third, the team is bolstered by one of the most enthusiastic and supportive communities of parent volunteers in sports. With these assets at their disposal, and the rower mindset necessary to overcome obstacles without excuses, the crew team set about working towards their dream season. This weekend, they saw that dream fulfilled.
Sunday was a bright, sunny, late October day in Lowell, but with temperatures hovering between the 40s to low 50s, and strong westerly winds creating a significant chop on the Merrimack River, many of the teams competing in the MPSRA (Massachusetts Public School Rowing Association) State Championship struggled in the adverse weather conditions. Fortunately for the rowers from Hingham, who train every day amidst the Atlantic Ocean swells of Hingham Harbor, choppy waves and windy conditions are just another day at the beach. For Hingham crew, unpredictable wind gusts and choppy water conditions feel as comfortable as pulling on an old sweater. As a team, the boys and girls pulled together, worked hard, and overcame the challenges.
The first boat to compete was the boys first novice, with coxswain Jordan Brown, stroke Spencer Farish, Hector Munoz, Will Vanderweil, Nate Bradl, Andrew Accettella, Michael Lane, Ben Ferguson, and bow seat Landy Vittorini. The boys got Hingham off to a quick start, as they powered to a terrific silver medal finish in the 8-boat field, capping off a terrific season of growth and success.
The Hingham boys second novice, with coxswain Fox Clarke, stroke Sam Whitrap, Ben Hansmire, Brendan Conroy, Martin Seggev, Xavier Bogen, Cooper Weinstein, Hmood Alquthami, and bow seat Jack Dorn, also submitted an excellent result. The boys also managed an impressive silver medal finish, beating rival Brookline by nearly two minutes!
Coach Abi Kornet noted that the novice boys’ performances were a reflection of their work and preparation, “The goal was to row their best race of the season, and both crews exceeded that by demonstrating what a true team looks like. They stayed focused, committed to every stroke, and trusted each other, turning everything they’ve learned into silver medals. I am so incredibly proud of them. And to be a part of a State Championship in their first season—it sets a high standard for what’s possible as we look forward to spring!”
Next up, the girls first novice boat, who have been running roughshod over any and all competition all season long, finally got a challenge in their season-ending race. Coxswain Ashley Sinkus, stroke Veronica Webb, Peyton Burke, June Rogan, Ginger Neihoff, Coco Prohm, Celia McCarthy, Lena Angel, and bow Eme Bias found a worthy competitor in the Brookline boat, who submitted a stellar effort in an attempt to challenge the girls from Hingham. Fortunately, the Hingham girls found an even higher gear, as they once again smashed the competition, finishing first once again and beating even the strong Brookline entry for the gold by six seconds, which was nearly a minute faster than any other boat in the 7-boat field.
The Hingham girls second novice boat, who have also been massively successful this season, finished very strong as well. Coxswain Lexi Messina, stroke Neve Brown, Violet Tysdal, Fiona Galvin, Ava Kelley, Grace Jacobs, Leonie Eigenmann, Audrrey Lambert, and bow Sasha Darmon rowed beautifully. The girls ended up submitting a time that was fast enough to put them in the middle of the pack, had they competed in the first novice race.
Program Director and novice girls coach Pat Houle is proud of the efforts of all of the rowers in achieving this milestone, “I couldn’t be prouder of our Hingham High School rowing teams. Winning the overall state championship for the first time since 2013 is a remarkable achievement. This season, both the boys and girls teams demonstrated incredible dedication, training tirelessly through challenging weather and putting in extra hours on the rowing machines outside of regular practice to elevate their fitness. Their hard work and perseverance truly paid off, and they should take great pride in this accomplishment.”
Next up, the boys first varsity, with coxswain Lucas Mangili, Stroke Hanley Stroka, Walker Bogen, Will Barry, Trevor Steiner, Lachlan Knies, Arlo Maxwell, Slater Fairfield, and bow Nicholas Mangili, rowed one of their best races of the season. The boys, who have continued to grow in power and speed as the season has progressed, finally put it all together as they flashed a monster final kick. The boys, who were back a bit from the Duxbury and Brookline entries, managed to close the gap at the end as they nearly pulled out an improbable victory. The bronze finish was vital in Hingham’s point total towards winning the championship.
Similarly, the boys second varsity, with coxswain Tyler Bastia, stroke Owen Franklin, Owen Lefort, Will Cassidy, Oliver McLucas, Brendan Engel, Zakary Robbins, Will Whitrap, and bow Liam Connolly, has looked better and better as each week has progressed. In the final race of the season, the boys thundered down the course, submitting a vital bronze finish, and again securing vital points for the Hingham squad.
The Hingham boys third varsity, with coxswain Brent Strauss, stroke Michael Catalfano, William Watts, Jack O’Leary, Gerard Bottini, Owen Cerrato, Joseph Darlington, Liam Govoni, and bow Ryan Potter, had too much firepower for Brookline and Duxbury, as they beat the former by 40 seconds, and the latter by more than a minute and a half for the gold medal. The boys truly showed the depth and power that have Hingham Crew fans so excited about the future of the team.
The girls first varsity, who have had a terrific season rowing in Hingham’s newest state-of-the-art shell, Bama and the Boss, found an extra gear in their race. Coxswain Audrey Smith, stroke Emme Beaudoin, Natalie Shaw, Louisa Orth, Thea Miggliaccio, Ava Sugrue, Eliza Powers, Sophia Santarelli, and bow Lynnayah Ryan have spent all season tangling with arch-rival Duxbury. In their final battle, Hingham left no doubt about who was on top, as they powered to a finish just three seconds behind Brookline, grabbing a silver medal in the six-boat race.
Similarly, the girls second varsity, who have also been having a tremendous season, submitted their best race yet as they also powered to a silver medal. Coxswain Emily Gu, Stroke Madeline Kittinger, Izzy Wagner, Jane Melia, Bianca Kiley, Lydia D’Arcy, Dania Thayer, Jane Betti, and bow Maddie Owens, looked smooth and powerful as they demolished the field, finishing just 4 seconds away from grabbing a gold.
The Hingham girls third varsity race was a romp. Coxswain Shayla St. Croix, stroke Rose Lovendale, Annie Sargent, Taylor Sargent, Hayley Kost, Dillon Turner, Aubrey Fairfield, Anne Kyriss, and bow Abrielle Beaudoin smoked their Duxbury counterparts by more than a minute and a half, a testament to Hingham’s depth and talent as they grabbed more gold for Hingham. Similarly, Hingham’s fourth varsity, with coxswain Grace Ji, stroke Lauren Newth, Shauna Arseneau, Elsie Olin, Ellie White, Stella Gutierrez, Mae Mahoney, Kaylee Araujo, and bow Eva O’Sullivan looked absolutely stunning as they powered down the course and secured vital points for the team. The girls continue to grow and improve through each race as they cement Hingham’s status as the dominant force in Massachusetts public school rowing.
Coach Sydney Blasetti reflected on the hard work the team put into winning the state title and all of the things they learned about themselves on the way, “Winning a state championship is something truly special, not just for the title but because of the journey each of these athletes have taken to get here. They’ve put their hearts into every practice, pushed through every setback, and supported each other every step of the way. They deserve this moment – this victory reflects their grit, their resilience, and their deep bond as a team. Watching them reach this achievement is one of the greatest honors a coach can have.”
Following the successful conclusion of the racing day, the Hingham boys and girls teams were presented with the Richard W Stavros trophy as the overall champions of the Fall racing season. After loading up the trailers and buses, the Hingham rowers were treated to the traditional State Champion police escort along Main Street, as crowds of well-wishers flew banners, rang bells, and cheered heartily for the returning athletes. The well-deserved accolades represent months of hard work by the coaches, families, and of course the athletes themselves, who meticulously planned and executed the stunningly successful conclusion to a rewarding season. Next up for the team will be the Hingham Crew Banquet, on Wednesday, November 6th at 6:30 in the HHS cafeteria, which now promises to be an even more unforgettable evening of celebration.
