PREP SPORTS
CREW
T
he spring crew season is one of building excitement toward the NEIRA Championship race in May, and the 2023 season was no different. Preparation begins in early November in the erg room and weight room as athletes develop the massive cardiovascular fitness required of the sport. Led by Captains Jack Devine (Boston College) and Zaza Kovacs (Fairfield Univ.) the senior class has spent the last three and a half years doing just that. The Jesuits opened the NEIRA regular season with Stonington and St. John’s Prep visiting Captain’s Cove on consecutive weekends. Clean sweeps across all categories meant the boys were off to a good start. The Kulaga Cup followed at the end of April and the weather was not kind; 35 mph winds and whitecaps down the racecourse did not make for an easy day. The 2nd varsity was able to get ahead of the Bruins with a gutsy row that was all gas and no breaks, however the cup remained with Brunswick since the 3rd and the 1st could not find the speed to match their opponents on a hellacious day for rowing. May brought the anticipation to a peak with races against always formidable foes in BC High and Salisbury. The coaching staff tried to hone in the fastest possible lineups for those last opportunities before NEIRA. A renewal of the President’s Cup with BC High meant the race on the Charles was all that more meaningful for seniors Brendan Barrett (Colby), Chris Capalbo (Boston College), Lucas Swarowsky (Univ. of Toronto), Tim Spahn (Villanova) and Jack Greenleaf (Bucknell). A hard fought narrow victory meant the team was bringing the President’s Cup back to Fairfield after leaving it in
the capable hands of the 2023 Captains Philip Martins ’23, James Louw ’23 and Liam McMahon ’23. The NEIRA regatta was back to full capacity and speed for the 2023 version; the perennial powerhouses had reloaded their boats with athletes from all over the United States. Prep accounted for themselves well amongst the fastest crews the league had to offer and were able to secure an overall placing of 8th in the first boat, 8th in the second boat and 11th in the 3rd boat. Finally, this season marks the end of my time as coach. From my first day in 2008, to taking the helm from John Turner in 2012, to seeing our athletes compete in high school, college and the international stage, the goal has been to make FP crew a respected group of gritty, smart and fast athletes. I thank Tom Curran and Graham Niemi for their support over the years. Thank you as well to the hundreds of families and athletes that remained true to Prep and rowed for their school. – Ed Feldheim (pictured above top right)
SAILING
L
ed by Coach Sean Palizza, the Prep Sailing Team and their dedicated group of sailers had another great season competing in the Fairfield County Sailing League and practicing down at Pequot Yacht Club. The Jesuits raced against Brunswick, Greenwich, Fairfield HS, Staples and others over the course of the season. Robbie Upton ’23 (right) earned national Junior Olympic ranking, competing in several competitions while attending Prep, including the Connecticut State Championships, NESSA Championships, and various other competitions across the country. Robbie has committed to sail at Fordham University.
40 PREPTODAY | FALL 2023
SAILING HONORS Most Valuable - Robbie Upton ’23 Most Improved - Richard Marquis ’25 Sportsmanship/Seamanship Will Bonito ’25
