EMORY CREWSLETTER FALL 2021
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EMORY CREWSLETTER FALL 2021 IN THIS EDITION
MEET THE COACHES
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BOATHOUSE UPDATES
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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
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SECRET CITY HEAD RACE
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BOATHOUSE BRUNCH
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HEAD OF THE HOOCH
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HEAD OF THE SOUTH
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ROWERS OF THE SEASON
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GRADUATING SENIOR SPOTLIGHTS
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Watch the fall recap video: bit.ly/EmoryCrewFall2021Video
MEET THE COACHES GRANT LANSER
Coach Grant is Emory Crew's new head varsity coach from Savannah, Georgia. While rowing for 4 years with UGA, he won the lightweight single at Head of the South in 2017 and 2018, won the 8+ at ACRA Henley, and placed 3rd in the lightweight 4+ at Head of the Hooch in 2019. Aside from coaching, he is a nurse at Emory Hospital and feels lucky to continue both his passion for healthcare and rowing through Emory. His favorite memories from this season were Tuesday morning water practices at the crack of dawn and a 4x10 minute erg workout that turned into a tire flipping party. Going into the spring season, Coach Grant is looking forward to practicing start sequences and making boats go *very* fast. Although he appears to wear the exact same outfit every single day, he actually owns 16 gray shirts and thinks wearing flannel is a personality trait. Nevertheless, he still essentially wears the same outfit everyday (see every team picture).
SARAH BAKER COOMBS
Coach Sarah is Emory's novice coach who hails from upstate New York. After rowing and coxing in high school, she went on to cox for Duke University's Division 1 Women’s Rowing team, where she won silver at the ACC Women’s Championship in 2013 and was selected as a CRCA Scholar Athlete and All-ACC Academic Honor Roll. She joined Emory Crew’s coaching staff this fall after working for Emory for five years and graduating with an MBA in 2020. Her favorite memory from this season was the first race and watching the novices launch very nervously but return to the docks with big smiles and feelings of accomplishment. She is excited to build on the team’s technique and fitness foundation next semester and spend more time together on the water. Coach Sarah feels so grateful to have this opportunity to work with this impressive group of student athletes, as “it takes great courage to dive into something completely new, and the novices have done such a wonderful job embracing this sport, pushing themselves, and supporting their teammates this season. It’s a joy and a privilege to coach this team.”
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BOATHOUSE UPDATES In Spring 2020, Emory Crew was unfortunately forced to move out of the original boathouse at Stone Mountain lake. Since then, the team has worked closely with Emory Club Sports and Stone Mountain Park to build a temporary new structure to store the boats. During the summer of 2021, Emory Club Sports funded the construction of a temporary structure right across the path from the old boathouse. The structure will be outfitted over winter break with new Space Saver Rowing boat and oar racks. Thank you to all of the alumni who supported the team throughout the construction process! We will keep everyone updated as we hear more about a permanent structure! Article by Anna Voss '22
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT While current team members, family, and alumni gathered at Stone Mountain for a boathouse brunch, five of Emory Crew’s alumni were having a reunion 1000 miles away. Head of the Charles is the largest two-day regatta in the country, where the fastest crews from around the nation race down a tricky course on the Charles River in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The course is notorious for its numerous turns, bridges, and… boats. This year, 2231 boats raced, representing 619 teams. One of those was Emory’s Alumni Men’s 4+. Daniel Jablonski ‘97, Gunnar Wainwright ‘17, Eliot Littlefield ‘17, and Philip Lechner ‘20 powered down the river with coxswain Jonathan O’Brien ‘19 steering the crew through the finish line in just 19 minutes and 11 seconds. Placing 14 out of 27 crews, the four secured a top-half finish. It is inspiring to see alumni’s love for rowing transcending their time at Emory. Emory Wins!
Photos courtesy of Philip Lechner '20
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OCTOBER 16 | OAK RIDGE, TN
SECRET CITY HEAD RACE
Women's Varsity 4+ racing down the course
Women's Novice 8+ launching for their first race ever!
For Emory Crew’s first regatta of the season, the team headed up to Oak Ridge, Tennessee to race on the gorgeous Melton Hill Lake. After a year and a half of patiently waiting to get back on a race course and less than a month of training on the water, the team piled into minivans on Friday afternoon to make the four hour trek. Early Saturday morning, the novices had their first introduction to the world of regattas; from helping unload the trailer and rigging boats to ringing cowbells to cheer on Emory Crew. Women's Novice 8+ launching
The Men’s Novice 4+ and Women’s Novice 8+ were the first to race. Battling their first experience rowing in a headwind, crosswind, and tailwind, the novices managed to cross the finish line 4750 meters later with high spirits and everyone still in the boat (even with two rowers’ shoes falling apart mid-race). Next up was the Women’s Varsity 8+ featuring novice rower Ellie Sweeney Benzon ‘25, who would also race in the Women’s Novice 4+ later that afternoon. After her first hot seat, now-experienced novice coxswain Ginger Lau ’24 expertly led the eight down the course. Then came the Men’s Varsity 4+, who raced the clock up to the start line after Coach Grant quickly repaired the two pairs of blown shoes. Stroked by Ethan Bends ‘24 in his second race of the day, the four sped down the course, overtaking
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OCTOBER 16 | OAK RIDGE, TN
SECRET CITY HEAD RACE CONT. Davidson in the process. Launching the “Inconceivable Faith” for the third time that day, the Women’s Novice 4+ took their turn at the race course, rowing together for the first time with Amelia Lawler ‘24 as their fearless stroke seat. For Emory’s last race of the day, the Women’s Varsity 4+ made their way to the start line, arriving 25 minutes early to be sure to have ample time before having to turn and begin towards the starting chute. Speeding past Murray State in the first 1000
the meters, the four rowers and coxswain came off water with bright smiles after what senior Kat Mico ‘22 called “the best row she’s ever had with Emory Crew.”
Men's Novice 4+ boat meeting right before launching
Women's Varsity 8+ returning from their race
After loading the trailer back up, the team returned to the minivans and headed back to Atlanta. With a quick rendezvous in Chattanooga for dinner, Emory Crew returned safely and ready to get back to training. Emory Crew poses for the first of many end-of-regatta photos
Women's Novice 4+'s post-race smiles with Coach Sarah
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OCTOBER 23 | STONE MOUNTAIN PARK, GA
BOATHOUSE BRUNCH On a cool October morning, friends, family, and alumni gathered in the beautiful Stone Mountain picnic area for a boathouse brunch. Celebrating a triumphant return to the water after a year and a half, this gathering with over 60 attendees allowed for team members to show off the dazzling views they are fortunate enough to enjoy every single water practice. Munching on an array of bagels, muffins, and donuts, relatives and friends had the opportunity to meet their rower's second family. Switching out the usual athletic attire for festive fall outfits, there were many photo opportunities to be had with Ally Hom ‘24’s incredible decorations strung from tree to tree.
The team, families, and alumni enjoy a delicious brunch spread
The novices pile in for a team picture
From left to right: Ethan Bends '24 with his family, the varsity team, and Anoushka Parameswar '24 and her aunt
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OCTOBER 23 | STONE MOUNTAIN PARK, GA
BOATHOUSE BRUNCH CONT. Following the mingling of guests, consumption of brunch, and some wise words from President Anna Voss ‘22, everyone made their way down to the lake. Surrounded by the changing leaves and peaceful waters, team members showed off the boats and boathouse area where they spend many of their evenings and early mornings. After learning a bit more about the equipment and – you guessed it – more photos, guests went their separate ways to enjoy the rest of the Homecoming weekend.
Senior Calen MacDonald '22 and his family
Families check out the dock, the gorgeous Stone Mountain lake, and the boathouse
Elia Hunt '24 and her family
Article by Elia Hunt '24
Ellie Sweeney Benzon '25 and her family
Graduating senior Seka Dembure '21 and her family
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NOVEMBER 6 | CHATTANOOGA, TN
HEAD OF THE HOOCH
Team photo featuring Basil, Coach Sarah's regatta dog
After rising before the sun, Emory Crew embarked on their journey to Chattanooga, Tennessee for the second regatta of the season. Head of the Hooch, dubbed “The Last of the Great Fall Regattas”, is one of the largest head races in the nation, attracting clubs from all corners of the country. Upon arrival, the team immediately noticed the thick layer of fog covering the entire Tennessee River. Men's Varsity 4+ racing down the Patiently tracking fog-delay updates via Twitter every Tennessee River 10-15 minutes, the team bundled up with hand warmers and blankets to wait out the delay. An hour and a half later, the river was finally cleared of fog, and the Men’s Varsity 4+ immediately launched for their race against 39 other boats. The Women’s Varsity 8+ was the next to race, with novice rowers Kelsey Marks ‘22 and Elia Hunt ‘24 pulling through as 4 and 3 seat, respectively. Not unusual for Emory Crew, the boat was rowed for the first time in that lineup. Seasoned stroke seat, Manoela Dos Santos ‘24, successfully led the crew through the finish line. Once docked, varsity rower Olivia Ralston ‘23 hopped out of 2 seat of the eight and into the coxswain seat of the Men’s Novice 4+, steering the crew down a windy course.
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NOVEMBER 6 | CHATTANOOGA, TN
HEAD OF THE HOOCH CONT. Following a morning of browsing the regatta’s vendors and embracing the chilly weather, the Women’s Novice 8+ launched, ready to give their race their all. Shortly afterwards, the Women’s Varsity 4+ took their shot at the course, finishing 15th out of 30 boats. With another solid day of racing in the books, the team headed home encouraged by the gains made since Secret City and determined to progress even further at Head of the South.
Women's Varsity 8+ races down the course (far left) and debriefs with a boat meeting (left)
Women's Varsity 4+ in the last 300 meters of the race
Women's Novice 8+ nearing the finish line
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NOVEMBER 13 | AUGUSTA, GA
HEAD OF THE SOUTH
Men's Varsity 4+ come off the water after their second race
The team enjoys some downtime at the tent
Just a week after Head of the Hooch, Emory Crew took on Head of the South as the final regatta of the season. Although they were not able to get out on the water for a practice before HOTS, the whole team had strong performances on their 5k erg tests, with most rowers achieving personal records, or PRs. This training certainly paid off as the team traversed the Savannah River in Augusta, Georgia. The Women’s Novice 8+ was the first to race. This boat featured senior rower Seka Dembure '21, who celebrated her final row with Emory Crew before she graduates this December (see Graduating Senior Spotlights). Shortly afterwards, the Men’s Varsity 4+ raced, coxed by another graduating A UGA-Emory sandwich senior, Trisha Mukhopadhyay ‘21. The next boat to race was perhaps the most riveting of the entire season: a UGA-Emory sandwich in a Men’s Novice 4+. Emory’s rowers Mitik Merchant ‘24 and Vishal Reddy ‘24 jumped into 2 and 3 seat, respectively, with UGA rowers taking on stroke and bow seat. In a truly thrilling escapade, the four rowers and coxswain, Maren Simchuk ‘24, made unforgettable memories down the course.
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NOVEMBER 13 | AUGUSTA, GA
HEAD OF THE SOUTH CONT. Right after the Men’s Varsity 4+ raced in the Club 4+ category, they pulled into the dock for a hot seat. Doing a classic William switcharoo, Billy Martin ‘25 came out of 2 seat and Will Manca di Villahermosa ‘23 went in, while coxswain Ally Hom ‘24 switched in for Trisha. With a fresh pair of legs and lungs, the four took on the Championship 4+ category. As the clock struck 2 PM, the wind and a ripping current picked up just in time for the Women’s Varsity 4+’s race. However, in typical girlboss fashion, the crew managed to row even stronger and put up a tough fight. In seniors Anna Voss ‘22 and Kat Mico ‘22’s last head race with Emory Crew, the boat rowed their way to a 4th place finish, solidifying a season of monumental growth. Continuing the momentum, the Women’s Novice 4+ also proved stronger than the tailwind, crosswind, and nasty current, finishing 5th in their race. Honorable mention to rowers Billy Martin and Mitik Merchant for returning the favor and joining UGA’s Novice Men’s 8+’s, both becoming a Dawg for a race.
Women's Novice 8+ after their last race of the season
Men's Varsity 4+ with graduating senior coxswain, Trisha Mukhopadhyay '21
Emory Crew full of smiles after another great day of racing
Emory Crew would also like to give a special shoutout to the Voss family for driving out to every regatta and providing the team with a delicious spread of sustenance. The team deeply appreciates how much time the Voss’ spent on grocery runs and meal prep, in addition to sticking around for very long race days.
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ROWERS OF THE SEASON NOVICE WOMEN
NOVICE MEN
GINGER LAU
MITIK MERCHANT
Hometown: San Ramon, CA Major: Quantitative Sciences & Physics Side: Coxswain (#swolcoxswainszn) Grad year: 2024 Favorite memory with Emory Crew: Being a disco ball on the water when using Coach Sarah’s multicolor light-up vest in place of bow lights Favorite food: Peanut butter chex
Hometown: Orlando, FL Major: Biology and Computer Science Side: Port Grad year: 2024 Favorite memory with Emory Crew: His first race in the novice 4+ with 3 experienced rowers – he was super nervous but ended up having a lot of fun and exceeding his expectations of himself. By cheering on teammates and even struggling to carry the boats, the race really made him feel like part of the team. Favorite food: Anything with chocolate
VARSITY WOMEN
VARSITY MEN
GIANNA SCHULP
ETHAN BENDS
Hometown: Garrett Park, MD Major: Ancient Mediterranean Studies Grad year: 2025 Side: Prefers port but is now a starboard?? Favorite memory with Emory Crew: Head of the South Favorite food: Souvlaki
Hometown: Houston, TX Major: Economics Grad year: 2024 Side: Port Favorite memory with Emory Crew: “Rowing in the early morning fog on a silver smooth Stone Mountain Lake” Favorite food: Chinook salmon
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GRADUATING SENIOR SPOTLIGHTS
TRISHA MUKHOPADHYAY Hometown: Westfield, New Jersey Major: Quantitative Sciences and Neuroscience Despite her coxing career being interrupted by COVID-19 for a year and a half, Trisha had a blast being on Emory Crew. One of her favorite memories is getting 2nd in a mixed 8+ at Music City Head Race her sophomore year in a chaotic, yet fun race. Trisha is well known to show up to erg practices sporting a classy blazer or plaid trench coat, spearheading a new genre of attire dubbed “business coxswain”. After graduation, Trisha will be heading to New York City to work for a hedge fund. We will miss her and her #bossbabe fits, and can’t wait to see her kill it in the real world!
#TrishaWatch2021
SEKA DEMBURE Hometown: Conyers, Georgia Major: Psychology
After graduating from Emory's Oxford College in 2020, Seka joined Emory Crew the first semester she could: this fall. Although she was only able to be on the team for a semester, she was a vital rower on the novice squad. One of her favorite memories from this season was the drive up to Secret City Head Race in the Ryangel (Ryan and Angel) van. It made her feel like she had a family away from home. After graduation, Seka plans to go to grad school and get a job in human computer interaction/UX design. We wish her the best!
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Crewsletter brought to you by Ally Hom '24 Contributing team members: Ally Hom, Elia Hunt, and Anna Voss
This fall we started a fundraiser to help Emory Crew purchase new oars. When we lost our boathouse at Stone Mountain in the spring of 2020, we unfortunately had to leave all our oars outside on campus for a year and a half. Due to the sun exposure, natural weather conditions, and general age of the oars, we were unable to recover/refurbish most of them. Thanks to the generous donations from rowers, family, friends, and alumni, as well as an anonymous donor who matched the final $1,500 donated, we were able to exceed our goal of raising $8,000 and raise $8,376! The updated equipment that we will purchase for the spring semester will be invaluable to Emory Crew’s success. Thank you to everyone who donated and continues to support our team – Go Emory Crew!
