Ramsey, New Jersey - Rockland Rowing proved hard work breeds success at the Ironmen Erg Classic on Saturday hosted by Don Bosco Prep. Rockland's under 19 youth rowers brought home gold, silver and bronze medals and set new personal records (PR). This year's race had 363 entrants from 19 clubs and competitors raced 2,000 meters on the indoor rowing machines. Head Boy's Coach Veli Etropolksi said "Overall the team is strong, dedicated, committed and motivated... they will be strong contenders in the upcoming races throughout the year."
On the girl's side coached by Melissa Boyd, Gabriele Welp IHA '19 won gold in the girl's high school varsity lightweight category with a time of 7:40.4. Welp was off her PR by more than ten seconds but still defeated 16 rowers including last year's winner in this event to whom she was runner-up last year. Eighth grade rower Caroline High '22 took home silver in a field 16 and set a new personal record (3:56:1 for 1k).
For the boy's team coached by Veli Etropolski Anthony Rostek Tappan Zee '20 captured bronze in the men's high school novice race which saw 13 competitors (7:02.5). Two boy's team members also achieved personal records lightweight junior Matthew Davidson Clarkstown North '19 (7:11.0) and open weight junior Jake Bardorf Clarkstown South '19 (6:49.4). Bardorf said, "I was very happy with my time" and is already looking ahead to the next 2k as he is "excited to improve."
Up next, Rockland's competitive youth will travel to Poughkeepsie for the HRRA Indoor Sprints on March 17.
