EARLYSVILLE, Va. — The Virginia rowing team dominated the competition at the Rivanna Romp held on Sunday, November 10, on the picturesque Rivanna Reservoir, showcasing their exceptional skills by sweeping all three races. The Cavaliers secured victories in the highly competitive Varsity Eight, Varsity Four, and Novice Eight events, effectively wrapping up an impressive fall season in style.
The annual regatta attracted a fierce lineup of crews from notable institutions such as Duke, Minnesota, and North Carolina, making the victories even more significant. Over the years, Virginia has developed a remarkable legacy at this regatta, winning the last 18 Varsity Eight races and clinching 15 of the last 17 titles in the Varsity Four category, demonstrating their consistent excellence in this sport.
In the highlight race, UVA’s Varsity Eight showcased their prowess by traversing the 4,000-meter course with a remarkable winning time of 13:26.6. Their second varsity crew trailed closely, finishing in second place with a time of 13:42.7, just ahead of Duke’s V8, which clocked in at 13:43.5. Notably, North Carolina’s V8 achieved a commendable 13:19.1, while Minnesota’s crew completed the course in 13:57.2. UVA’s Third Varsity Eight finished with an eighth-place time of 14:07.3, followed by the Fourth and Fifth Varsity Eights, which placed 15th and 16th, respectively, highlighting the depth of the UVA program.
In an intriguing twist, the Cavaliers’ Third Varsity Four emerged victorious over UVA’s own Varsity Four, recording a time of 15:09.6 to 15:14.9. Minnesota’s Varsity Four secured a respectable second place at 15:18.6, edging out UVA’s 2V4, which finished fourth at 15:18.7. Meanwhile, UVA’s Fourth Varsity Four placed 16th with a time of 16:26.4.
In the final race of the day, the Cavaliers’ Novice Eight put on an impressive show, easily defeating Duke with a time of 14:54.5 compared to Duke’s 15:19.5, showcasing the strength of the program’s newcomers.
Virginia Lineups
Varsity Eight
Coxswain: Brie Joe, Stroke: Jenna Hajji, 7-seat: Paige Loh, 6-seat: Sheila Joyce, 5-seat: Flynn Greene, 4-seat: Teagan Orth, 3-seat: Riley Richardson, 2-seat: Skylar Morrison and Bow: Sofia Coppola
Second Varsity Eight
Coxswain: Chloe Lee, Stroke: PJ Balazy, 7-seat: Helene Dimitrijev, 6-seat: Sydney Fratamico, 5-seat: Lila Henn, 4-seat: Aidan Wrenn-Walz, 3-seat: Paula Lutz, 2-seat: Kate McGee and Bow: Sky Dahl
Third Varsity Eight
Coxswain: Samara Coakley, Stroke: Alyssa Fikkers, 7-seat: Lindsay O’Neil, 6-seat: Anna Schrieber, 5-seat: Claudia Kerry-Roger, 4-seat: Dylan Bentley, 3-seat: Ayla O’Neill, 2-seat: Emeline Daley and Bow: Savannah Cogan
Fourth Varsity Eight
Coxswain: Shelby Bavin, Stroke: Molly Bidwell, 7-seat: Reilly Katz, 6-seat: Elena Bloom, 5-seat: Eva Morton, 4-seat: Claire Lingle, 3-seat: Sophie Gallagher, 2-seat: Savannah Fox and Bow: Hannah Guy
Fifth Varsity Eight
Coxswain: Ashlynn McGinn, Stroke: Katie Rapaglia, 7-seat: Skylar Gash, 6-seat: Abby Grace McGowan, 5-seat: Ryleigh Katstra, 4-seat: Paige Lane, 3-seat: Sarah Rapaglia, 2-seat: Phoebe Fant and Bow: Maggie Warren
Novice Varsity Eight
Coxswain: Samara Coakley, Stroke: PJ Balazy, 7-seat: Elena Bloom, 6-seat: Eva Morton, 5-seat: Paula Lutz, 4-seat: Ayla O’Neill, 3-seat: Emeline Daley, 2-seat: Gabby Fenwick, Bow: Maggie Warren
Varsity Four
Coxswain: Brie Joe, Stroke: Jenna Hajji, 3-seat: Sheila Joyce, 2-seat: Flynn Greene, Bow: Paige Loh
Second Varsity Four
Coxswain: Shelby Bavin, Stroke: Sky Dahl, 3-seat: Teagan Orth, 2-seat: Lila Henn, Bow: Aidan Wrenn-Walz
Third Varsity Four
Coxswain: Chloe Lee, Stroke: Kate McGee, 3-seat: Sophia Coppola, 2-seat: Sydney Fratamico, Bow: Helene Dimitrijev
Fourth Varsity Four
Coxswain: Sami Goldman, Stroke: Katherine Jennings, 3-seat: Hannah Hill, 2-seat: Bridget Reese, Bow: Caroline Nickel
**Interview with UVA Rowing Coach, Sarah Thompson**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Coach Thompson. Congratulations on UVA’s remarkable performance at the Rivanna Romp! How does it feel to see your team dominate all three events?
**Coach Thompson:** Thank you! It feels absolutely fantastic. The team has worked incredibly hard this fall, and seeing them sweep all three races is a testament to their dedication and talent. It’s always rewarding when hard work pays off, especially against crews from strong programs like Duke, Minnesota, and North Carolina.
**Editor:** The Varsity Eight’s winning time of 13:26.6 was impressive, especially with the second varsity crew coming in second. What can you tell us about the dynamics within the team during that race?
**Coach Thompson:** The Varsity Eight showed excellent teamwork and focus throughout the race. They started strong and maintained that momentum. Having our second varsity crew right behind them really highlights the depth of our program this year. It’s a healthy competition within the team that keeps everyone striving for excellence.
**Editor:** It’s fascinating that UVA’s Third Varsity Four outpaced your own Varsity Four. What do you attribute this outcome to, and how does it impact team morale?
**Coach Thompson:** It was a surprising yet exciting outcome! Credit goes to the Third Varsity Four for their determination and skill. This kind of intra-team competition is incredibly healthy; it pushes everyone to elevate their performance. Team morale is high because it shows that our depth is strong, and we can’t predict who will shine on race day.
**Editor:** The Novice Eight also had a stellar performance, beating Duke decisively. How important is it to see your newcomers excel in such a competitive environment?
**Coach Thompson:** It’s crucial! The Novice Eight’s victory showcases that we have a bright future ahead. The transition from novice to varsity can be challenging, but seeing those new rowers perform so well gives them confidence and reinforces our program’s culture of support and continuous improvement.
**Editor:** With this successful fall season, what are your goals as the team moves forward into winter training and the spring competitive season?
**Coach Thompson:** Our primary goal is to build on this momentum. We’ll analyze our performances, identify areas for improvement, and continue to foster team cohesion. Winter training is about building strength and endurance, so we’ll focus on keeping the competitive spirit alive while preparing our athletes for the challenges ahead in the spring.
**Editor:** Thank you, Coach Thompson! It’s clear that the Virginia rowing team has a promising future ahead, and we look forward to following their journey!
**Coach Thompson:** Thank you! I appreciate your support and interest in our program. Go Cavaliers!