Busy Fall for Rugged Blue Devil Crew
It might look relaxing from the shore, but members of the Huntington High School crew team will tell you that their sport is a grueling one. It demands an enormous amount of physical and technique training, including running, weight lifting, an array of exercises and even more time on the water.
The Blue Devil crew program has a sterling reputation up-and-down east coast. This fall the team will be competing in a number of races, including Head of the Harlem in Manhattan, Head of the Charles in Boston, MA, Head of the Fish in Saratoga and the Long Island Frostbite in Oyster Bay on November 6.
At the Head of the Charles, Huntington has been given the opportunity to enter three boats this year: boys' single, boys' double and girls' double, according to head coach Marc Jensen. Once again, the team will look to make its presence felt.
Among the athletes to watch is senior Mia Rienzo, who looks to build upon the experience she gained last spring at the nationals. Seniors Ben Jensen and Liam Dreusike are expected to meet many of the same competitors they bested en route to winning the state championship last spring. The pair hopes to use the fall season to maintain their edge and repeat their success next spring.
Sophomores Nicole Caputo and Andrew Mollitor have stepped up their commitment after deciding to make crew a year-round sport. "They will be rowers to watch over the coming seasons," Jensen said.
Blue Devil crew held an all-day fundraiser this week at Applebee's Restaurant on Route 110. The funds generated will provide important support for various program initiatives, including the continuing transition from a crew storage facility at Coindre Hall to a new one at Centerport beach.
"We are grateful for all the support we have received from the town and district in making the move of our rowing facility a possibility," Jensen said. "With the new location, came new expenses like the need for heavier moorings for our launches and better rack systems for storing our equipment in the container that houses them."
The Applebee's event is popular one. "This is one of our favorite fundraisers because it gives us a chance to have a fun night out as a 'family' more than a team," said Dee Kitzen, president of Friends of Huntington Crew.