Next up the Head of the Charles
Megunticook Rowing’s junior athletes lit up the New England racing scene with outstanding back-to-back performances on October 5 and October 12, combining speed, skill, and grit in two of the region’s most competitive fall regattas.
The Loonies kicked off October with a powerful showing at the 46th Annual Textile River Regatta, held over 4,500 meters on the Merrimack River. With 374 boats in 67 races and more than 600 athletes in attendance, Megunticook shined:
• Women’s Jr. Double: Laura Riordan and Tucker Beynart – 2nd place, a commanding 45 seconds ahead of third.
• Women’s Jr. Double Under 17: Lucy Morgenstern and Grace Doolen – 3rd place, 13 seconds clear of fourth.
• Men’s Jr. Single: Jake Roux – 5th, 20 seconds clear of next finisher.
Complete results: https://legacy.herenow.com/results/#/races/21375/results
Just one week later, the juniors took on the largest rowing event in New England north of Boston- the New Hampshire Championships George Dirth Memorial Regatta. Hosted by Amoskeag Rowing Club at Memorial Park, the three-mile head race brought together nearly 400 boats and over 2,000 athletes. Megunticook’s juniors took on the challenging upriver start-to-park finish course with determination, testing their endurance and technical focus against some of the region’s most competitive crews. Their participation at this premier event marks another milestone in the team’s fall season and bodes well for a successful spring season.
Head Coach Bob van Twyver commended the rowers, stating that “racing back-to-back weekends at this level shows not only athletic strength, but also maturity and commitment to teamwork – qualities we’re proud to see developing in all Megunticook Rowing athletes.”
Rowing in crisp, breezy conditions, Megunticook’s young competitors delivered emphatic results:
• Women’s Jr. Double: Laura Riordan and Tucker Beynart – 1st place, finishing ahead of teammates Grace Doolen and Lucy Morgenstern.
• Women’s Jr. Double (Grace Doolen and Lucy Morgenstern): 2nd place, fending off a fierce challenge from local Amoskeag rowers.
- Men’s Jr Single – Jake Roux – 6th place nearly 10 seconds ahead on the next finisher
• Women’s Jr. Quad: Riordan, Beynart, Doolen, and Morgenstern – 2nd place, ending the day with another podium splash.
Complete results: https://legacy.herenow.com/results/#/races/21368/results
Next up the Megunticook Rowing Loonies are off to the 60th running of the legendary Head of the Charles Regatta, October 17-19! The whole team is especially excited to cheer for Cathy Kemper of the San Diego Rowing Club, who trains with Megunticook Rowing every summer and just celebrated her 80th birthday. Cathy serves as an inspiration to all, racing at 8:06 on Friday – proof that age is just a number when it comes to passion and perseverance.
Saturday brings a full slate of action: Will Schaetzke will compete in the Men’s Master and Senior Master Singles (30+, 40+) at 7:56am, while Cabot Adams takes on the Men’s Championship Singles at 2:23pm. The day heats up at 3:28pm with the Directors’ Challenge Mixed Quad, featuring Meredith Currier, Will Schaetzke, Amy Dyer, and Hugh Brock – fresh off a commanding win at the Textile River Regatta!
On Sunday at 2:18 Polly Saltonstall and Stephanie Lash will race with college roommates in the Directors Challenge Women’s Quad. Sunday’s finale is the Directors’ Challenge Mixed Eight at 4:17pm. This crew embodies the Megunticook spirit, combining Masters (Mark McCallister), Grand Masters (Amy Mitchell, Marnie Read, Leslie Forand), Juniors (Jake Roux, Robert Wickenden, Grace Doolen), and decorated medalist Cabot Adams, will be steered by coxswain and summer coach Kali Brown. It promises to be an unforgettable journey up the 4,702-meter course and a great way to wrap up a big weekend.
With Megunticook Rowing representing every generation and experience level, Megunticook Rowing is ready for a spirited and action-packed weekend on the Charles. Row, Megunticook, row! Go Loonies!
Head of the Charles Race Times and Dates
Friday, October 17
- 8:06am – Cathy Kemper
Saturday, October 18
- 7:56am Men’s Master & Senior Master Singles – Will Schaetzke
- 2:23pm Men’s Championship Singles – Cabot Adams
- 3:28 Directors’ Challenge Mixed Quad – Meredith Currier, Will Schaetzke, Amy Dyer, Hugh Brock
Sunday, October 19
- 2:18 – Directors Challenge Women’s Quad – Polly Saltonstall and Stephanie Lash
- 4:17pm – Directors Challenge Mixed Eight – Mark McCallister, Amy Mitchell, Marnie Read, Leslie Forand, Jake Roux, Robert Wickenden, Grace Doolen, Cabot Adams, Coxswain Kali Brown