For the first time since 2004 the Varsity Men will participate in the Men’s Open 8+ race at the Head of the Cuyahoga. This marks the first time that the team has started the season with a men’s eight in 4 years.
The team, coached by Team Head Coach Chris Maeder, currently is currently 9 rowers strong, with a dedicated coxswain.
John Carroll Men’s rowing has seen many years of Men’s Open 4+ racing and is very glad to see the boosted number on the men’s team.
“We are very excited to hit the water and see what these guys are capable of,” Coach Maeder said. He added, “They have been working hard since they returned to school and have really started to row together well. We look forward to having a strong season.”
The team is composed of three returning varsity rowers (Junior Captain Mike Seitz, Sophomore Jon Rost, and sophomore Jake Bruenig), returning varsity coxswain (Sophomore Alex Weber), five novice rowers who have made the jump to varsity (Sophomores Joe Keppler, Mark Nowicki, Miles Nevin, Devin Eicher and Senior Dan Mochetta), and one new rower (Junior Rob Zdankiewicz).
The team will face five other clubs in their quest to reach gold in the Men’s Open 8+ at the Head of the Cuyahoga on September 20.
Given the numbers, this will also give the team the ability to row two fours in the fall. They will race two fours against eight other clubs, on their home river. “Having two fours gives us the ability to get out on the water and push each other. It gives us the options to change line ups and having harder practices. Having two boats will hopefully make us a stronger, faster team,” said Coach Maeder.