The State College Area Rowing Team (SCAR) had its first regatta of the season on Saturday, Sept. 28 at Bald Eagle Lake where the team took on the Penn State Rowing Team.

SCAR usually races at larger, farther away regattas with other high school teams, so competing with Penn State close to home was a big change for the team’s first competition. 

The team performed well under the pressure of going up against Penn State’s novice and varsity rowers. “It’s a little intimidating, but I’m also excited for the challenge, and this is my first ever competition, so I’m so nervous,” junior Amelia Condon said.  

Senior Sophia Reutzel was grateful to race the Penn State boats. “It’s such an amazing experience to, as a high schooler, be going up against a college team, especially since we have some ex-SCAR rowers on the collegiate level,” Reutzel said. “So it’s fun to see everybody again.” 

The team has a busy schedule, practicing five days a week. They row on the water at Bald Eagle Lake three days a week and do dry land training two days a week at State High. 

Although rowing consists of significant exercise and hard work, the atmosphere of the team is incredibly positive. “I really think that we’ve created such a community in SCAR,” Reutzel said. “It’s amazing how our coaching has changed throughout the years, and it’s amazing to see how SCAR has kind of grown and solidified itself in the state high experience. We’re all very passionate about what we do, and we’re so thankful to everyone that’s contributed to how the team has grown in terms not only of size but also in the dedication to the sport.” 

One of the team’s coaches, Jack Langelaan, loves this year’s squad. “Our biggest strength is our rowers,” Langelann said. “They’re all dedicated. They love being here and they’re working really hard.”

Following this first regatta, SCAR is looking forward to its upcoming larger regattas in Rochester and Philadelphia.

Lineups for the Sept. 28 regatta:

Girls Novice 4+ Amelia Condon, Gianna Cestone, Claire Heaney, Anna Herickhoff (Caleb Sharpe)

Boys Novice 4+ Andrew Baxter, Jonah Little, Abdullah Rana, Will Meehan (Rosie Myers-Finnegan)

Boys Varsity 2x Sterling Kocher, Sam Sherwood

Boys 2 Varsity 2x Jerry Bugden, Chase Bayly

Boys Varsity 4+ Micah Langelaan, Nolan Setcavage, Isaac Tan, Liam Hickman (Brian)

Girls Varsity 4+ Kajsa Banks, Claire Heaney, Anna Herickhoff, Becky Mignot (Sophia Reutzel)

Boys 2 Varsity 4+ Austen Canova, Jeiten Chesnut, Augustus Nicholas, Eros Hernandez (Derek Bowman)