The athletes in the Guilford High School rowing program were eager to hit the water this spring following the cancellation of the 2020 season. Although the Grizzlies only had a handful of races, they cherished every opportunity they were given to compete in 2021.

This year marked the seventh season for Matt Wilson as head coach of the Guilford crew program. Guilford’s boys’ and girls’ teams both competed in five meets during the spring season. The boys’ team posted a record of 2-3 on the year, while the girls’ squad finished with a record of 1-4.

Coach Wilson was happy with the way that each of his crews performed this year.

“Overall, the Guilford High School crew team had a successful season. The boys’ and girls’ teams competed at their highest level each and every race and practice,” said Wilson. “The challenges they endured over the past year with COVID definitely had an impact on performance and results. But each and every day the rowers showed up to challenge themselves in competing and improving their overall techniques of the sport.”

Two of the biggest races that Guilford’s rowers look forward to every year are the Connecticut Public Schools Championship Regatta, along with the New England Interscholastic Championship Regatta. Unfortunately, both of those races were canceled before Guilford even began its regular season. Consequently, the Grizzlies viewed their 2021 campaign as a stepping stone for future prosperity, and Coach Wilson felt that his athletes did a top-notch job of seeing through that mission.

“Although the racing opportunities were few this year, the rowers came each day with a positive attitude,” Wilson said. “Their determination, commitment, and motivation to improve was infectious and helped drive the team through the season. Their hard work and improvement are a building block for next year’s success.”

Guilford featured 61 athletes in the program between its boys’ and girls’ crews this spring. The Grizzlies were led by their senior class that featured Nattacia Christian, Lexi Greene, Mary Beatty, Sofia Radick, and Carson Halbower, along with Jack Greiner, Ian Lataillade, Henry Russell, Evan Spalding, and Luca Spinella. Coach Wilson knows that Guilford wouldn’t have done as well as it did without the contributions from its seniors.

“Each year, the coaches recognize the top performers, whether it is in the boat racing, at practices, or in leadership. This year, the coaches agreed that the senior rowers were the strength and leadership that carried the team through this challenging year,” Wilson said. “In addition, their dedication to the team over the last four years and especially this past season should be commended. Whether it was leading by example or a vocal leader, they helped set the tone for all the juniors, sophomores, and freshmen.”

Coach Wilson believes that his seniors have learned a lot of lessons that will help them in life as a result of rowing crew at Guilford.

“One of my goals when I starting coaching at Guilford was to help rowers grow not only in the sport of rowing, but also in life. I am confident that the rowers in the program have done just that, especially the graduating seniors,” said Wilson. “They have matured, learned to accept things that are outside of their control, and continued to be leaders in the boat and outside the boat this season. I am sure they will make significant contributions in their educational and personal pursuits.”

One important lesson that Coach Wilson’s team learned over the course of the season was managing each practice and every meet one day at a time. Wilson knew there was a chance the season could end at any point due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so he wanted to make sure that his athletes made the most of every moment and left it all on the water.

“Each and every day, you weren’t sure whether you would be able to practice or compete. The unknown had an impact on all rowers and coaches,” Wilson said. “I learned that you have to take one day at time and be grateful for what you have, both in life and coaching. Do not take anything for granted, because it can change very quick. I would have never thought that last year we would not have a season at all. This year, when the rowers and coaches arrived for the first practice, we were determined to provide an environment where we worked hard, competed smart, and had fun along the way.”

Guilford’s junior class included Nicholas Amter, Emily Crossley, Kayla Dohna, Henry Gunderson, Kyra Hawkes, Cathlyn Marinis, Moira McGovern, Sands Pascucilla, Aidan Pawelek, Christopher Penner, Max Petra, Blake Pitoniak, Reese Pitoniak, Caroline Reilly, Sarah Walsh, and Will Sheldon.

The sophomores in the program this year were Jack Audet, Ella Beesley, Bradyn Benben, Ava Bonazzoli, Christian Cuozzo, Zachary Ellesio, Ashlyn Garrick, Christopher Haar, Katherine Hicks, Hailey Hutchison, Guilia Migani, Marina Renz, Eva Riga, Zoe Rumanoff, Lubaba Sharmin, Erin Shelton, Lucy Turbucz, Panorea Vasiliou, and Mia Walker.

The Grizzlies’ freshman class featured Jacob Crowley, Caden Welch, George Fenollosa, Cooper Formica, Cassandra Granata, Tegan Guile, Teagan Kruczek, Madelyn Lee, Connor MacKenzie, Owen Medvecky, Ryan Michna, Riley Scott, Tyler Skapczynski, and Danny Uzzo.

Looking ahead to next season, Coach Wilson feels confident that the younger ranks will step up and fill void of the graduating seniors. Wilson said that Guilford’s rowers made great growth both in and out off the boat during the spring of 2021.

“The program will have a significant number of returning rowers on both the girls’ and boys’ teams. Their experience, knowledge, and offseason conditioning will allow each of them to practice and compete every day,” said Wilson. “In addition, it will help the incoming class to understand the expectations, techniques, and methods necessary to practice and be successful in a boat. Each season, the assistant coaches and myself continually work with the rowers to improve their strength, conditioning, stamina, and rowing techniques to allow them to perform at their highest skill level. The Guilford crew team will be ready to compete next season.”