Pioneer Navy set for the 50th Annual MC vs. Purdue Challenge

Mar. 24, 2005
MARIETTA, Ohio - The Marietta College men's crew team will kick off its 2005 season Saturday (Mar. 26), when it travels to Indianapolis, Indiana, for the 50th Annual MC vs. Purdue Challenge. Racing will get underway at 3 p.m. on Eagle Creek Reservoir, the site of the 1994 World Championships.

The Pioneer Navy view this race as the second most intense competition of the year, second only to the Dad Vails in late May.

"We are anxious for this weekend," said Head Coach John Bancheri, who is in his 11th season as the leader of the Pioneer Navy. "Purdue is our biggest rival. To say that this is an important race is an understatment. It sets the tone for the whole season."

Marietta finished one second behind Purdue at Dad Vails in 2004. The Pioneers, however, rowed to victory in this event last season, crossing the line in 5:22.00, just ahead of Purdue (5:22.68) to win the Challenge Cup for the ninth time in ten years. The last time it left the hands of MC was in 2001.

"When we get together with Purdue it is always a close, exciting race and this year should be no different," added Bancheri, who has an 8-2 record in the race. "The margin of victory in each of the last five years has been less than a boat length."

Marietta, who had a rough fall season, has worked hard off the water and is mentally and physically prepared to have a successful spring racing season.

"These athletes have persevered through some rocky times, but have worked as hard as any group I've coached and their erg scores have reflected their dedication," said Bancheri. "As long as they can remove the outside clutter while they are on the water, I am confident we will be one of the Top 25 crews in the nation."

Bancheri has entered five boats into the competition, which also includes the Marietta, Purdue and Drake women. The Varsity Eight sits from bow Chase Graham, Matt Henwood, Karl Biermann, Mike Ross, Mark Dolson, Evan Tsourtsoulas, Rob Johnson, stroke Chuck Gowdy and coxswain Devin Ohman.

Marietta, as well as Purdue, has consolidated its JV Eight and Lightweight Eight to make a 2nd Varsity Eight. The Pioneers' boat is comprised of Andy Coniglio, Eric Dowler, Peter Lorenz, Mike Sullivan, Brent Keuch, Steve Wynne, Kyle Fitzgerald, stroke Jon Carlon and coxswain Kristen Sukolsky.

The Pioneer Navy's Freshman/Novice Eight includes Dan Schall, Matt Cascadden, Brent Wright, Tom Gray, Alex DelSordo, Justin Callahan, Pete Seymour, stroke David McIntire and coxswain Tim Rinehart.

Marietta will also race two Varsity Four + Saturday. Boat "A" includes Coniglio, Carlon, Lorenz, Dowler, and coxswain Joe Lincke, while shell "B" is made up of Steve DiPardo, Charles Reynolds, Dave Himes, Chris Engler and coxswain Kristen Bird.

"We have the equipment, tools and no excuses," added Bancheri. "We will also be rested and I expect a great weekend on the water."