Trouble finds the Pioneer Navy at the Head Of The Charles
Collision with Penn costs Marietta valuable seconds and drops it to 33rd

Oct. 22, 2006
BOSTON, Mass. — The Marietta College men's rowing team left the 42nd annual Head Of The Charles Regatta Sunday (Oct. 22) with mixed emotions. The Pioneer Navy, who entered with the hope of a top 20 finish in the Championship Eight race, looked as if it would accomplish the goal until a mid-race collision with the University of Pennsylvania cost Marietta valuable seconds and dropped its finish to 33rd overall.

"The men are definitely disappointed in their placement, but very happy with the way that they competed," said second-year Head Coach Chris Pucella. "Before Penn interfered with our race, we were moving up the field. I am proud of the way that our guys handled the situation, refocusing and finishing strong. Unfortunately, it was impossible to make up the time from the collision."

Marietta, which featured stroke Chuck Geyer (Springfield, Va./West Springfield), Eric Dowler (Washington, W.Va./Parkersburg South), Mike Ross (Fairport, N.Y.), Andrew Norris (Dublin/Dublin Scioto), Mitch Paskawych (Marietta), Chase Graham (Mineral Wells, W.Va./Parkersburg South), Jon Carlon (Winter Park, Fla.), bow Zach Stimart (McLean, Va.) and coxswain Lydia Easterling (Tallmadge), finished the three-mile race with a time of 15:14.865. The Pioneers were just over a minute off the winning boat\the United State's National team\who crossed the line in 14:09.673. Marietta also finished just 15 seconds behind its goal and 20th place Northeastern University. Penn was penalized for the interference and one minute was added to its time.

In a race that featured so many top teams, seconds were precious. Proof was shown in that only 2.5 seconds separated Marietta from rival Temple, who placed 28th with a time of 15:12.208. Because of the interference, rivals Navy (18th/14:55.449), George Washington (25th/15:06.090), Virginia (26th/15:06.834), St. Joseph's (30th/15:12.922) and Marist (31st/15:13.707) all finished ahead of the Pioneers.

Fortunately, Marietta will not have to wait long to redeem itself against its competition, as the Pioneer Navy will return to action Saturday (Oct. 28) in Philadelphia, Pa., at the Head of the Schuylkill Regatta.