CHERRY HILL, N.J. — April 12–13, 2024 | Stetson Rowing turned in a strong all-around performance at the 2024 Knecht Cup Regatta, earning five medals on the Cooper River in one of the largest and most competitive collegiate rowing events on the East Coast. Racing against top varsity and club programs from across the country, the Hatters saw success across both their men's and women's squads, highlighted by podium finishes from emerging novice crews and a competitive showing from the Men's Varsity Eight.
Saturday
Women's Varsity Four – Heat 4 | 8:58 AM
Lineup: Samantha Plumb, Stella Fernandez, Alexis Stivali, Evelina Okonski (cox: Ainsley Lynch)
Finish: 5th Place | 9:27.90
Stetson's Varsity Four opened the day in a deep field that included conference rivals and perennial contenders. The crew maintained composure through the middle 1,000 meters, keeping close contact with Canisius and Villanova. Despite finishing fifth, the group showed grit and laid the groundwork for continued development as they gain experience in high-level races.
Men's Frosh/Novice Four – Heat 3 | 10:34 AM
Lineup: Ryder Bax, Walker Hollmann, Michael Leitelt, Isaiah Perez (cox: Alexander Moore)
Finish: 1st Place | 8:08.38
In one of the program's most promising performances of the weekend, the first-year men's four delivered a dominant wire-to-wire win in their heat. Clean execution off the start and steady control through the body of the race gave the Hatters a commanding advantage over UMass and Stockton. The result placed them in the favored lane for Sunday's final.
Women's Varsity Eight – Heat 1 | 10:42 AM
Lineup: Maria Lopez Martin, Noelle Zinn, Maia Starrwalker, Lauren Sweat, Sienna Meany, Ella Glover, Emma Rees, Jocalyn Ortega (cox: Sarah Sessions)
Finish: 5th Place | 7:40.18
Facing a top-tier field that included Boston, Villanova, and Ithaca, Stetson's Varsity Eight rowed a composed race. After a competitive first 500 meters, the Hatters slipped back slightly in the second half but held off Merrimack to take fifth. The race offered valuable lessons for the crew as they continue to build cohesion and speed heading into the final weeks of the season.
Men's Varsity Eight – Heat 2 | 11:22 AM
Lineup: Lukasz Bajorek, Sacha Roiena, Ian Harres, Jack Roach, William Hubbard, Endrik Brettmann, Brady Heafitz, Samuel Tise (cox: Elliott Steward)
Finish: 2nd Place | 6:24.16
Stetson's top men's crew delivered one of the program's most polished performances of the day, placing second behind Trinity to qualify for the Grand Final. After a strong start, the Hatters held off a late push from Lehigh and Embry-Riddle, demonstrating improved boat speed and race maturity. The result solidified their position among the top varsity eights in the field.
Women's Second Varsity Eight – Heat 1 | 2:04 PM
Lineup: Kara Hubbard, Emily Haynes, Gillian Dodge, Riley Olivero, Allie Haus, Julia Hickey, Asia Erickson, Abby Goulding (cox: Sofia Cornetto)
Finish: 5th Place | 7:56.09
The 2V8 took on a challenging heat that included Jacksonville, Ithaca, and Boston. Despite falling behind early, Stetson executed a steady middle 1,000 meters to stay competitive. Though they crossed the line fifth, the crew showed technical progress and growing chemistry—critical signs for a young group continuing to evolve together.
Sunday – Finals
Men's Frosh/Novice Four – Final | 8:42 AM
Lineup: Ryder Bax, Walker Hollmann, Michael Leitelt, Isaiah Perez (cox: Alexander Moore)
Finish: 2nd Place | 7:32.90
Coming off a dominant heat win, Stetson's first-year four battled for gold in the final, rowing bow-to-bow with Colgate through the halfway mark. A strong sprint carried them across the line just five seconds off the lead to secure a silver medal. The result highlighted the depth and promise of the program's novice men.
Men's Second Varsity Four – Final | 9:46 AM
Lineup: Christopher Furton, Walker Hollmann, Isaiah Perez, Ethan Hogan (cox: Alexander Moore)
Result: Did Not Start
The 2V4 was slated to race against top crews from Colgate, MIT, and West Point, but did not start.
Men's Varsity Eight – Final (William J. Knecht Memorial Trophy) | 1:06 PM
Lineup: Lukasz Bajorek, Simon Roiena, Ian Harres, Jack Roach, William Hubbard, Endrik Brettmann, Brady Heafitz, Samuel Tise (cox: Ethan Steward)
Finish: 4th Place | 6:06.13
In the premier men's event of the regatta, Stetson held its own against an elite field featuring Trinity, MIT, and Mercyhurst. The Hatters executed a powerful start and maintained contact with the lead pack throughout. A strong final push helped them hold off Embry-Riddle and Lehigh to finish fourth, just three seconds off the podium.
Next Up: Southern Intercollegiate Rowing Association Championship
Location: Melton Hill Lake – Oak Ridge, Tennessee
Dates: April 18–19 | Friday & Saturday | Racing begins at 7:00 AM
The Hatters turn their attention to the Southern Intercollegiate Rowing Association (SIRA) Championship, one of the most important events of the spring season. Racing on the renowned Melton Hill Lake course, Stetson will look to build on its momentum!
