EA Rowing Starts the Season with 3 New Shells

EA rowing starts the spring season with three new rowing shells.

Three HUDSON eights (8+) were dedicated, christened, and added to the fleet on Sunday, March 8, along the banks of the Schuylkill River.

"Having a new boat gives the kids an extra spirit and a confidence when they go out to race," said Coach Molly Konopka, Hon. "Adding that spirit makes us faster and a more united team." Watch the dedications here.

With team members looking on, Middle School Chaplain Michael Palmisano christened the shells. He explained how it is similar to a baptism, saying, "The symbolism of water is powerful. Water sustains life, but it can also destroy. So there is this sense that rowing throughout the season, you are doing something perhaps with reverence, that there is a gravity to do it in these new vessels."

In keeping with tradition, the boats were named after one of EA's ten Stripes. The boys' and girls' teams selected Courage, Courtesy, and Generosity. "I think that's a really important element of what our team is. All of those Stripes are very important to us," reflected Coach Molly Konopka, Hon. 

"That is very EA!" said Novice Rowing Coach Topher Row, Hon.

"We thank you for the gift of water," said Rev. P as he sprinkled holy water over the bows of each boat. "Now sanctify this water we pray to you by the power of your Holy Spirit that by this water these rowing shells may be consecrated to the Stripes of Courage, Generosity, and Courtesy, through Jesus Christ our Lord." The four team captains also assisted by pouring water across the bows.

"The Stripes are such a fundamental part of Episcopal, so naming our boats after Stripes, all of those things add to good teams," remarked Coach Konopka. "You are never going to find a boat that is really good that doesn't have all of the positive qualities that the Stripes imbue." 

"This [new] one sets and balances a lot better, so the better and faster you can row," explained coxswain Grayson DiAngelo '27. "I hope we make it to the finals in Cities [City Championships] and Stotes [Stotesbury Regatta], our championship races, and I think these eights will help a lot with that. Thank you for the generous donation!"

It has been 25 years since the program acquired a new 8+. "The importance of having three new boats is huge for our program. It gives us the sense that we have support and people behind us," said Coach Konopka. "When you take a stroke, it is never about you. It's about the generosity you are giving to everyone else in that boat."

"Eights are the staple craft in a rowing program," explained Coach Row. "And to have three brand new eights at the same time is a remarkable and generous gift, and they are HUDSONS! I am glad one of them is named Generosity. We are very, very grateful."

"I can't say enough about the generosity of our [anonymous] donor, who is the parent of an alum and felt that this program is worthy of three new eights. This is a substantial gift to our program!" said Coach Konopka.

Last May, two Italian-made Filippi shells were added to the fleet by an anonymous donor. The 4+ (with coxswain) Gratitude was dedicated in honor of 2024 Olympic gold medalist Nick Mead '13, and a 4x named Kindness was dedicated in honor of former EA rowing coach and parent Bruce Konopka, Hon.

For information about making a gift to support the EA rowing fund, please contact Director of Institutional Advancement Jen Fifer, Hon.