After one of the most successful seasons in the men’s crew history, the Bombers will rely on their depth and determination to add another successful chapter to a resurging program.

Last spring, the Bombers earned four medals at the New York State Collegiate Championships and the third varsity 8 claimed the bronze medal at the Eastern College Athletic Conference Championships, the program’s first-ever medal at the ECAC Championships. The varsity 8 finished the season with a 10–4 record. The South Hill squad graduated only three seniors and has set its goals even higher this season.

“This season’s goals are to win as many regular season races as possible, to win the New York state championships and to place top-three at ECACs in May,” junior Jon Covney said. “These are goals that are well within reach and having such a deep squad will help.”

This fall, the varsity 8 claimed first at the Head of the Genesee Regatta and competed in the Head of the Charles Regatta. However, the length of races changes from a draining five kilometers to an intensive two kilometers from the fall to the spring. The Bombers have completed intense offseason training to make sure they are fit and ready to dominate in an event where every stroke counts and mistakes are costly.

Senior Tom Poole said many athletes take time to train on their own outside of practice to gain a competitive advantage.

“That’s what will set us apart from other crews halfway through the season,” he said.

Junior William Mathewson said the crew is more fit than ever and its depth creates intense competition for spots in the top-three boats.

The South Hill squad’s schedule is stocked with tough competition that will ready it for even more intense competition at its championship regattas at the end of the season. Poole said the team always looks forward to challenging races.

The Bombers find their strengths in their technique and dedication, which helps them compete against larger squads. Junior Chris Lisee said compared to most teams, the Blue and Gold are small in size and number.

Lisee said the team is much smaller in stature compared to Olympic crews.

“We’re a pretty motley crew, but we know how to work with each other to make the boat go fast,” he said.

The Blue and Gold will also rely on the depth and experience of their varsity team. The crew has seven seniors and 13 juniors. Poole said this experience will benefit the crew.

“Our greatest strength is by far our depth.” Poole said. “We have a handful of seniors and lots of upcoming oarsmen who are constantly challenging us.”

The Bombers begin their season with three regattas at home at the Cayuga Inlet, facing tough Division I competitors such as Marist College and Cornell University and strong Division III foes such as the Rochester Institute of Technology, Skidmore College and University of Rochester.

To take the top spot at the New York State Championships and continue on the path of last season’s success, the South Hill squad will continue to push itself as the start of competition in March grows near. The Bombers have the right mind-set to dominate their competition this season.

“You can always go a little faster, always push yourself a little harder,” Lisee said.