The Manhasset Crew team is set to build off a strong fall season as they look to ride the momentum into the spring.
Head Coach Steve Panzik said for team members to achieve their expectations, it will take pride and commitment from everyone to make their aspirations a reality.
“All the pieces are there to have a record setting spring,” Panzik said. “We need the seniors to step up and cement their legacies and the younger athletes to mature quickly and realize our time is now. If they believe in their boats, and trust the process, they will stand on top of the rowing world this spring.”
Panzik, who coached the team since 2002, said he returned to the director role this past winter and worked with the team to keep the winning pedigree going into the spring.
“This is a program that has won 10 national championships and over 25 state championships in the last 16 years,” Panzik said. “Our program is deep in tradition and we hope to honor those that came before us with a championship season this spring. We have the athletes to be one of the fastest in the country and will work to return Manhasset to the national championship level.”
The team put together a solid fall campaign by racing in the prestigious Head of the Charles and Schuylkill Regattas in Boston and Philadelphia, according to Panzik.
He said these strong showings had solidified their return for next year.
Panzik said their fall season concluded with a very impressive performance in New Jersey at the Braxton Regatta, setting up the spring season. He added that the varsity boats finished with medal winning performances in their respective races and the novice continue to build on their young careers.
The team dominated in the indoor competitions, in which the lightweight men’s and women’s teams earned medals in every competition, according to Panzik. He said the biggest highlight was the men’s team sweeping the medal stand at the Strong Island Championships at St. Anthony’s High School.
Panzik added that the novice were placed as top finishers on both the men’s and women’s sides in every competition. Also, the open weight varsity men’s and women’s were top medal winners, led by senior Doug Dreyer.
Dreyer, along with juniors Mahmoud Khalifa, Rose Corcoran, Grace Dreyer and Emily Dreyer were standout athletes who each played a vital role in the team’s success, according to Panzik.
Panzik said Dreyer shined in the local circuit and placed seventh in the world at the World Championships in Boston.
Khalifa anchored a strong lightweight men’s squad while Corcoran place twelfth at the World Championships and the Dreyer’s each had outstanding winters heading into the spring, according to Panzik.
Panzik said the team will refocus on what got them to the next level and challenge themselves to not only reach but surpass their goals.
“Manhasset has established itself as an elite program on Long Island and the country,” Panzik said. “The last couple seasons we have fallen short of expectations for a team this talented. This year’s seniors will reset the standard for future generations of Manhasset crew.”
