James Madison Blasts through the Fog at the Regional Park Regatta

On a day marked by extremely wet and foggy conditions, the James Madison Crew team demonstrated their competitive depth at Saturday’s Regional Park Regatta on the Occoquan River.   

Fielding 11 boats, featuring a number of first time rowers, Madison concluded the rain-soaked day with an impressive six wins, two second place finishes and three third places finishes.  

Madison High's Women’s Freshman Eight raced to a strong first place finish in a field of six with a win over West Springfield. The Men’s Freshman Eight boat finished first ahead of Lake Braddock. The Men’s Novice 8 edged just ahead of Jefferson for a second place finish behind West Springfield. In addition, the Women’s 4V captured a decisive first place finish, with a win over Langley.

The Men’s Fours had a particularly strong day with the Men’s Novice Four earning a first place finish well ahead of second place finisher Bishop Ireton while the Men’s Junior Four advanced to the finals where they rowed to a 2nd place finish behind Bishop 0’Connell. 

The Women’s 3rd Eight finished a solid 3rd behind Oakton, with several of the rowers finishing the Women’s 4V minutes earlier. The Men’s 3rd Eight, racing together for the first time, finished in 5th place.

The Women’s First and Second Eight both cruised to solid first place finishes—both ahead of Jefferson. Both the Men’s First and Second Eight boats advanced to the finals and both finished in third place behind Woodson.  

Next week, Madison will race boats at the Walter Mess Regatta on the Occoquan.

(This story was contributed to Patch by Treeby Brown.) If you have some news to share, email it to: MaryAnn.Barton@Patch.com