St. Joseph’s Prep rowers lose opening race at the Henley Royal Regatta
The Hawks fell to England’s Radley College by two lengths in the junior men’s eight competition on the River Thames.
The St. Joseph’s Prep crew was eliminated Tuesday on Day 1 of the 184th Henley Royal Regatta, losing on the River Thames to England’s Radley College by two lengths in the junior men’s eight competition, known as the Princess Elizabeth Challenge Cup.
The Prep was making its 14th appearance at the Henley Regatta and seeking its first victory since 2000. The event is considered among the premier rowing competitions in the world, drawing more than 300,000 visitors to the English countryside town of Henley-on-Thames to watch more than 300 races over six days.
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The Princess Elizabeth Challenge Cup is one of 26 events at the regatta. This year’s field includes teams from the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, and Australia. No American team has won the Princess Elizabeth Challenge Cup since 2006. Through the first 14 races Tuesday, American teams had a record of 2-3.
While there is no formal qualification for the Henley Regatta, the event’s stewards determined that the Prep’s resumé was strong enough to bypass Friday’s qualifying event and earn a place in the main draw. Among the highlights of the team’s season included winning its 43rd Philadelphia Catholic League championship and sweeping the boys’ eights events at the Stotesbury Cup Regatta.