On Saturday, the Drexel University varsity 8+ rowing team clinched the prestigious Kelly Cup on the Schuylkill River as they celebrated Senior Day. This victory marks their first win in this event since 2023 and the team’s third win in four years, highlighting their consistent performance in collegiate rowing.

Impressive Team Performances

In addition to the varsity 8+ team’s success, Drexel’s 2nd varsity 8+ and 3rd varsity 8+ boats also secured gold medals in their respective races, demonstrating the depth of talent within the program.

Varsity 8+ Results

The winning Varsity 8+ crew, featuring:

• Coxswain: Lauren Shaw
• Stroke: Emily Ellis
• 7: Ellen McCallin
• 6: Margaret Dobrenko
• 5: Hannah Walseth
• 4: Taylor Powell
• 3: Colette Zidek
• 2: Baylor Henry
• Bow: Sabrina Batdorf

completed the race with an impressive time of 7:25.9, finishing six seconds ahead of their competitors from La Salle, who clocked in at 7:31.2.

2nd Varsity 8+ Highlights

The 2nd varsity 8+ boat showcased a dominant performance, finishing the race in 7:44.5, which was a remarkable 27 seconds quicker than La Salle’s time of 8:11.8. The crew consisted of:

• Coxswain: Erin Ernst
• Stroke: Ariana Townsend
• 7: Sarah Ghazaz
• 6: Maggie Horgan
• 5: Fiona Steele
• 4: Lila Seidenberg
• 3: Kieran Harrington
• 2: Lauren Boyce
• Bow: Grace Conroy

3rd Varsity 8+ Performance

The 3rd varsity 8+ team also excelled, finishing with a time of 8:29.4 and securing a victory over Temple by a 30-second margin.

Honorary Recognition for Seniors

Before the races, Drexel paid tribute to its senior athletes:

• Margaret Dobrenko
• Emily Ellis
• Delaney Gellert
• Baylor Henry
• Ellen McCallin
• Taylor Powell
• Belen Rosales
• Fiona Steele

This acknowledgment of their contributions adds a meaningful layer to the day’s events and underscores the team’s spirit and camaraderie.

Overall Race Results

1st Varsity 8+

• Drexel: 7:25.9
• La Salle: 7:31.2
• St. Joe’s: 7:32.2
• Jefferson: 8:16.7

2nd Varsity 8+

• Drexel: 7:44.5
• La Salle: 8:11.8
• St. Joe’s: 8:31.6
• Jefferson: 8:38.5

3rd Varsity 8+

• Drexel: 8:29.4
• Temple: 9:02.4

Varsity 4+

• Penn: 8:22.1
• Drexel: 8:31.9
• La Salle: 9:14.7
• St. Joe’s: 9:29.1