Aug. 4, 2005

Philadelphia, Pa. - A record 120+ schools competed at the 67th Dad Vail Regatta on the famed banks of the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia Friday and Saturday, May 13 and 14. The lone Mercyhurst entry was the Men's Varsity eight which hadn't competed at the event since the early 1990's. The varsity eight is the premier event that commands the attention of the 3,400 competitors and 10,000+ spectators. After two days of intense racing ,the Laker boat of: (Bow) Jamie Chard, (2) Ryan Gibsen, (3) Tony Dorchak, (4) Adam Morettin, (5) Brandon Boyd, (6) Sean Underwood, (7) Ted Nagorsen, (Stroke) Ron Dorchak, (Cox) Amy Stirling, finished 7th of 30 crews, winning the petite final.

Seeded 11th overall, the Lakers had a good opening heat finishing second behind the number one seed Marietta College. In the reparcharge, the Lakers needed to finish in the top three to adavance to the semi-finals and finished a close second behind Williams College.

In the Sunday morning semi final, the top two moved onto the final and the Lakers came up short finishing 4th behind home town favorite St Joeseph's. In the petite final that determines places 7 thru 12, the Lakers came out of the blocks fast and furious. The boat had a two foot lead at the 1250 meter mark. Inspired, the Lakers made another strong push heading into the final 500 meters and stretched the lead to just over a length. The Lakers crossed the line 1st , 3.78 seconds ahead of Georgia Tech. University of Michigan won the Grand Final.

"This ranks right up there as won of my proudest moments in coaching," said head coach Adrian Spracklen. "The guys were true ambassadors to themselves and the college. It was an outstanding effort by all and a magnificent result. This group of guys never gave up even when the odds were against them. They displayed everything that is good in sport and in the spirit of competition. For one afternoon, I forgot about all the bad luck we have had this spring with all the bad weather and cancelled races."

Petite Final Results

1. Mercyhurst, 6:26:04
2. Georgia Tech, 6:29:82
3. Williams, 6:31:32
4. Lehigh, 6:33:03
5. Army, 6:33:11
6. Purdue, 6:36:54