The Stotesbury Cup Regatta returned to Philadelphia on Friday, bringing thousands of student athletes to the Schuylkill River for the world’s largest high school rowing event.
The two-day regatta, now in its 99th year, features about 4,000 rowers from nationally ranked programs across the United States and Canada competing for some of the sport’s most prestigious titles.
“It’s the kickoff to a century of Stotesbury,” said Bonnie Mueller, an officer with the Schuylkill Navy, the nonprofit organization that governs Boathouse Row.
Mueller said local teams are expected to be among the top contenders this weekend.
“We’ve got some really hot competition, we’ve got local crews from Saint Joe’s Prep and Mount St. Joseph Academy that are going to be vying for the big boats,” Mueller said. “But also amazing stories like our Philadelphia city rowing program, the program for our public school kids. They’re coming in defending the senior double title.”
Rowers took to the water early Friday morning as spectators lined the riverbanks, many setting up tents and gathering along the course to support athletes.
“It’s just a great day out here, such a great vibe!” said Liz Regard, a parent supporting rowers from Baldwin.
Parents said the sport demands significant commitment from both athletes and families.
“It’s intense. It’s a very intense sport, it requires a lot of commitment from the kids and from us, frankly!” said Jodi Teitelman, a Haverford parent.
Fans rang cowbells and cheered from the shore as crews raced down the Schuylkill.
“It’s so exciting, you don’t know if they can even hear you, but it’s just really thrilling, and you’re just hoping they have a good race, and it’s great to watch. ” It’s a beautiful sport to watch,” Regard said.
Final races are scheduled for Saturday afternoon. Next year’s regatta will mark the 100th running of the Stotesbury Cup.
