Greenwich Crew Women’s Varsity 8, Winners at the 2023 Henley Royal Regatta in England, Honored at Town Hall

Earlier this month the Women’s Varsity 8 boat from Greenwich Crew became the first American team to win the Prince Philip Challenge Trophy at the Henley Royal Regatta in England.

The rowers were recognized on Friday at Greenwich Town Hall along with the Men’s Varsity 8 boat. The teams were awarded with certificates from the Board of Selectmen and citations from the Greenwich Delegation, which includes State Senator Ryan Fazio and State Rep Rachel Khanna.

The women’s team took the 2023 Prince Philip Challenge Trophy against Deerfield Academy.

First Selectman Fred Camillo noted Greenwich had 20 champion teams.

“Any time you do well as a team, it’s great. But when you win championships, that’s saying something. That’s a legacy they can never take away from you,” he said.

State Senator Ryan Fazio said that while the other sports teams from Greenwich High School who were champions in 2023 put the town on the map statewide, the women’s crew team put the town on the map worldwide.

“This is truly impressive and you gave the Brits more hell than 1776,” Fazio said.

“We all know sports are so important to keeping kids physically and mentally healthy, but also for perseverance and tenacity, and clearly both teams excelled in this,” said State Rep Khanna. “This boat was the only American team to claim victory at Henley this year. Greenwich Crew’s win in the junior women’s 8 event represents years of hard work, sweat and blisters from young women. It is is also a testament to the coaches, teammates and families who supported them.”

First Selectman Fred Camillo, Selectwoman Lauren Rabin and Selectperson Janet Stone McGuigan presented the athletes with certificates. The Greenwich delegation presented them with citations.

The Women’s Varsity 8 team members include Francie McKenzie (cox), Adair Beck, Percy Wayne, Phoebe Wise, Ktie Ruff, Julia Doss, Lauren Koester, Brooke Legenzowski, Cassidy McKee and Phalen Bryant. The coaches are Heidi Hunsberger, Catherine Starr and Paul Ruggeberg.

The Men’s Varsity 8 team include Elena Seguin (cox), William Drinkall, Maxwell Raabe, Samuel Wilson, Max Willott, Marcus Chung, Alex Willott, Harry Waters, Neelam Govindaraj, and Felix Dosmond. The men’s coaches are Cary Wasserman, Bert Harney and Kelsey Barolak.