The UConn Men’s Crew closed out a stellar fall semester, highlighted by the impressive performances of our novices at the Wormtown Chase, where many earned their first medals. After wrapping up at the boathouse, the team transitioned to indoor training, focusing on ergometer workouts and strength training to build a solid foundation for the spring season. Over winter break, the team stayed committed to their fitness, following a structured training plan provided by Coach Logan McClennen. To keep motivation high, a team competition was organized, with prizes awarded to individuals and teams who completed all workouts. Now, with spring training in full swing, the team is pushing themselves to the max, eagerly anticipating the upcoming racing season. The dedication and hard work over the winter months have set the stage for what promises to be an exciting and successful spring.

Novice Shoutouts

Benjamin Chasse

Ben Chasse has quickly made a name for himself on the team, securing the #3 spot on the team’s 5k test record leaderboard—an impressive feat for a novice. Balancing his winter training with a heat acclimation study at an on-campus athletic lab, Ben has shown remarkable dedication to both his athletic and academic pursuits. His competitive spirit, honed through years of playing soccer, has translated seamlessly to rowing, where he aims to be as fast as possible and win races this spring. Off the water, Ben is focused on completing his Master’s degree, proving that he can excel both academically and athletically.

Ben’s background in soccer has given him a strong cardio foundation, but he notes that rowing has transformed his physique and mindset. Reflecting on his high school soccer days, he jokes about being “super skinny” compared to now, but the competitive fire has always been there. For Ben, rowing has reignited that drive to compete and win, and he’s eager to see how far he can push himself this season.

Ian Hanrahan

Ian Hanrahan has also made waves as a novice, setting an impressive 5k time of 19:04. Ian came to the team with no prior rowing experience but quickly fell in love with the sport and the camaraderie of the team. Over winter break, he balanced his rowing training with his commitments to the UConn ski team, participating in ski camps and races while staying on top of his workouts. Ian’s ability to juggle multiple sports and maintain a strong academic focus in engineering is a testament to his work ethic and determination.

For Ian, the team’s bond over shared challenges has been a highlight of his experience so far. He’s excited to continue improving his rowing technique and fitness this spring, with the ultimate goal of earning a spot in a varsity boat. Ian’s background in ski racing has prepared him well for the mental and physical demands of rowing, and he’s ready to bring that competitive edge to the water this season.

Andrew DeGuzman

Andrew DeGuzman, a former track athlete, has found a perfect fit with UCMC, embracing the team’s passion and dedication. Over winter break, Andrew pushed his limits on the erg, shattering his 5k times while also enjoying time with family and friends. His competitive mindset and love for quantifiable improvement drive him to chase greatness this spring, both on the water and in his mechanical engineering studies.

Andrew’s transition from running to rowing has been seamless, with his background in distance running providing a strong aerobic base. He’s motivated by the team’s willingness to push through discomfort and chase success together. For Andrew, the spring season is about getting stronger, faster, and smarter, and he’s excited to see how far the team can go.

JayD Narasimman

JayD Narasimman has thrived in the team’s competitive atmosphere, pushing himself to new heights both on and off the water. Despite the challenges of early mornings, JayD’s hard work paid off with medals in the fall. Over winter break, he trained consistently while visiting family in California, staying unaffected by the wildfires. JayD’s dedication to maintaining his fitness over break shows his commitment to the team and his goals for the spring.

This season, JayD aims to take his rowing to the next level, focusing on speed, technique, and academic growth. He’s motivated by the team’s competitive spirit and is eager to see how much he can improve. JayD’s positive attitude and determination make him a key part of the novice squad, and he’s ready to contribute to the team’s success this spring.

With winter training behind them, the team is now fully immersed in spring preparation. The ergs are humming, the weights are clanging, and every athlete is pushing themselves to their limits. The excitement is palpable as the team eagerly awaits the racing season, ready to turn their hard work into victories on the water. Go UCMC!

Brought to you by Advaith Pradeep