October 24, 2025 By: J.P. Powers / Photos by: Brian Smith, Pete Owens, Kristin Buckley
When the fall weather in Boston is as perfect as it was last weekend, there are few places better to spend a weekend than at the Head of the Charles. Amid a cornucopia of colors, from the matching sets of uniforms on teams of rowers pouring all of their effort and sweat into the races, to the brilliant explosion of fall hues on the trees, the excitement was palpable. Living this far from the city, it’s sometimes easy to forget how incredible a weekend spent cheerleading our local athletes along the banks of the Charles can be. If we needed a reminder, this was one for the record books. Hingham Crew sent three boats to the Charles this year, and they submitted some tremendous efforts while competing against elite teams from all over the world.
The girls first varsity 8+ kicked off the racing day for Hingham. Coxswain Emily Gu, stroke Emme Beaudoin, Natalie Shaw, Louisa Orth, Eliza Powers, Sophia Santarelli, Thea Migliaccio, Jane Melia, and bow Bianca Kiley, found a terrific rhythm as they powered past several boats and placed 52nd, beating familiar foes like CRI, Exeter, Duxbury, and dozens of other competitors. The top-level coaching and well-chosen lines selected by the coxswain were instrumental in helping Hingham achieve this amazing feat.
Next up, the girls first varsity 4+, with coxswain Maddie Owens, stroke Stella Gutierrez, Izzy Wagner, Coco Prohm, and bow Annie Sargent, rowing together for only the third time this season, beat dozens of competitors and submitted a tremendous 59th-place finish. The fantastic results show the power and depth of the program, as well as the impact of high-level coaching on athletes with a strong work ethic.
Finally, the boys first varsity 4+, filled with powerful veteran athletes, also beat dozens of boats in their race. Coxswain Brent Strauss, stroke Hanley Stroka, Lachlan Knies, Lucas Mangili, and bow Nicholas Mangili looked incredible, posting a fantastic 59th, and again showing that Hingham’s crew team can compete with the top athletes from across the country.
As always, the Head of the Charles was a magical weekend for spectators and competitors alike. The scenery, the food, the drinks, and the powerful performances from athletes who poured everything into the competition, made for an unforgettable experience. Hingham Crew also brought a strong contingent of supporters, who could be heard loudly cheering and clanging cowbells along the miles of riverfront as the rowers streaked by. Many Hingham alumni were spotted as they competed for a variety of college programs, with happy reunions taking place throughout the weekend. The team is incredibly grateful to the parent volunteers and coaches who prepared the boats and equipment, trailered the shells to the racecourse, and ensured that the weekend went on without a hitch.
This weekend, Hingham heads to Lowell, Massachusetts to take on an incredibly strong contingent of public school racing teams. Hingham will be hoping that their strong season-long results translate into yet more success as they attempt to win the state championship for the third season in a row. This unprecedented run of success is a true testament to the endless hours of preparation and training by the athletes, as well as the professionalism and hard work of the coaching staff. Good luck to all the rowers this weekend!