The Atlantic City High School Crew team unveiled six new boats. Photo Credit: Randee Rosenfeld

ATLANTIC CITY — The Atlantic City High School crew team is sure to turn heads this season, thanks to a new equipment investment made by the Board of Education.

The crew team unveiled six brand new Vespoli High Performance Series racing boats, new sweats and new oars on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, during a 3:30 p.m. ceremony at the Atlantic City Boathouse. 

“Last year our administrative team talked about what we could do to enhance our programs, not just our academic programs, our sports programs as well,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. La’Quetta S. Small. “This year we dedicated a certain amount of money to enhance and to improve our facilities as well as our athletic department and, using those resources, we were able to purchase six new boats for our crew team as well as the uniforms that the students have.” 

Athletic Director Chris Ford said every team at Atlantic City High School received new uniforms. "Every student-athlete received a new sweatsuit," said Ford. The district also has other upgrades pending. Some are scheduled for roll-out this summer and others next year.

The Vespoli High Performance Series boats are among the most advanced and innovative in the rowing industry, according to the company's website. They are designed to reduce drag and increase speed. They feature a carbon fiber hull, a wing rigger system, a bow-mounted fin and custom paintwork. The oars are lighter and more durable than the ones the team used before.  The district had not purchased new crew equipment in more than a decade.

The Vespoli High Peformance Series boats reduce drag and increase speed.

"We want the best for you,” Dr. Small continued. “We want you to enjoy your high school experience. When you go out into the community and when you go out to compete, just remember Viking Pride, Viking Strong.”

The Atlantic City High School crew team has a long and proud history of excellence, with the boys' 8-man boat making an appearance at the Henley Regatta in England in 1996 and sending many rowers to college programs. However, the team has faced challenges recently due to aging equipment and limited resources.

Still, the girls’ team has seen recent success. The girls' team won the Atlantic County High School Rowing Championships last year on Lake Lenape in Mays Landing. The Atlantic City High School girls also finished the season ranked No. 2 in The Press Elite 11, behind Holy Spirit, according to published reports.

Sarah Mammucari, whose daughter Sophia is part of the rowing team, said she was delighted to see the improvements. “It’s like Christmas,” said Sarah Mammucari. “It’s unheard of for a public school to get six new boats.”

In years past, supportive parents shouldered most of the financial burden for the team’s equipment and transportation needs. Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Lakecia Hyman said the district is glad to do more for the program. “We are proud of you. You are worth every penny. No task is too great to support you all,” said Dr. Hyman. “This is for you, and we do love you, and we care about you, so keep up the great work.”

Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Lakecia Hyman (Left) and Superintendent of Schools Dr. La'Quetta S. Small (Right) received awards from supportive crew team parents.

Mammucari and other parents honored Dr. Small and Dr. Hyman with plaques, in part, because of their support of the crew program. Mammucari said the new equipment process started with an informal conversation that led to a formal letter that resulted in a show of outstanding support. Dr. Hyman said that being part of the crew team could help students get into college, provide scholarships, and help develop life-long friendships and memories.

Girls Crew Team Coach Sean Duffey said the district's new commitment to sports is more than notable.

“It’s huge,” said Duffey. “All the boats were being financed by the parents. The kids had to pay for the uniforms and this administration came in and made a big change for us.” Duffey, who also coaches the girls swim team, said he temporarily took a break from coaching the crew team, but one of the reasons he came back is because the program is now more “accessible for everyone at the school.” 

“There was a time when it cost money to row,” Duffey said. “When we took over, we didn’t want to charge a kid a dollar to row.” Boys Coach Kris Ciuro said the boys' program has doubled in size and the girls' program quadrupled, creating a host of new opportunities. That means no goal is too big, Ciuro said.

“For every practice we’re working toward the next step,” Ciuro said. “I never want to say no to anything.”

For more photos from the Unveiling Ceremony Click the link below:

Atlantic City High School Crew Team Unveils New Boats and Oars