Atlantic City High School Crew Teams Make History at County Championships

The Atlantic City High School girls and boys crew teams made an indelible mark on Sunday, May 11, 2025, by winning the combined team points title at the Atlantic County Crew Championships, held at Lake Lenape in Mays Landing. It was a defining moment for a program that had been steadily climbing back to prominence in recent seasons.

The girls team captured the highest points trophy of the meet, a reflection of consistent excellence across multiple events. Coach Sean Duffey praised the squad for their work ethic and dedication. “We put a lot of time in out on the water, and it’s great to see it pay off at the end of the year when it counts,” he said. Duffey called it the most significant day in the school’s history at the Atlantic County races.

A major highlight was the girls varsity eight crew’s commanding victory in the 1,500-meter race, finishing in just 5 minutes, 11.6 seconds. The lineup — Mardiha Ahmed, Katelynn Do, Maggie Morgan, Zuzanna Turska, Anna Tran, Jodi-Lynn Pereira, Lauren Fox, stroke Lexi Gormley, and coxswain Tasnova Tayeba — demonstrated unmatched synchronization and strength, achieving the program’s first-ever win in that event.

The day’s success extended beyond a single race. The girls freshman eight clinched a win, signaling that the program’s future remains bright. Meanwhile, the girls varsity second eight added to the medal tally, reinforcing the team’s competitive depth.

Individual prowess also shone through. The girls varsity single sculler brought home a win, showcasing strength and resilience. In another strong performance, the girls varsity quad boat finished first, adding yet another feather to the team's cap.

Not to be outdone, the boys crew team contributed significant victories. The boys second varsity four raced to a win, while the boys novice eight also claimed first place — a testament to the hard work of athletes and coaches alike.

Behind the team’s resurgence was a major investment from the Atlantic City Board of Education, which provided six brand-new Vespoli High Performance Series racing boats, along with new oars and team apparel. The equipment upgrade, revealed in a March 26, 2024 ceremony, helped elevate the program after years of using aging gear.

The new Vespoli boats, with their carbon fiber hulls, wing rigger systems, and custom paintwork, gave ACHS rowers a competitive edge. Coach Duffey noted the significant improvements in both practice and performance. “It was significantly easier to manage practice and races as we were not repairing older, worn-out boats daily,” he said.

This year’s championship victory built on momentum from the previous season, when the girls team won the Junior Eight category at the 2024 Scholastic Rowing Association of America National Championship. With growing numbers, renewed investment, and historic wins under their belt, the ACHS crew teams signaled a powerful comeback and a bright future.

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