Commending St. Joseph's Preparatory School's 2005 Varsity Eight Crew and Coach Bill Lamb for Their Stotesbury Cup Win and Invitation to Compete at the Henley Royal Regatta.

WHEREAS, St. Joseph’s Preparatory School, the Jesuit High School of Philadelphia, has a national reputation as a leading academic institution whose mission is to educate young men by developing their mind, body and spirit; and

WHEREAS, Since 1851, the Prep has been an important part of Philadelphia in its role as a world class urban high school, as an asset to its North Philadelphia neighborhood at 18th & Girard, and as an educator of future civic leaders; and

WHEREAS, In addition to its academic achievements, the Prep has a strong athletic tradition, and its Crew Program has earned numerous awards and championships over the years; and

WHEREAS, This year’s 2005 Varsity Eight Crew continued the Hawk spirit winning gold medals at the Catholic League Championship, the City Championship, and at the prestigious Stotesbury Cup Regatta - the largest and oldest scholastic rowing event; and

WHEREAS, The Prep Crew shattered the myth of Lane 6 which is supposed to place boats at a disadvantage due to wind and water conditions resulting from being near Peter’s Island; and

WHEREAS, With fans packed in the grandstands chanting “Lane 6, “the Varsity Heavyweight Crew won with a time of 4:22.46; and

WHEREAS, Due to their dominant performance, the team has been invited to compete against the best crews in the world at the Henley Royal Regatta in Oxfordshire, England on June 29th -July 3rd, 2005 on the Henley-on-Thames; and

WHEREAS, The 2005 Prep Crew, consisting of coxswain Mark Delguircio and team members starting with stroke seat Brad Adams, Pat Dewechter, Mike Lombardi, Drew Golda, Matt McGowan, Ken Ewell, John Connelly and bow seat Mike Gennaro, along with Head Coach Bill Lamb, embody the best of sportsmanship, spirited teamwork and athletic excellence; now therefore

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby commend St. Joseph’s Preparatory School’s 2005 Varsity Eight Crew and Coach Bill Lamb for their Stotesbury Cup win and their invitation to compete at the Henley Royal Regatta.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the 2005 Varsity Eight Crew and Coach Lamb as an expression of this legislative body’s sincere congratulations for their discipline, dedication and teamwork which has resulted in these outstanding accomplishments.

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