This Langley coxswain showed up Recap-ready at Virginia States this past weekend, and knew just how to find row2k to say hi.

That was not the only row2k shout-out of the weekend--hats off to this fan in the vintage red row2k tee--but it sure helped her win the shoulder art game this week, which always goes up a notch when championship season rolls around.

We are a bit biased, of course, but the row2k love here beat out both the "Tick, Tick, Boooooooom" we spotted and the "Feel the Mercy" on a Merion-Mercy kid.

But Then Biceps Entered the Chat

This pair took it up a notch, no question.

X Marks the Win

Celebrating in a double by letting go of all the oars? What could go wrong?

Crazily enough, they didn't flip, but the whole sequence was, well, out of control.

Mirror Moment

Bumpin' reflection here:

Who Did It Better

The kids...or the trophies? Swipe through to decide for yourself.

Going All Seven

Proof that row2k is one step closer to having seen it all: we spotted not one but two 7-man crews raced at SW Juniors. Both showed up at the line down a man, but not afraid to race as a 7+.

NorCal's Varsity 7+ in the A Final

From what we heard medical issues seem to have been to blame, pulling one rower out of each crew. The Norcal crew's game effort in the Varsity Men's A Final made Monday's Video of the Day--and gave us this cool shot of the stroke man cranking solo in the stern non-pair--but we saved North Bay's semifinal effort with just 7 U16 rowers for the Recap because, well, they beat a couple of boats that were still going all eight:

Propellers, FTW

Bold move on a weekend with many bold moves (viz 7+ crews): climb in the boat for your final in the City Championship pair wearing propeller beanies--then go and win it.

So much could have gone wrong (though flipping and then having your photo taken as you're ferried back to the shore in a launch while wearing a propeller beanie would have been epic in its own way)--but no, let's go get a trophy (where the kid holding the plaque gets into the act as well).

Well played, all.

How Sprints Champs Cool-down

With trophy and medals, natch:

That's a pretty good "we just won" flex.

Bucket Rig of The Week

Hands down, MAC's double bucket at Southwests...in a four:

They made it go, tho, as you can see here, and we have seen this rig before--from Iona back in 2014.

In an eight, you'd call that a battleship rig but in a smaller boat? Does that make it a 'light cruiser' rig? a frigate rig? Gotta check with some Navy folks, if it catches on.

And while we are at it, what should we call this double bucket configuration we spotted at the MARC?

A half-battleship, maybe?

Is Mewing Back?

Just when we think a meme has run its course:

Must be something about championship season that keeps these things rolling.

row2k Photographer Trophy! Err, DiLucca Family Trophy

The family of one of row2k's most prolific photographers and supporters donated a trophy at the Cities a few years ago, and showed up on the 'subject' side of his own camera this week; said photographer at right is well known on the banks of the Schuylkill from March to November, usually while his better half is out reffing races. Thanks DiLucca family for everything!

left to right: Michael DiLucca, mom (and ref) Leeanne DiLucca, the Ridgewood JV Men's Quad and coach Bob O’Connor, and (far right) row2k photographer Mark DiLucca

Good Boat Name for Stanford Smarties

Taking those academics super seriously in Palo Alto:

This Stanford four also featured a familiar face: that's 'In the Driver's Seat' alum Ella Casano at the tiller.

Oh, and while we are on boat names? Good luck getting this one out of your head:

World Redhead Day Already?

World Redhead Day is coming up (May 26 iydk), but we already have a winner for World Redhead Bow Pair Day:

In-Boat Messaging

We see some pretty good motivational messages inside the boats, too, when posting up on the medals dock:

We hid this photo in a scene gallery to protect this team's identity (and their secret sauce) but they were bombing, for sure.

DIY Debris Removal

We see plenty of branches on the ref launches after a good rain on the Schuylkill, but these guys took matters into their own hands:

Here's hoping they picked that up after their race and not during.

Best Practice After Headwind 2k?

Stretch, of course:

That was MIT's approach after winning a very long pull into the wind at Worcester at NERCs...just before racing was cancelled for the day thanks to the gusts and chop.

Weather was nutso again this weekend: from shortened courses to soaking rain to those scrubbed races. When row2k mentioned possible thunderstorms to a regatta organizer this weekend, she put her fingers in her ears and said 'La la la la la la la...'

Solid Trophy Stowage

The coxswain of Mount's 2nd Eight played it safe with the hardware: the trophy got the priority seating...

...while she rode the gunnel to get back to the recovery dock. Definitely lower risk than the "row with the trophy overhead" approach:

Though maybe the overhead method is reserved for the Varsity coxswain at the Mount.

row2k to the Rescue, Again

When row2k pointed out to these parents that the flag would be upside down in the Sprints scene gallery...

...they promised to do better for the finals, then made sure we noticed:

Luckily we'll be out there again this weekend, keeping an eye on things.