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Lightweight Crew Spring Banquet A Welcome Home For Our Astronaut Charlie Hobaugh
After the excitement of two gold medals at the Eastern Sprints was nearly fading, the plebe class were ready to finish off their year by climbing the Herndon Monument. Since this tradition marks the end of the plebe's first year at the Naval Academy, it also marks the beginning of Commissioning Week for the graduating seniors.
The night after Herndon was the perfect time to have the Lightweight Crew Banquet since so many parents were in town for the week's festivities. An astounding 155 people were on hand to acknowledge earned varsity letters, special awards and a our guest speaker, Astronaut Charles Hobaugh, class of 1984.
After dinner was served, Charlie talked about his mission to space as the pilot of the Space Shuttle Atlantis in July of 2001. His video of the trip helped grab the audience and brought out many questions about his experience in space. Special thanks to Charlie for taking the time to come up from Texas where his is still working for NASA in the astronaut program.
Presented at the banquet was the framed Navy Racing Shirt which was taken into space by Hobaugh aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis. For his generosity he was given a new Navy Racing Shirt to replace the old one and a Navy Crew polo shirt to wear at the races.
Coach Friedrich then introduced Plebe Coach Steve Perry to talk about his team's amazing season, almost being undefeated and gaining two gold medals at the Eastern Sprints. He also introduced the members of his team to receive their Navy rowing pins.
It was Coach Friedrich's turn to introduce the varsity oarsmen and to give out a few awards to some very deserving Midshipmen:
Most Improved Rower: This year's most improved rowers were Nathan Cox and Brian Gordon.
Perseverance Award: The award goes to the two rowers who exemplify the most hard work, determination and perseverance to go the extra mile to better themselves and the Lightweight Crew Team. The award was given to William Vuillet and Carlos Rivera.
20-More Award: "To strive with all on every stroke, all strength, all skill, all soul; and then to strive beyond the all for twenty more." This year's 20-more award winners were Hunter Washburn and Justin Ott.
"Spirit of the Lightweights" Award: Presented to that member of the Navy Lightweight Crew who is felt by the squad to have contributed most to the team's spirit, determination, competitive desire and willingness to sacrifice. This is the only award that is recognized by the Naval Academy during graduation ceremonies. This year's spirit of the Lightweights is our captain, Adam Peck.
We also gave recognition to our Officer Reps LCDR Greg Cotten and LT Ross Mackenzie, while giving a special award to LCDR Tom Callender for his help as a volunteer coach over the past two years. |