Ergathon 2025: Recapping Our Success
Following a month of sleeping in, catching up on missed TV, and, of course, completing our winter training schedule to a T, we celebrate our return from winter break by reflecting on our previous year.
In the spring, we look back on our fond memories of four successful regattas, seven graduated alumni, and two boats in the ACRA A-finals. We then move onto our triumphant fall season which resulted in 24 novices, some exciting boathouse news, and twelve medaling crews overall. No matter spent on the water, helping in the community, or dolled up at end of year banquet, our efforts all leads up to our biggest event of the year, Ergathon.
From meters, to marathons, to monetary donations- it’s time to share our Ergathon Recap!
With their shoulders back and chins up, novice women Susana Hernandez, Delani Flores, and Lucy Heikes start their shifts with confidence and composure for the hour ahead.
Over the course of December 9th and 10th, our team spent 24 hours on the erg, making our way to ACRA in Oakridge, TN. Our annual Ergathon fundraiser went off with a bang at 10 AM sharp. Midway through, we already were 54% of the way there! Seeing those numbers, Illini Rowing didn’t slow down, we barreled down. Through the freezing temperatures, wind, snow, and nightfall, we braved the elements to see our goal through. Truly coming together in the last twelve hours, our team worked furiously to not only reach our distance goal, but surpass it by 36,743 meters.
Intently focused on his meter count, novice, Nic Alinger, gives it his all during his 7 PM section.
Achieving our grand total of 857,508 meters was quite the journey, and we passed multiple landmarks worth mentioning along the way. Among our 18 shifts, divided among two to three rowers at a time, many team members decided to push their limits and complete challenge pieces. Out of the three rowers completing 2ks, two completed their very first 2k tests. Finding their target splits, our novices learned important lessons in pacing, power, and pride that will prove vital when entering spring racing. Our next group paid homage to our fall season, and then some. Accomplishing 6k each in their shifts, Abigail Obradovitch and Sophia Wendt were in it for the long haul and ready to go the distance.
Finishing their first ever half marathons, novice rowers Ethan Nievera, Pearl Lacey, and Harry Sutcliffe pose for a group picture commemorating the occasion.
Moving onto half-marathons, our six participants gave stellar performances worthy of comment. All novices with no previous experience, our half-marathoners completed their miles with a positive attitude and endless determination. Finally, at the definition of truly going above and beyond, we find our six marathoners. Our four varsity marathoners led by example, showing everyone where hard work and being supportive teammates can get you. We’d also like to bring extra attention to our two novice marathoners, Nicole Hanak and Aaditiya Haridas, for their fearless initiative and persistence. We’re so proud of our team for testing their boundaries, no matter the split or time on their screen, and we can’t see where it leads us come spring season.
As we wrap up our time reminiscing over Ergathon, we realize that it wouldn’t quite be a recap without talking about the reason for our winter fundraiser. With the $14,973 raised from Ergathon, we have now made it almost 56% of the way toward our boathouse! Our permanent home is just about halfway funded toward its interior work. We’d like to issue a big thank you to all of our generous donors who helped us achieve a truly productive Ergathon with their financial support via our Rally Up and Boathouse links. We are incredibly fortunate to have charitable families, friends, and alumni to help us along the way. Missed us this past Ergathon? Hear more about our journey to a boathouse here!
Ergathon Gallery
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Ergathon Gallery 〰️
