Crew-sader champions

By Melissa Yerkov
Times Sports Editor

Chris Lutz walked into Father Judge High School as a freshman and decided to try out for the crew team.
Now, three years later, he is a rower building a solid reputation on the water.
"I just tried out for the team on a whim," said Lutz, 17. "I didn’t know if I’d be any good at it. But coming into Judge, I didn’t know anyone and I thought this was a way to get involved. I never expected it to become this big. It’s been a great experience."
Lutz recently finished a remarkable season with the Crusaders. He helped the squad earn the Catholic League championship title on April 29.
But that was only the beginning.
The Crusaders went on to trounce teams from throughout the region in the city championship the following week. And on May 18 and 19, the crew battled teams from throughout the country at the 81st annual Stotesbury Cup Regatta. More than 5,000 athletes — competing in 850 boats from 177 schools — took part in the tournament on the Schuylkill River.
"I was definitely nervous," said Lutz. "But during the actual race, nothing goes through my mind except to pull harder. There’s really not too much to think about . . . just row as hard as you can."
The Crusaders won first place in the heavyweight division with a final time of 4:50.30.
"I can’t put it in words how it feels," said Lutz. "I think I’m still a little in shock about the whole thing. I never thought we would make it that far."
The Crusaders went on to compete in the nationals on Memorial Day weekend, where they faced 36 other teams. The squad walked away with a second-place victory.
"I still don’t believe we won," said Lutz. "But it was such an incredible feeling. The next day at school there were a lot of congratulations from the teachers and students. It felt great."
Lutz and teammates Ryan Rickus, Greg Ryan, Steve Cahill and Don Norris combined for a dream season and a Catholic League championship.
"The team had a very good season," said Phil Roche, who has been coaching the Crusaders for more than 35 years. "This entire season has been a great accomplishment for the team."
While most of the Crusader family is thrilled with the rowing team’s accomplishments, for Lutz — the only junior on the team — the season’s end is bittersweet.
"It’s a little depressing that they all get to move on to college without me," he said. "I can’t wait to do it all over again next year . . . and hopefully win everything all over again. But it’s sad to see the rest of my team leave."
However, with senior status right around the corner, Lutz will be stepping up soon enough — evolving very quickly from the novice of the team to the leader.
"It was hard this year and it’ll be even harder next year," said Lutz. "But I know we can do it. It won’t be easy, but we’ll see what happens."
He certainly has come a long way since he first gripped an oar. Building his skill — and his accomplishments — took time.
"We race almost every Sunday," he said. "We usually take Monday off to rest, then practice every day for the rest of the week. We usually work out for about two hours a day, plus the additional running I do on my own."
And while most crew teams are welcoming the official offseason, Lutz won’t get to enjoy too much time away from the water.
"I start up June 11 for the Junior Olympics invitational camp, held in Princeton," said Lutz. "My coach got me involved with it. They select you based on your performance and times, and I was chosen to try out."
Athletes from throughout the area were chosen to compete for spots on the 2007 Junior National Team that will race at the FISA World Junior Championships set for Aug. 8-11 in Beijing, China.
"I’m a little nervous, but also really excited," said Lutz. "I’ve been running a lot lately and trying to prepare for tryouts."
Cuts will be made every two weeks until a final team is chosen. Those athletes will be whisked away to China to battle some of the best rowers in the world.
"I’m getting my passport today," Lutz said with a smile. "I’ve never been out of the country before, so this would be an enormous opportunity."
Lutz’s experience on the water has led him to several championship victories. But his hard work and talent have taken him farther than a boat ever could.
"It took a lot of dedication," he added. "You need to be mentally and physically prepared for it. Rowing builds character. It makes you who you are. It’s hard to explain. But because it takes so much time and dedication, you always have something to do. And it makes you feel good about yourself." ••
Sports editor Melissa Yerkov can be reached at 215-354-3035 or myerkov@phillynews.com