Success
on the Schuylkill

By Melissa Yerkov
Times Sports Editor

Whether it’s by train, plane or boat, Angela Acuna is always on the move.
The St. Joseph’s University freshman has ventured to Canada, Poland and Germany over the years and hopes to study abroad in Chile in the near future.
"My dad is from Chile," said Acuna, an international business major with a minor in American studies. "I’ve never been there, but I really want to see it."
In the meantime, Acuna is doing plenty of traveling along the Schuylkill River. The Nazareth Academy graduate is now a freshman on the Hawks’ rowing team, and recently sailed to victory at the Kelly Cup on April 26.
The Hawks finished first in the Freshman 4, Varsity 4, Freshman 8, Second Varsity 8 and the Varsity 8. The momentous occasion marked the first time in school history that the women’s team swept the Kelly Cup.
"It was really exciting!" said Acuna, who participated in the Freshman 4, finishing with a time of 8:02.3, and the freshman 8, which finished at 7:09.2. "It’s so great that all the boats did it together. Every single boat won. Talk about a good morale-pusher for the team."
The ladies were joined in the winner’s circle by the men’s squad, whose Varsity 8 boat also won a title of its own. The occasion marked the first Bergen Cup triumph for the men’s Varsity 8 since 1978, and the first time ever that both the men’s and women’s Varsity 8 squads brought home the crown.
"I was so nervous," recalled Acuna. "We wanted bragging rights. This is our river, so we want to be the best here. Our coach (Gerry Quinlan) says every race is more difficult than the last. Every race I’m nervous, because I want to keep proving we’re the best."
Before jumping into the Hawks’ crew boat this year, Acuna had never rowed before. However, she’s no stranger to the water.
When she was 11, Acuna went to visit her Aunt Barb in Iowa and was introduced to dragon boating. The unique sport races large canoes that are filled with about 20 people who collectively paddle to the beat of a drum for 250 meters. First boat across the finish line wins.
"I do a lot of rowing over the summer," said Acuna, who now participates in the Philadelphia Dragon Boating Association. "I always wanted to try crew but didn’t have the opportunity in high school, because there was no rowing at Nazareth."
Her luck changed at St. Joe’s, with the opportunity to team up with the crew squad.
Acuna was ready to row.
"I jumped in without knowing what I was getting myself into," she said. "I think back on it and now, I don’t know what I would do without having my days structured."
The Hawks can be found paddling on the Schuylkill six days a week, two hours a day. They’re also responsible for personal training, including working out and lifting weights, two days a week for an additional two hours.
"In the beginning they kind of eased us into it, then as it got more involved, it got a lot harder," said Acuna, who knows all about athletic dedication from her four years on the Nazareth lacrosse team. "It was hard because I went from playing lacrosse from March to May to doing a sport all year long. It was really difficult, and a big adjustment.
"The school helps out," she continued. "During your first semester, you have to go to study hall for a certain amount of time each week, so you can keep up with your classes. It’s a lot of time management."
Acuna’s arrival at college last semester wasn’t as smooth as she had hoped. The Academy Gardens resident is now living on campus at St. Joe’s and trying to adapt to her new life.
"It was a little rough my first semester, but I think I have it under control now," Acuna said with a laugh. "It wasn’t quite what I expected in the beginning. It’s a lot different than living in your own room at home.
"In the beginning I got homesick a lot, but not so much anymore," she said. "I go home a lot on the weekends to relax after practice all week. It’s nice knowing you can drive twenty minutes and get home."
She might not have that luxury in a few years, though. With dreams of studying in Chile, Acuna would have a slightly longer commute home.
"After college, I want to do some type of business between the U.S. and South America, but I’m not sure what yet," said Acuna. "But I’m hoping to study in Chile first.
"My dad is from there, but he moved over here when he was younger. I talk with him a lot about when he was younger, what the country was like. I think he’s glad I’m interested in where he’s from and the culture. I’m excited to explore what’s out there." ••
Sports editor Melissa Yerkov can be reached at 215-354-3035 or myerkov@phillynews.com