The Pelham Community Rowing Association finished eighth in the boys varsity eight at the 2023 USRowing Youth National Championships, making club history. Through an impressive performance by the whole boat this weekend, the boys rallied to outshine some of the biggest clubs in the nation, including Greenwich Crew and St. Joseph’s Preparatory Crew.

Pelham qualified for nationals at the New York State Championship, where they placed second to Row America Rye. On Thursday, the boys finished within the top 16 in their time trial, qualifying for the Group A and Group B semifinals. The 16 boats were split up into two heats that would send the top four boats from each heat of eight to the final.

Pelham finished in the top four in its heat, beating out other established and dominant rowing groups, qualifying for the Grande Final. That marked the first time PCRA ever made to the final at nationals. In the race, PCRA took eighth.

Row America Rye took home the gold, but this wasn’t hardly a defeat for Pelham.

“From missing out on qualification last year to eighth in the country this year, it’s been a heck of a ride,” said Max Purcea, a junior at Pelham Memorial High School.

PMHS was represented in the boat by Purcea and senior Charlie Gottfried.

The boys have a quick week to reflect on their season before they return to the water in preparation for another national championship run.

The PCRA boys second varsity eight finished 24th and the girls u17 four came in 13th.