by Colin McDowell ‘13
A crisp, sunny Saturday morning on the Cuyahoga–the type of day the Wildcat Navy looks forward to in early spring–served as the backdrop for the team’s rite of passage. No, the Navy wasn’t practicing on the river just yet. To kick off the varsity season, the Saint Ignatius Crew had their annual Blessing of the Boats, led by Fr. Frank Canfield, S.J. The blessing took place in the late morning at the Cleveland Rowing Foundation boathouse followed by a social where both the Saint Ignatius and Saint Joseph Academy Crews enjoyed camaraderie and good food.
The blessing was short and sweet, with both Saint Ignatius and Saint Joseph rowing communities offering a prayer over the boats for safe and fast races, for the teams for perseverance and strength, and for each rower to work to the best of his or her ability.
Coach Patrick Connor ’94, Saint Ignatius’ head coach, followed up the blessing with a special announcement that not only pleasantly surprised our rowers, but, Fr. Canfield as well. In honor of Fr. Canfield’s dedication to the Jesuit community, to the young men of this fine institution and his selfless, compassionate acts towards the brethren in the surrounding neighborhood, the Wildcat Navy named the newest addition to their fleet, a 63ft Vespoli shell, after him. Ever humble and witty, Fr. Canfield tempered his astonished reaction to the news, wishing the oarsmen the best of luck in the upcoming season and that those rowing his boat would not sink to the bottom of the river.
Luckily, the Saint Ignatius Crew has just the opposite in mind for this new boat, and they have even more confidence knowing that he’ll be right there with them in spirit.
