FAIRFAX STATION, Va.- The Franklin & Marshall men's rowing team opened the fall 2026 schedule with Sunday's Occoquan Chase. The day was highlighted by a fourth-place finish for the Varsity 4+ crew.

Varsity 8+

The Diplomats' Varsity 8+ crew featured, from bow to stern, Gordon Clifford, Kunaal Chatterjee, Kanishk Pal, Harris Zhang, Jacob Ripperger, Ziyan Tang, Max Goldman, Peter Kutscher, and Vivian MacNeill as coxswain. The crew claimed thirteenth  place from the 15 sides entered into the race with a time of 18:46.488.

Varsity 4 +

F&M's Varsity 4+ lineup included, from bow to stern, Saul Schoenholtz, Kutscher, Goldman, Max Taxter, and MacNeill as coxswain. The team earned fourth place from the ten crews that started the race, finishing in 19:12.390.

From Coach Moemen Ibrahim '26

"The races were a great kickoff to the racing season for the Diplomats this fall, providing a strong foundation for the crew to build upon as the season progresses," said Coach Ibrahim. "The Varsity 4+ marked a promising start for the lineup as it prepares to compete at the prestigious Head of the Charles Regatta next weekend. With a solid opening performance behind them, the crew will look to carry that confidence and momentum into Boston.

Up Next

Next week features a pair of events, as the men's Varsity 4+ earned a bid into the Head of the Charles on Sunday, October 18. The rest of the squad, including a debut for the program's novices, will travel to Washington College on Saturday, October 17.