Keep Ben On The Course
We can't imagine what it will be like to wake up for 5am practices in a world where Ben isn't already biking to practice, or one where the "stop flexing" sign on the locker room mirror will not be necessary. We know that no matter what we do, we cannot fix the brokenness of losing a teammate just days after his 16th birthday. But we do know that since the Gordon Juniors began, Ben Colaneri hasn't missed a beat in his relentless pursuit of both speed and laughter (unfortunately, sometimes simultaneously), and it is our intent to be sure he doesn't have to.
We are ready to carry his legacy across the line for the rest of our rowing careers, but we need some help to do so. Ben's favorite boats, the Flicka and the Blue Jay, are both Filippi's--and his track record in the boy's double, locally and nationally is one we intend to maintain. If you are also searching for ways to make sure Ben never stops encouraging his teammates, finding free speed, and challenging limits, please consider joining Gordon Rowing Association in our quest to dedicate a new boat in his honor before the start of the fall season.
Ben went to be with the Lord on Friday night, July 30th, after being struck by a pickup truck riding his beloved bike home from a swimming excursion. The team is together and will remain so for the next few days, and while we welcome hugs, we do ask that you could respect the privacy of boat mates and teammates as we learn to "be OK when everything is not OK". *Picture is from Independence Day Regatta 2021, Philadelphia PA*
