It is with great pride and pleasure that we announce Meghan Sarbanis as the 2009 Schuylkill Navy Athlete of the Year. Her Undine family already knows that she is deserving of such a title, and I am thrilled that the Schuylkill Navy is formally recognizing her accomplishments.

I clearly remember when Meghan joined the club. Tim O’Grady and I were two of the fastest runners on the squad, and Meghan asked to join us on one of our long Winter runs. We were shocked that she kept up with us to the Angels…and then the grandstands…and then Temple…and then Falls Bridge…and then all the way back to the boathouse. And to top it off, she kept a conversation going the whole time!  We knew immediately she was a special athlete.

Meghan has achieved a lot since then, including many local and National Championships and two stints on the US National Team. Her latest accomplishment was a fourth place finish in the lightweight women’s single at the 2009 World Championships. She also started and sustains the annual Schuylkill Navy Blood Drive. Meghan has been a friend to everyone on the river.

Meghan is a great friend, an exceptional athlete, and a proud Undinian. We are fortunate to have her as part of our family.

Meghan will receive the award at the annual Schuylkill Navy Banquet on Sunday, March 7.  For details about the banquet, go to:
http://www.boathouserow.org/rega10/banquet10.html.

Congratulations, Meghan!
Mike Naughton