On Friday, they finished fourth in their six-boat heat, finishing in a time of 6:42:66, overcoming Saugatuck Rowing Club and Newport Aquatic Center, and advancing to Saturday's semifinals. Rain began to fall on Saturday morning as the St. Mark's quad came racing down the course, hoping to finish in the top three and advance to Sunday's Grand Final. In a close finish, the Stephanie Barta crossed the finish line in third in a time of 6:35:53, one second ahead of fourth-place finisher New Canaan High School Crew Club, Texas Rowing Center, and San Diego Rowing Club. On Sunday, St. Mark's lined up at the start, alongside five other crews, one of whom would walk away as this year's National Champion. Even though the St. Mark's oarsmen rowed their fastest race yet in a time of 6:34.66, their efforts were not enough to keep pace with the top five. They finished sixth in the Grand Final, a sixth-place finish overall in the nation!

Their performance was the best showing St. Mark's Crew has ever made at Youth Nationals, and it marks the first time in school history that any St. Mark's boat has qualified for the Grand Final. In 2007, St. Mark's finished 16th overall in the lightweight double and 11th overall in 2008 in the same event. That same year, St. Mark's finished 14th overall in the quad in 2008, and, in 2009, the quad finished 9th overall. Advancing from 14th to 9th to 6th in a three-year period is a tremendous feat, especially since a different crew has been sent up each of those three years. 

Congratulations to Coach Fortieth and his team!