Malvern Rowing Bingo / 15th Year

Malvern Rowing Alumni Bill Mongan 02, Princeton University, Brandon Hanna 08, St. Joseph's University, Sean Stewart 08, St. Joseph's University,  Coach Craig Hoffman, Matt Benedetto 08, St. Joseph's University, Chris Higgins 09, St. Joseph's University, Craig Wenger 04, University of Pennsylvania and Dave Matasic 10, US Naval Academy joined in the Festivities, not pictured Victor Maggitti 02, Villanova University, Drew Brady 18, Cornell University, Alex Stoczko 13, Trinity College.

The Second Manny Flick Scheduled for March 25 has been cancelled because of flood conditions.

1st Manny Flick 2019 Results

Malvern Rowers had a fair day, winning the Junior Quad, finishing 2nd in the Junior Double, third in the Varsity Lightweight Quad, and 4th in the Varsity Heavyweight Quad. 

Frank and Ronnie Venonsky, Parents of Julian Venonsky 11, current USA National Team coxswain stopped by the first Manny Flick to cheer Malvern on

Check Out: Malvern Prep Rowing Team Honors Fallen Marine

"This skull is no longer just a skull is it? It's a legacy," said Father James Flynn.

On a brightly lit but windswept Saturday, Brandon Bury was, for a moment, very much alive; the center of attention for all the right reasons.

"We were, uh, up in Canada, and as we were returning, I got a call from my dad. He was really upset, and I figured something bad had happened," said Austin Bury.

That call came on June 6th last year, and something bad had happened. Sgt. Bury, on his third tour of duty in Afghanistan, died. The 26 year old father of two was killed by an I.E.D.

"And I just broke down," said Austin. "It was a really sad day."

Austin Bury was Brandon's cousin. Geographically, they were not close. Brandon lived in Texas, but in every other way they were.

The loss hit Austin hard, derailing his season as a championship caliber rower at Malvern Prep.

It hit the team hard, too. Though they had never met him, they were inspired by Brandon's sacrifice. So they dedicated the season in his honor.

Saturday, they made certain he would be a part of their future seasons as well. Christening the Sgt. Brandon C. Bury, USMC, a varsity quad given to the team by an anonymous donor.

Brandon didn't row, but he was an avid swimmer and a fierce competitor, so this, his family says, is fitting.

Though Saturday was the official christening of the Sgt Brandon Bury, the boat has already been on the water twice, winning both times.

"More than anything, the boys really feel motivated when they get into that boat," says Rowing Coach Craig Hoffman.

The dedication gives the young athletes someone to fight for, and for Brandon Bury, the consummate the soldier, a different fight to join.

"This is just awesome," said Austin. "I can't wait to come back and watch them race, next year's varsity squad to see how they do. I'm sure they will be fast and the boat will lead down the river."

You can also watch more videos on this story on Malvern Prep's Youtube Channel
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