The WPI Department of Athletics is proud to continue its 2025–2026 Athletics Celebration, a daily series highlighting the top moments from each varsity program's season. The celebration will also recognize each team's Ray Cherenzia '73 Award honoree and selected programs' major award winners, as chosen by WPI Athletics' head coaches.

Top Moment: Engineers Capture the McCarthy/McGee Cup
WPI delivered a commanding performance on Lake Quinsigamond on April 25, highlighted by a varsity eight victory that secured the McCarthy/McGee Cup. The Engineers crossed the finish in 6:15.80, defeating No. 11 Coast Guard, Boston College, Connecticut College and UMass to successfully defend the trophy.

The victory gave WPI its seventh win in the 10 contested editions of the Cup. The depth of the program was on full display as the third varsity eight and varsity four A also earned victories, while the second varsity eight placed second. Trajen Masner rowed in the victorious varsity eight, helping the Crimson and Gray hold off Coast Guard by 4.2 seconds.
McCarthy/McGee Cup Recap

Ray Cherenzia '73 Award Recipient: Trajen Masner
Trajen Masner was selected as the men's rowing program's recipient of the Ray Cherenzia '73 Award. The honor is presented to a member of each varsity team who exemplifies the spirit of an "unsung hero"—someone who works hard every day, puts the team first over personal goals and performs the often-unrecognized responsibilities that are vital to the team's success.

Masner's selection recognizes the consistent effort, selflessness and character he brought to the boathouse and the varsity eight. His contributions to the McCarthy/McGee Cup victory reflected the team-first preparation and dependability celebrated by the award, as well as his respected representation of WPI.
 


Additional Season Honors
WPI opened its fall campaign at the Quinsigamond Snake Regatta before closing the slate with a top-10 varsity eight finish at the Wormtown Chase Regatta. The varsity eight covered the course in 15:58.3 against a 24-boat field.
Quinsigamond Snake Regatta
Wormtown Chase Regatta

The Engineers opened the spring with four third-place finishes at the Class of 2003 Cup and followed with a runner-up performance at the James Donahue Cup.
Class of 2003 Cup
James Donahue Cup

WPI tested itself against four nationally-ranked crews in Remley Cup racing.
Remley Cup Racing

The Engineers earned two victories at the National Invitational Rowing Championship, closing the competitive season with strong performances at the national regatta.
National Invitational Rowing Championship

Henry Wagg earned Empacher-IRCA All-America recognition, while six Engineers were named Empacher-IRCA Scholar Athletes, capping the season with national athletic and academic honors.
IRCA All-America and Scholar-Athlete Honors

The 2025–2026 WPI Athletics Celebration will continue with features highlighting each of the Engineers' varsity programs. Follow WPI Athletics on Instagram (@wpiathletics), Facebook and X (@WPIAthletics) to keep up with the series.

Fans can also follow WPI Men's Rowing on Instagram (@wpimensrowing) and X (@wpimrowing) for the latest program news and updates.