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Men's varsity crew coach Peter Wells was presented with the ECAC Men's Coach of the Year award at the National Invitational Rowing Championship.

Williams Men's Crew Coach Named Rowing Coach of the Year

By Dick QuinnWilliams Sports Info
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WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Peter Wells, head coach for the Williams men's varsity crew team, has been named ECAC Rowing Coach of the Year by his peers.

"Coach Wells seemingly does so much with so little," said co-captain and senior Joey Kiernan. "He's always trying to find areas where we can improve, even if it is only by a small amount. It all adds up in the end, and I think that is one big reason why our program has been so successful."

The Ephs have been a perennial powerhouse since Wells, a 1979 graduate of Williams, took the helm of the men's crew program in 1982. In his nearly 30 years of coaching, Williams has claimed 18 Little Three Championships, six New England Championships, four NESCAC titles, one ECAC Championship, and the Head of the Charles Collegiate race twice.

The Coach of the Year award was presented to Wells by his fellow ECAC coaches in recognition of yet another exceptional season. In 2011, the men's first varsity boat won the New England Championships, and placed second at the ECAC National Invitational Rowing Championship. His second varsity boat not only took home gold at both of these championship regattas, but also became the first Williams crew to have an undefeated season.

Although Wells said he "appreciated this award more than other awards because it's something [his] peers selected" him for, he insists that he gets "more satisfaction from what my guys accomplish."

"Sure it's nice to be recognized and be told that I'm doing a good job, but it can be a bit of a distraction — it's not what the season is about," he said.

Wells is preparing his crew to compete at this weekend's Aberdeen Dad Vail Regatta. The Ephs are attempting to become the first Williams crew to win the storied event.
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St. Stan's Students Spread Holiday Cheer at Williamstown Commons

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Students from St. Stanislaus Kostka School  in Adams brought the holiday spirit to Williamstown Commons on Thursday, delivering handmade Christmas cards and leading residents in a community caroling session.
 
"It honestly means the world to us because it means the world to them," said nursing home Administrator Alex Fox on Thursday morning. "This made their days. This could have even made their weeks. It could have made their Christmas, seeing the children and interacting with the community."
 
Teacher Kate Mendonca said this is the first year her class has visited the facility, noting that the initiative was driven entirely by the students.
 
"This came from the kids. They said they wanted to create something and give back," Mendonca said. "We want our students involved in the community instead of just reading from a religion book."
 
Preparation for the event began in early December, with students crafting bells to accompany their singing. The handmade cards were completed last week.
 
"It's important for them to know that it's not just about them during Christmas," Mendonca said. "It's about everyone, for sure. I hope that they know they really helped a lot of people today and hopefully it brought joy to the residents here."
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