Fall Athlete Spotlight: Ryan Ehnot
Ryan Ehnot, now a senior sailor at the Academy, is a big factor in the CBA sailing’s success this fall, as he and his teammates have put together a special season on the water.
Starting out, Ehnot explained that sailing was a big reason for his enrollment at CBA, but he didn’t just start sailing at CBA.
“I started sailing when I was seven years old and have been competing both nationally and internationally in many different boats. When I was looking at high schools, the sailing team was a big part of it,” he said.
Watching his brother’s success in the sailing program at CBA sparked a feeling of excitement as this unique sailing program could help him take his game to the next level. Looking at high schools, Ehnot considered the CBA sailing team the most lively and well-run team in the league.
Transitioning to a high school varsity sport in your first semester at high school is not easy, yet Ehnot said the community around him helped him grow immediately and would shape him into the sailor he is today.
“During my first season, the upperclassmen immediately took me and the other freshmen under their wing and helped us figure out the new style of sailing,” Ehnot explained. “Coach Lutz also helped me immensely to transition into high school sailing.”
High school races differed greatly from his previous competitions on water, he said. The high school races are much shorter than what he was used to. Varsity races last usually only about 15-20 minutes in comparison to the hour-long races in his past. These short races keep the pressure on with little room for error.
“In a long race, if you make one wrong decision, there is always another opportunity to recover. In a short race, one bad decision can cost you the race,” Ehnot said as he stressed the emphasis on consistency.
Additionally, Ehnot explained that all races matter on the high school level. There are no “drops,” which means each competitor keeps the standings in all of the races regardless of the finish. This means that sailors must be consistent and not take big risks in order to have a better average through the series of races, something he had to adjust to coming into CBA.
As Ehnot grew in the program, he developed the necessary experience to trust his decisions and do what he thought was right in the heat of the moment. He explained that sailing is about making the right decisions at the right time; these decisions have to be made without hesitation.
The pandemic put limits on Ehnot and his teammates’ competition last year as there were no major travel events. He was, however, honored as the New Jersey Interscholastic Sailing Association’s Sailor of the Year for 2020-2021. Regardless of accolades, Ehnot remained motivated to work even harder to make up for what he missed his junior year.
“Last season I worked hard at practice to improve knowing that I would only have one more chance to go to a national event,” Ehnot said.
Ehnot did not let this chance slip by. The Colts placed third at the District Championship Regatta on October 17, which qualified CBA for the Atlantic Coast Championship in Norfolk, Virginia in November. The Colts will gear up to compete against teams from all over the country, which Ehnot explains is a testament to their hard work last year.
Even though Ehnot’s final fall season comes to a close next month, it’s not the end. There’s still a lot to be done and an even bigger fish to fry.
During the spring season, Ehnot says he has his eyes on qualifying for the national championship in San Diego, California. This endeavor won’t be easy, as the Colts would need to place top four in their district championship next spring. However, Ehnot believes in his team and the work they have put in. He explains how important it is for him and his teammates to remain focused during the offseason in order to stay conditioned and prepped for the spring.
“Having our minds set on a goal that we know is attainable gives us the confidence and motivation to keep getting faster and more consistent on the water,” Ehnot said as he knows his team will be ready for what’s to come.
