More Than a Race Day
There’s something special about the first few weeks of racing together. New rowers get to experience what they’ve been practicing for, returning athletes take the water in UCONN colors again, and the people who support get to see it all come together.
From Head of the Riverfront to the Housatonic and Head Of The Charles, this October has given us plenty to be proud of and moments we’re excited to share with our UCMC Family.
Head of the Riverfront!
At Riverfront, our novice 4+ took First place, while our Novice 8+ earned Second, bringing home Gold and Silver to open the season. For our newest athletes, earning medals at their first regatta was an exciting reward for the work they’ve put into learning the sport together and a start they can be proud of.
Novice 8+
Photo Credit: Nate Johnson \ @skylanddood
Our varsity eight finished in 15:10.344, racing with their smallest margin to competing crews in the past couple of years, while the 4+ put together a strong row in 16:08.603, placing 11th out of 17 finishers. It was an encouraging start for the varsity group and a chance to see their work take shape as we look forward to The Charles. Parents brought food for the athletes, adding their own care and effort to the day. Thank you to everyone who helped. A meal after racing might seem like a small thing, but it means a great deal to the athletes receiving it.
Varsity 8+
Photo Credit: Nate Johnson \ @skylanddood
Head of the Housatonic
The Housatonic was one of our biggest race days of this season, with SEVEN UConn Boats taking the water. With so many athletes getting the chance to race, there was plenty to be excited about across the team!
Novice 4+
Photo Credit: Nate Johnson \ @skylanddood
Our Novices had another weekend to be proud of, with the 8+ earning 3rd in 16:18.948 and the 4+ taking 3rd in 19:07.897. Bringing medals at both of their first two regattas gave our newest athletes a lot to celebrate and more confidence to carry into practice.
Varsity 4+
Photo Credit: Nate Johnson \ @skylanddood
Our Varsity came into Housatonic with crews they wanted to beat and followed through. Our three Collegiate 8+ finished in 15:36.860, 16:30.905, and 17:00.471, while the four delivered a great performance in 17:19.867, placing 16th out of 24 finishers. Off the water, we brought food and fired up the grill for our athletes, giving everyone a chance to share a meal and enjoy racing with our families and alumni who came out to support us.
The big weekend: Head of the Charles
The Charles brings together crews from around the world, from novices to Olympians. All of UCMC made the trip, giving our new athletes an opportunity to immerse themselves in rowing culture and to learn from the greatest crews in the world.
Our Men’s collegiate 4+ finished in 17:57.915, but the work behind that result extended beyond athletes in the boat. Every rower who seat-raced for a spot pushed themselves and their teammates, helping shape the crew that represented UConn Men’s crew on a big stage. As the 4+ took on strong competition, UCMC cheered them on from the bridges, a team effort carried from everyday practice at home to the Charles.
The Charles 4+
Photo Credit: Nate Johnson \ @skylanddood
With the Wormtown Chase ahead, UCMC continues to put in the work at practice, carrying the excitement of these past three weekends into our next race. We’d love to see our alumni, families, and friends come out and spend another day on the water with us. Thank you for continuing to support our athletes!
