Oct 18, 2009

Site: Boston, MA / East Lansing, MI

Head of the Charles / Head of the Grad

This weekend saw Michigan splitting time at two races, the largest regatta in the world, the Head of the Charles, and the beloved annual race against MSU, the Head of the Grand. Success at each regatta caps another good weekend for the Maize and Blue.

At the Head of the Grand, the whole freshman squad saw their first racing action and even though they were well under the stroke rating of their competitors from MSU and Grand Valley they finished 3rd in the top boat. The varsity dominated the field finishing first in the Heavyweight and Lightweight fours and placing all four varsity eights ahead of the next competitor.

The Collegiate Four was the first to race, and the good conditions on Saturday and bow number 1, gave them a good opportunity to go after the first place medal they all wanted, but they ended up fourth behind a strong crew from Fordham who took the top spot.

The Championship Four placed tenth, behind the winners from Wisconsin. They had a strong race in the miserable conditions of a rain and snow mix, combined with high winds and a clash with another crew.

The full squad will be traveling together for the first time when they head to Indianapolis next weekend for the Head of the Eagle on Halloween. They will see many of their midwestern counterparts including Michigan State, G.V.S.U., Notre Dame and University of Chicago. The Head of the Rock results certainly suggest close racing should be expected throughout the regatta.