The Boston University men’s and women’s crew this weekend each competed in the 43rd annual Head of the Charles Regatta, an international race that brought more than 8,000 athletes from all over the world to the Charles River.
In addition, varsity and club crews spanning from California to the United Kingdom competed, including both BU crew teams.
The Boston University women’s crew raced in two events, placing 12th in the 21-team Championship Fours. The squad also placed 14th out of 39 teams in the Championship Eights.
“In this three-mile race,” said BU women’s coach Holly Hatton, “we focused on the big picture. We prepared for this race by reviewing the course and making sure there were no surprises.”
The women’s roster has 12 vacancies due to offseason departures, five of which have been filled by freshmen. In the Championship Eight boat, four rookies made their first mark at the collegiate level.
“One third of the team is new,” Hatton said. “We have a young team, but we had a solid start with our performance in the regatta. The girls still have a lot of speed to pick up as well as a lot of room to improve.”
The Terrier men also made a good showing, finishing 10th out of 44 entrants in the Championship Eights and 10th out of 18 squads in the Championship Fours.
In the Championship Eight, the men finished behind two nationally recognized teams that were “pretty solid,” said men’s coach Rodney Pratt. At the end of the two-day event, enjoying the festivities afterward was a great way for his time to unwind.
“It’s two hard days of work,” Pratt said, “It’s not all about crew. I have to spend a lot of time with the alumni and the parents. It’s a big reunion and they enjoy it. You have to keep working the entire time.”
It is also a great time for the freshmen to bond with their teammates.
“Everyone is back in school,” Pratt said. “There are new people in the system.”
“My most memorable part in the Regatta was seeing so many people from Boston come watch us,” said freshman Michael Schmitt. “I think most of Boston came. This was my first college race, and I’ll remember it for the rest of my life.”