LOWELL, Massachusetts –– Bowdoin Rowing earned six medal finishes among 13 entries at the Textile River Regatta on the Merrimack River this past Sunday.
Thirteen boats travelled to Lowell, Massachusetts, a record number of entries and a testament to the team’s large size, commitment, and great spirit. The Textile is the largest full-team regatta of the fall season and occurs before the novices will get some well-deserved down time over Fall Break.
The men’s novice eight was the first boat to the water, claiming second place behind WPI’s competitive performance in their first row in their new lineup.
Senior double duo, Ilana Olin and Allie Gross, took first place in the women’s collegiate doubles. In an exciting development for Bowdoin Rowing, Olin and Gross will be putting their sculling skills to the test as the club’s entry in the Women’s Championship Doubles event at the Head of the Charles later this month.
The men’s first varsity four took gold by only 3 seconds over WPI. WPI crews fierce competition and took 2nd through 4th place in the race, followed closely behind by Bowdoin’s second varsity four in 5th place. The remaining two Bowdoin boats, the men’s third and fourth varsity fours, came in 7 and 18 seconds behind the second men’s varsity four to place 7th and 9th.
The women’s first varsity four chased down UMass Lowell boat and to secure second place behind Boston’s CRI crew. Coming in just after Lowell, the second varsity four finished in a tight 4th place. The third varsity four put up a fight to earn 11th place and close out a strong performance among varsity crews.
Both the men’s novice four and the women’s novice fours placed first with a commanding lead over their competitors. Novice crews came off of the water with smiles and significant improvements over their scrimmage race at the Cow Island Classic two weeks earlier.
To conclude the day of racing for the Polar Bears, two men’s varsity eights headed out to expand the team’s success in the fours races. Members of the men’s first and second varsity fours combined to row to a third place finish, coming in behind WPI and UMass Lowell. Bowdoin’s second varsity eight took 8th place.
Coaches Doug Welling and Ry Hills were thrilled with the depth and performance of the crews. “The group energy and effort throughout the day, rowing, cheering and supporting teammates was incredible,” said Welling. “We were lucky to have the support of many parents (and dogs!) at the riverside, and we look forward to seeing many more at parents’ weekend later this month.”
The Varsity crews will take advantage of the upcoming Fall Break to prepare for the Head of the Charles Regatta on October 19th and 20th. A record 8 boats have secured bids: 4 men’s fours, 3 women’s fours, and 1 women’s double.
Let’s Go Black!
Article by Assistant Coach Ry Hills