Mount Holyoke Rowing was 29th out of 36 teams in the Head of the Charles on Sunday, Oct. 23. Photo courtesy of Mount Holyoke Athletics. Photo courtesy of Mount Holyoke Athletics.
By Lauren Leese ’23
Staff Writer
Mount Holyoke Rowing competed at the Head of the Charles regatta in the Women’s Collegiate Eights category on Sunday, Oct. 23. The first varsity eight took 29th place out of 36 boats with a time of 14:55.151. The competition wrapped up Rowing’s fall season.
“It was a tough go out there,” Head Rowing Coach Seth Hussey said. “I think we’re always hoping to finish with our best race and when that doesn’t happen it’s hard not to be disappointed. In a lot of ways success at the Charles always requires a bit of luck, and we couldn’t quite find any out there. … That’s just how it goes sometimes.”
Despite his disappointment at the result, Hussey expressed gratitude for the team’s cohesion. “I’m proud of all the effort and commitment that has gone into making this group a team,” Hussey said. “As time passes, the sting of under-performing will subside, and instead we’ll recall fond memories of teammates and time spent racing together.”
Seat 6 rower Bea Rodriguez ’24 described the challenge of racing the Head of the Charles and echoed Hussey’s comments about the Lyons’ team spirit in the competition.
“It’s overwhelming in the best way possible,” Rodriguez said. “You’re hyped up, there’s a strong sense of pride, and a whole lot of motivation. But … Charles is an exhaustingly tough regatta.”
“There was not a moment in that race where I doubted how hard the team was pushing,” Rodriguez said. “You could feel 100 percent from everyone, and there’s absolutely nothing else I can ask for. … I just wanted to appreciate the camaraderie and focus of the team. Waiting at the starting line, we’re hyping each other up, laughing at terrible rowing puns and wishing good luck to the crews around us. A split second later we’re called to attention and you can feel how serious and focused our crew got.”
Looking ahead to Rowing’s spring season, Rodriguez spoke about their hope for what comes next. “I think when we meet again on Feb. 20, we're going to see a team full of strength and power, ready to give Smith a run for their money during the spring sprints,” Rodriguez said.
Rowing’s next competition is scheduled for March 16, 2023 at Lake Hartwell in Clemson, South Carolina.