Head of the Charles 2019

Last weekend, the team was given the wonderful opportunity to venture out to Boston, once again, to race at the 55th Head of the Charles Regatta. The architecture along the course was beautiful and the weather was great all weekend. 

On Saturday, 7 alumni, along with a current athlete, Cheyenne Petersen, dusted off their Illinois uni's and returned to the water to race in the Women's Club 8+ category. They were coxed by Jennifer Gilbert and, recent graduate, Zoe Zapel was in stroke seat. The alumni finished 30th with a time of 19:53.9.

Late in the day Sunday, the M4+ and W4+ both raced in the Collegiate 4+ categories. The M4+ was coxed by Anna Barranikova '21 and stroked by Brian Strauch '21. This HOCR was a first for bow seat Hugh McBarron '20. "I'm honored to be given the opportunity to go to a regatta that is so significant. I had a great time racing in the four and I'm really proud of how we did." They were able to take a significant portion off of their boat PR that they set at the Music City Head Race in Nashville, TN. The men finished with a time of 18:45.5, placing 39th overall.  The W4+ raced right after the men. They were coxed by Sarah Yamaguchi '22 and stroked by Sophia Ebel '22. This was the third HOCR for the rest of the boat, Jo Hannah Sage '20, Alex Brown '21, and Emma Elmiger '20. "This was my first time racing the 4+ in Boston and it was my favorite out of all the three times I’ve attended. I am very proud of our performance." - Emma Elmiger. The women finished with a time of 19:36.2, placing 21st overall.  

Overall, HOCR 55 was a major success for the Illini.