The Head of the Charles is perhaps the most exciting race on the American rowing calendar. A major event where the top American universities boat their first crews of the season on the twisting course which passes under the infamous Elliot Bridge. Watched by 400,000 spectators annually, thirty-five crews will be battling it out to win the Women’s Collegiate Eight title in what is shaping up to be a wildly exciting scrap.
Mercyhurst University
Setting off first Mercyhurst University will be looking to complete their third straight victory in the Women’s Collegiate Eights at the Head of the Charles. They enter the race as undeniable favourites, not only due to their history in the event but due to their rapid start to the season, having won at the Head of the Niagara last week. Coached by Marlow native Adam Spracklen, former Russian national team coach and son of Mike Spracklen, they appear to be in as strong a position as ever. They also have the added benefit of starting first, aiding them in any tricky potential overtakes, which can hugely jeapodise a smooth run.
Wellesley College
Setting off behind Mercyhurst are Wellesley College. Narrowly finishing as runners up to Mercyhurst the last two years, they will be hoping that their strong returning cohort will tip the balance in their favour. Having won the Division 3 Championships at NCAAs for two years running, they have six returning athletes from last year’s varsity boat. They have been a consistently top-five programmes over the last decade with several athletes of the year awards to their name. This is their first race of the season so right now their speed is unknown, but their experience may put them in good stead to finally topple the Pennsylvanians.
Bates College
Bates College are starting fourth and are one of the most exciting crews to watch this weekend. Although their varsity finished sixth at the NCAA Division 3 championships in June, their Junior Varsity won their event for the ninth consecutive year in a row after coming through the repechage in an unprecedented comeback. Whether they will be able to turn their depth into speed at the top of the programme will be found out this weekend.
Tufts University
Starting third are Tufts University, but with a slow start to the season so far it seems the odds aren’t in their favour. Despite having finished on the podium at NCAAs last year, they lost to both Trinity College and the University of Rhode Island a few weeks ago. Trinity have massively improved their results at the Charles over the last two years, finishing sixteenth two years ago and fifth last year. They will be hoping to continue their rapid improvement.
University of Rhode Island
However, Rhode Island are my crew to watch. Having finished second at the Atlantic 10 Championship last year, one of their rowers went on to represent the United States at the U23 World Championships. Starting near the back in twenty seventh it will be a tough challenge for them to win as they will be forced to overtake numerous other boats but having beaten Tufts and Wesleyan by 22 seconds at the Head of the Riverfront earlier this season, they might just have enough speed to do it.
Predictions
In the Head of the Charles, it really comes down to what happens on the day. I expect Mercyhurst University to stand top of the podium, having already gained victorious momentum in upstate New York. I would suggest it will be a three-for-three second place finish for Wellesley College with University of Rhode Island claiming the last medal position.
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