The women’s collegiate eights, one of the last events on the HOCR Sunday, is shaping up to bring lots of action to round out an incredible weekend in Boston. Although most programs have chosen not to disclose their lineups until the race weekend, last season’s performance may indicate how the chips will fall this October. As always, last fall’s race will set the starting order. However, it is hard to predict with this category as some boats may also enter their top boat in the club 8 category, which races on Saturday.
Tufts University Crew
Last year, Tufts pulled out a great result at the 2023 Head of the Charles , winning this category. HOCR results were the first sign of success for the program, which ended up winning the NCAA 2024 DIII rowing championships. Members of their second and fourth Varsity also impressed at regional and national championships and are likely to rise to be members of this boat. With that in mind, another year of success might be in store for Tufts. They will start first in this category and are also entered into the club division, so results will depend on which event they prioritise.
Wesleyan
Starting fourth across the line this year is Wesleyan, who climbed their way to second at the NCAA in the varsity and fourth in the second Varsity. These impressive results are encouraging as they build into this season. However, the rise of Tufts will be hard to follow.
Trinity College, Hartford
Starting second this year is a program that has risen out of the woodwork in recent times in Trinity, who ended spring 2024 with two bronzes at the NCAAs, ending fourth overall. 2024 was their first trip to the NCAAs since 2015 and this is indicative of a program on the rise. Hopefully, HOCR will demonstrate continued success.
Smith College
Despite success at last autumn’s Charles, Smith fell later in the year to teams that they had previously bested. This will be a chip on their shoulder as they start third behind Trinity and Tufts, fueling the fire as they aim to lay down a decent time. At NCAAs, their Varsity boat finished sixth and their second in fifth. Depending on how other programs shape up in the new year following the graduation of last year’s seniors, Smith could get back on track.
Prediction
The Head of the Charles is a great first test of new squads in a lower-stakes environment than the traditional 2k race. This year, signs point to Tufts finding continued strength after an incredible 2023-24, but it’s still anyone’s game.
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