Massachusetts Begins Fall Racing Schedule

This is the first race recap written by Sean Richardson, UM rower and sportswriter for the MDC.

The Aggies kicked off their fall racing campaign with the Head of the Housatonic in Shelton, Connecticut this past Saturday. Massachusetts looked to carry over momentum from last May’s strong showing at the ACRA National Championships (placing 7th, surpassing their previous best of 11th in the nation) and show they are still one of the top dogs in the Northeast, even after graduating over ten seniors from last season. 

In the collegiate eight event, UMass raced two eights in a field of over ten boats. The first varsity eight completed the course in a quick 14:44.4, good enough for a second place finish, even after the stroke seat’s foot stretcher broke at just over 20 strokes into the race. Meanwhile, the second varsity eight (compromised entirely of underclassmen) started strong, but faded down the stretch to finish eighth with a time of 15:45.

Rounding out racing for the day was the 4+, finishing 11th in 18:43.4 and edging out rival UConn along the way in their respective event.

All in all, it was a successful day of racing for a young Aggies team which has improved exponentially since preseason.

Next up, Massachusetts will host their second-ever home race with the Hadley Chase on the Connecticut River this Saturday. Attending the chase will be some familiar foes, with Rhode Island, Connecticut, Coast Guard, and Tufts all fielding multiple boats for the regatta.