Princeton University Athletics
Heavyweights Shock Field, Top Cambridge To Claim Head Of The Charles
October 24, 2005 | Heavyweight Rowing
Oct. 24, 2005
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. - The last time a collegiate crew claimed the Championship 8s at the Head of the Charles was 1983, when Navy pulled it off. Princeton ended that 22-year drought with a dramatic rally past several international powers to claim the gold medal at Sunday's Head of the Charles championship final.
Cambridge got out first in the championship race, while Princeton was locked in a battle with the Dutch national boat and the University of California in the early going. The Tigers, who placed second at both the Eastern Sprints and the IRA national championships last spring, surged to catch and surpass the Dutch, and then turned it up a gear in the final mile.
The stretch run did the trick, as Princeton finished in 14:41.885, which topped Cambridge's time of 14:46.202. Cambridge was the defending champion after ending the nine-year reign of US Rowing in the 2004 championship race.
Princeton is priming for a run of its own during this academic year, which is geared for a spring run at both the Eastern and IRA titles. The Tigers are led by a cast of seniors who were part of the 2003 undefeated novice boat that claimed both titles as well as a win at the Royal Henley Regatta as part of their magical year.
The women's open crew had a terrific performance as well, topping all of the collegiate crews and finishing behind only the US national team in the championship race. Princeton finished in 16:50.059, more than 10 seconds ahead of the next closest collegiate crew, Virginia (17:00.156).
The lightweight men and women each sent their respective eights to championship Sunday, and both recorded Top 10 finishes. The women placed fourth, second among collegiate crews to 2005 national champion Wisconsin, while the men placed ninth and third among collegiate crews.
All told, Princeton sent 12 boats to the Head of the Charles. All times can be found here. Fans of Princeton crew will be able to watch the Tigers locally this weekend, as the Princeton Chase will be held on Lake Carnegie this Saturday. That will be part of a full home weekend of Princeton competitions, including a noon football game against Cornell.