Princeton University Athletics
Princeton University
Head of the Charles
Fall Rowing Season Opens With Strong Performances At Head Of The Charles
October 19, 2015 | Heavyweight Rowing, Women's Rowing - Open, Women's Rowing - Lightweight, Men's Rowing - Lightweight
The Princeton men's lightweight eight was the top collegiate finisher, while each of Princeton's four rowing programs placed its top 8+ in the Top 6 of its championship event, to highlight another strong Tiger showing at the annual Head of the Charles, the first event of the fall rowing season.
The men's lightweights won the Head of the Charles in both 2013 and 2014, and they were again the top collegiate finisher in the field. The Tigers finished second overall (behind only NTC), but their time of 14:57.319 was more than eight seconds faster than any other collegiate crew.
While Marty Crotty could feel good about that, he was also pleased to see his 'B' boat earn a Top-10 finish overall. The second 8+ finished ninth in 15:32.219 and was the fastest 'B' boat by more than 14 seconds.
The Princeton open women made a huge jump over their 2014 performance. One year after seeing its 'A' boat finish 10th overall, the Tigers moved to fourth in a time of 16:29.785. The Tigers were the second-fastest boat in the Ivy field, trailing only reigning champion Brown, and they were more than 10 seconds faster than any other Ivy boat.
The 'B' boat finished 26th overall, while the open 4+ took 16th in its championship event.
The women's lightweights sent three boats out, including an 8+ that finished fifth overall in 17:29.134. The Tigers made a nice run at Wisconsin for a top-four finish of their own, but the Badgers were able to hold them off by about three seconds. The lightweight 4+ took sixth in the championship event, while a second 4+ took 34th in an open club event.
The heavyweight men, coming off their first Rowe Cup since 2005, took sixth in the championship 8+ event in 14:29.908. That time was third-best among Ivies, while Princeton's 'B' finished 16th overall in 14:57.303, and second-best among all Ivy 'B' boats.
The heavyweights also sent a 4+, which took fourth overall in 16:25.366.
Traditionally, the Princeton Chase would close the fall racing season one week after the Head of the Charles, but a change in schedule this year will allow Princeton rowers two weeks of training before the Chase (Nov. 1 on Lake Carnegie). Some younger rowers will compete next Saturday in the Head of the Schuylkill.