A city that boasts one of the largest populations of college students got a few more this weekend as the Head of the Charles, one of the largest collegiate crew events in the nation, descended upon Boston.
The women's crew team competed alongside 46 other teams this weekend, racing three boats in the regatta. On Saturday, the second varsity team competed in the Club Eight Women's race, finishing 37th out of 49 teams (19:31.066). In Sunday's Collegiate Eight Women's race, the first varsity team placed 12th overall (19:07.675) and fourth among Div. III teams in a field of 46 teams, a huge leap from a 27th-place finish out of 30 teams last year.
In the same race, a second Tufts boat rowing under the club pseudonym of Mystic Valley Rowing Association finished 36th (19:59.770). The boat ran into some trouble when Bates got physical under a one-lane bridge. The Bates bowseat got her stroke seat right in front of the Tufts stroke seat, who managed to keep her rhythm and pushed the Bates oar away. Bates was penalized 30 seconds for the move, dropping it down about six spots in the final standings.
These few seconds rattled the Tufts boat and contributed to its lower-than-expected finish.
"This really took our focus off the race," sophomore Leah Koppel said. "We have to be able to keep focus when something unexpected happens."
The first Tufts boat found itself in somewhat smoother waters, and its 12th-place finish is one of the program's best in recent years.
"On the women's side, we have more top-end speed and greater depth than last year, which will create greater competition for spring," Caldwell said.
Senior Martha Dietz voiced similar sentiments.
"I think we've made even bigger improvements and we're in good position to head into winter training," she said.
For seniors like Dietz, this year was her fourth and final showing at the regatta.
"Everybody's been around for several years and it's exciting as well as sad because you're leaving something that's been a huge part of your life for such a long time and we've all been involved with the team," Dietz said. "But it also helps you enjoy it more because you recognize how fleeting it really is."
Caldwell was extremely impressed with the women's team and its senior leadership so far in the fall season. He points to the Head of the Charles as a step forward into the spring season. The regatta provided a sneak preview of the competition, both regionally and around the country, that Tufts may face next semester.
"You can't help but look at results and see where you are in relation to other people, other schools," Caldwell said. "A lot of boats were close to each other, and it's clear to me and the athletes that it's going to take a lot of work this winter and spring to get better. It won't be a cakewalk."
With the Head of the Charles behind it, the crew team will spend its time preparing for the Fall NESCAC-NERC Novice Championships in Worcester.
