Home Event Final Test for Women’s Rowing

Girls Rowing Team
by Jim Hogue Photos

The Stetson Women’s Rowing team is looking to carry the momentum of a strong fall season into their final test of the year, defending the home waters of Lake Beresford this weekend during the Hatter Fall Rowing Rendezvous. In only its fourth year, the Rendezvous is the largest fall regatta in Florida.

“The fall season features 5,000 meter time trials similar to cross-country running,” said head coach Mark Wilson. “The waters of the St. John River and Lake Beresford are a perfect venue. This weekend we will welcome 1,200 competitors and over 2,500 spectators to our little slice of rowing heaven.”

The Hatters are looking forward to sharing the water with so many rowers, but are more interested in seeing where the season’s training has gotten them. Last weekend the Hatters took a select group of 14 girls to Chattanooga and represented well at the Head of the Hooch regatta.

“We have a young team, with a lot of freshman and only three seniors,” said assistant coach Ryan Worth. “I’m looking forward to seeing how the ladies do this weekend on their home water. There’s a ton of potential in this group that they’re just beginning to tap.”

The women’s novice 8+ took top honors at their first two regattas this year and finished seventh out of 45 competitors in their third outing last weekend, the highest finish of all Florida teams in attendance. This weekend they will line up against Barry University and Nova Southeastern, among others, for the first time this season.

This weekend the Hatters will field nine boats in six different events.

“I’m really excited about this weekend. All of these ladies have been killing it at practice. The whole team has such a positive and competitive attitude, and I think we’re going to surprise some people this weekend, maybe even ourselves,” said Worth.

Festivities kick off at 7:45 Saturday morning with the singing of the National Anthem and a fly-over. Events will conclude with awards at 5:00 p.m., Saturday, and run from 7:30-11:00 a.m. on Sunday. In addition to the traditional 5K races Saturday morning, the Rendezvous also offers competitors and spectators the excitement of 750-meter sprints Saturday afternoon, and the unique challenge of a 13.1 mile race loop around Hontoon Island on Sunday morning.

The Stetson boathouse is located at 2636 Alhambra Road in DeLand.

Saturday Schedule:

National Anthem and fly-over: 7:45 a.m.

Women’s College Varsity 4+: 10:00 a.m.

Women’s College Novice 8+: 10:40 a.m.

 Women’s College Varsity 8+: 12:30 p.m.

Women’s College Novice 4+: 1:30 p.m.

750meter sprints: 3:30 p.m.

Awards: 5:00 p.m.

Sunday:

½ Marathon: 7:30-10:30 a.m.

GOHATTERS.COM