Head of the Grand 2022

One chilly october weekend…

Michigan Tech pilgrimaged downstate to Lansing for the Head of the Grand Regatta this October 15th. Competing against the big names of downstate, Tech gave ‘em a run for their money. Despite the chilling morning conditions that brought out winter coats, gloves, and buffs, MTU crew members insisted that even colder conditions would optimize their performance and prove their superiority against the warm-water downstate rowers. One crew member professed “We need a good snowstorm. These [downstate] teams have never rowed in a snowstorm”. Others performed lat spreads and speedy jogs to simultaneously keep the blood pumping and intimidate other teams. Michigan Tech Crew is very thankful for all the families and friends that came to watch, and for the incredibly generous amounts of food that fueled their races and warmed their bellies <3

Notable performances:

MTU Women’s Novice 4+ - Alexis Childs, Greta Rickauer, Emily Taylor, Fiona Olson, and Anni Betz (cox) absolutely dominated their race (13:45.00), coming in 1st place (!!!!!) against Michigan State (2nd place), Grand Valley (3rd and 5th place) and Adrian College (4th place). Despite all rowers hotseating from the previous race, these impressive women flew past the finish line in front of the big-namers. Considering that this was one of Tech’s largest rowing wins in a number of years, it was disappointing that no medals were awarded to novice boats at this regatta. However, ladies from this boat later hosted a nail-painting session where they painted many crew members’ nails in celebration of their win.

MTU Men’s Single - Parry Ragland and his single finished 2nd (12:28.50), against Detroit Boat Club (1st place), Grand Valley (3rd, 5th, and 6th place), and Michigan State (4th place). When the single came zipping by the dock, many crew members raced down to the dock to cheer Parry on and unintentionally almost submerged the dock from their overbearing support.