The Gales of October Came Early

Coming from cool weather in Houghton, the crew was in for some tough weather, with a high of 90° for race day. Not to be deterred, we got out on the water for practice to refresh the crew and coxswains on the Mississippi course. Race day came along and the wind showed up. Many races got out to compete but with the wind getting stronger as the day went on, the later part of the regatta got canceled. Despite many of our rowers not getting a chance to go out, spirits stayed high as we derigged and enjoyed dinner provided by families of the rowers.

The team in good spirits despite the early end

race day

The Head of the Mississippi regatta brought in 21 clubs, in which we as a team went against not only other collegiate clubs but also open teams and D1 college rowing teams. With tougher competition than Des Moines, we had to work hard for our places.

Men’s Team: The first of the men’s boats out for the day was the varsity 2x, taking 5th place. Going out strong as the wind and waves began to pick up, the novice men’s 8+ was out, pushing hard to place 2nd. Then the varsity 4+ boats went out, with 3 entries and many other teams, we placed 9th, 10th and 12th. The novice men’s 4+ was up next, with the varsity men’s singles not far behind but with the wind and waves getting stronger the end of the regatta was called off. The men’s varsity 8+ boats also did not get to compete.

Women’s Team: The women’s team started off the day, with Maggie taking 7th in her first ever single race! Not long after, both of the varsity 4+ boats went out placing 10th and 11th. Launching immediately after docking the 4+, Aili ran over to race with Maggie in their first double race together, taking 8th. Then it was our novice women’s turn to go out in the 4+, pushing hard as the waves started to pick up they took 3rd. The last varsity women’s race was the 8+, taking 7th place. The novice women’s 8+ was also one of the races that did not go out due to the weather conditions.

helpful links

Head of the Mississippi Results: Head of the Mississippi - All Entries (regattacentral.com)

HODM Photo Album: Head of the Mississippi 2025