Head of the Eagle Results

This past weekend, the team traveled to Indianapolis to compete at the Head of the Eagle. The Varsity entered a two eights and a four, while the Novice entered four eights and a four. All boats competed in the head race, with the eights also doing a 1000m sprint in the afternoon. There was a strong wind on the reservoir, with large waves rolling across the majority of the course (many tall enough to come over the gunwales).

The highlight of the head race was the 2V bringing home the gold in their category, beating Grand Valley, Purdue, and Michigan. The 1V came in 4th in the Varsity A race, and the V4+ placed 10th in their race.

The 1N came in 5th in the Novice A category, while the 2N, 3N, and 4N came in 4th, 11th, and 7th, respectively, in the Novice B race. The N4+ came in 7th in the Novice 4 category.

As a whole, the team performed significantly better in afternoon. The 1000m sprints were organized so that the 1st place from the head race went up against 2nd place, 3rd raced 4th, and so on. The 1V got another shot at Purdue, who finished in 3rd place in the head race. Eager to get another shot, the 1V beat Purdue's 1V by 6 seats. The 2V turned in another impressive performance, this time beating Illinois' 1V decidedly. All of the Novice eights also won their head races.

Our strong finish in the 1000m dual sprints ended our day of racing on a great note, giving us some momentum heading into winter training, and optimism for the spring season.

 

 

Head of the Charles Collegiate 4+ 2015: 1st out of 46 in 17:09.6.

The following are two perspective pieces from the Head of the Charles. The left column is by our bow seat, Joe Boyle, and the right by our coxswain, Caitlin O'Loughlin.

"As a coxswain, the title 'Head of the Charles Champion' carries a special amount of pride. This course is commonly known as being a 'coxswain’s nightmare.' However, anyone who knows me knows I’m a sucker for a big challenge - I knew it could be dominated. I studied the course for weeks and weeks like I had the biggest exam of my life coming up. And I did - The Charles is the true test of mental and technical strength for a coxswain and her crew. I made some crazy decisions during the course of this race, some of them still make me nervous to think about, but we had a job to do. Each time I made a decision like this and called on the guys to do insane things, they trusted me to do my job and I trusted them to do theirs. Only because of this were we able to capitalize on the weaknesses of other crews, make the gutsy decisions, and walk away as champions.          

     While the coxswain’s perspective on the HOCR is unique, the pride I carry has much less to do with my personal accomplishments and everything to do with us rising to victory as a single unit. I could steer the most aggressive and perfect course in the world and still place dead-last without four insane, driven, and strong guys sitting behind me. I will never forget how I felt as I was screaming under Eliot bridge that we were going to win this (ahem) race. At that moment, we were not in first. Those last 700 meters decided our fate, and I am still so incredibly proud of the guys in my boat for how they attacked those last 700 meters. Sometimes I still can’t believe we won, but I am certainly damn proud to be a part of this team."

- Caitlin O’Loughlin, Class of 2017

"Winning the Head of the Charles was one of the best accomplishments of my life. Our result was the culmination of a summer's worth of hard work combined with a month's worth of disciplined training in our lineup. The race itself was thrilling and dramatic, including the passing of four crews and a momentary clashing of oars with Middlebury. Although we couldn't have known this during the race, we only captured victory over Trent due to an epic sprint and a tight final turn taken by our coxswain. This just goes to show that no race is over until the horn sounds!      

     While impressive in its own right, our victory symbolizes more than a simple triumph over 46 other teams. The whole crew wore purple socks and ribbons in memorial of my late father, who passed away from pancreatic cancer a year ago this week. I suppose we had a slight advantage with a guardian angel acting as a sixth member of the crew. I am incredibly grateful for the team's continued support of my family and the fight against pancreatic cancer. As coach said before we pushed off the dock Saturday, "this race is about more than yourselves." I think we all discovered what it means to push yourself for more than personal gain. This win represents a huge step forward for the program, and I couldn't be happier to have been a part of it. R'Irish!"

- Joe Boyle, Class of 2016

 

 

 

 

Head of the Charles Champions!

In one of the most impressive performances in Notre Dame Men's Rowing history, the Varsity 4+ took first place in the Men's Collegiate Four category at the Head of the Charles. Reed Curtis (stroke), Bryce de Venecia (3), Matt DiDonato (2), Joe Boyle (bow), and Caitlin O'Loughlin (coxswain) knocked off four-time defending champion Virginia to bring gold to South Bend. The V4+ posted a time of 17:09, winning by a margin of 3 seconds. Congratulations to our four rowers and coxswain for their historic accomplishment!

Head of the Grand Results

Our season kicked off in East Lansing, Michigan this past Sunday at the Head of the Grand Regatta. With multiple first place finishes, we were happy to see our season get off to a solid start. The team finished 2nd in the overall point total, tallying 40 behind Grand Valley's 44. 

Results:

Varisty 8+:

  • Notre Dame B - 2nd place, time: 10:42
  • Notre Dame A - 3rd place, time: 10:43

Varsity 4+:

  • Notre Dame B - 1st place, time: 11:05
  • Notre Dame A - 5th place, time: 11:49
  • Notre Dame C - 6th place, time: 12:03

Varsity 2-:

  • Notre Dame A - 6th place, time: 13:21
  • Notre Dame C - 8th place, time: 13:41
  • Notre Dame B - 9th place, time: 15:38

Novice 8+:

  • Notre Dame A - 2nd place, time: 11:17
  • Notre Dame B - 4th place, time: 12:33
  • Notre Dame C - 5th place, time: 12:34
  • Notre Dame D - 10th place, time: 13:25

Novice 4+:

  • Notre Dame A - 1st place, time: 12:24
  • Notre Dame B - 2nd place, time: 12:40
  • Notre Dame C - 7th place, time: 14:18

In addition to the results are two reflections: one from the president of ND rowing, Bryce de Venecia, and another from a novice rower, Evan Gies.

            A beautiful fall day gilded NDRC’s first Fall regatta, the Head of the Grand.  Contrary to the frigid October air that we rowed through last year, the sun was shining off the kelly green shells eager to show off their speed.  Our four, which will race at the Head of the Charles next week, felt powerful through the chop created by the wake of the other boats.  I always forget how exhilarating head races can be when your boat approaches, overtakes, and leaves another boat behind.  All boats, both varsity and novice, succeeded in proving NDRC’s hard work and dedication over the past two months on the St. Joe.  We could not have been so successful, however, without the support of the parents of NDRC, who provided us with fresh Michigan apples, sizzling bacon, exceptional burgers, and plenty of other snacks.  Racing down the course certainly takes a toll, but the parents were there to provide both food and cheers!

-Bryce de Venecia

            As a novice freshman rower that is completely new to the sport, the Head of the Grand Regatta was an incredibly exciting opportunity.  The regatta was the first time that we could really put all our hard work and training to the test, and it was the first opportunity to get time trials since the erg test at the end of tryouts.  Each boat bonded well as we spent the early morning rigging the boats and preparing for the race.  The racing conditions were perfect and the water crisp.  As the boats lined up at the start line, we were really nervous and knew absolutely nothing about the other teams there.  We only knew what the coaches had told us about the course moments before.  We just put all our muscle memory and dedication to the test.  Nothing felt better than hearing the horn cross blare as we crossed the finish line. 

            The rest of the day was exciting to just hang out with the other guys on the team and cheer for the other Notre Dame boats as they passed by.  Overall, the times and results were way better than I had expected for a first regatta, and it was really satisfying to know that we are well on our way to reaching the high standard we hold ourselves to as Notre Dame Rowers.  And it is even more exciting to see that we can only get better from here.

- Evan Gies

 

 

Alumni Row

We would like to thank everyone who made Alumni Row weekend a success, especially the alumni who were able to come back this year. Below are two Alumni Row reflections from the current team captain, Brandon Burdine, and 2008 ND graduate Scott Campbell. R'Irish!

Last weekend, the Men’s Rowing Team had the pleasure of welcoming back our alumni for the annual Alumni Row.   The morning started with Mass outside of the new boathouse overlooking the St. Joe’s.  We then enjoyed a light breakfast and socialized before heading out on the river to relive the glory days, where the current team managed to defeat both alumni boats in a closely contested race.  The day concluded by tailgating and watching the football team cruise to victory over Massachusetts. Personally, the highlight of my morning was being able to meet many of the older alumni, to hear their stories about the team when they were rowers, and to appreciate the long and storied tradition that we have the honor of being a part of.  With more than 50 years of history, it struck me how blessed my teammates and I are to have the opportunity to row for Notre Dame.  It inspired me to work harder each day to continue the legacy that those who came before me have left.   - Brandon Burdine

Alumni Row is circled on my calendar each year.  In addition to attending an Irish football game, it provides an opportunity to hear an update on the team successes, reconnect with old friends, and race some shells!   The team seems off to a strong start to the year with hordes of eager novices learning the craft for the first time from coach Mike and coach Nick.  The clear day and flat water made for an exceptional race against the current team and fellow alumni.  The tailgating lot was filled with barbeque and war stories from my ’08 classmates and previous generations.  Lastly, I believe that the strong alumni presence demonstrates the commitment to the team and university that current students have come to expect and look forward to participating in.  I’m looking forward to next year.  - Scott Campbell

Novice 2015 - 16 Roster Announced!

After a tough two-weeks of tryouts, we are pleased to announce the roster of men and women who have made the team for the 2015-16 season.  Everyone came to work every day of the tryouts which made the process of cutting the roster to 42 very difficult.  Thank you to everyone who tried out this fall!  R'Irish!

Coxswains

Abby O'Loughlin

Alex Kruszewski

Belin Mirabile

Diego Arias

Kassandra Boliakis

Lauren Whalen

Mary Katherine Nagengast

Rowers

Alejandro Anderson

Alex Kiess

Andrew Litteken

Andrew Nemecek

Braeden Benedict

Brennen Roetzel

Chris Ray

Christian McGrew

Cole Grabowski

Colin MacGregor

David Nunes

Eddie Duffy

Evan Gies

Francois Moyo

Frankie Hagan

Gabriel Ostler

Hudson Ozello

James DeMaio

James Driscoll

James Zwierzynski

Joe Gonzales

Joe Orecchio

Jose Armengol

Liam Boll

Matt Piwko

Michael Halder

Nicholas Azar

Nick Battis

Nick Dedo

Nick Kiene

Paul Brunts

Peter Witty

Seamus Long

Seth Tautges

Zach Prephan

 

Alumni Row Schedule

Alumni Row is this week and we are very excited to welcome our Alums down to the boathouse!  Here is the schedule for the weekend:

Practice - Friday 5:00 PM,  Boathouse

Welcome BBQ and Team Meet/Greet - Friday 7:30 PM,  1025 N. Twyckenham Drive

Morning Mass, Remarks from Team - Saturday 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM, Boathouse

Row - Saturday 10:30 AM- 12:00 PM, Boathouse

Alumni Tailgate - Saturday 12:00 PM- 3:30 PM, Library Lot

Football Game vs. U Mass - Saturday 3:30 PM, Notre Dame Stadium

Go Irish!

Boathouse Update!

What I am sure you have all been waiting for!  The NEW BOATHOUSE is coming along very nicely.  We now have walls, floors and almost a roof!  The second floor is even starting soon!  Very exciting stuff for us and something that will help move the program to the next level.  

Images below...

Stay tuned for more updates!


ACRA Results

ACRA Results and End of the Season

2nd Varsity 4+:

Heat:         Place – 2nd 

            Time – 6:56.86

            Advanced to – Finals

Grand Final:    Place – 5th 

            Time – 7:02.36

Varsity 4+:

    Heat:         Place – 4th 

            Time – 6:47.01

Advanced to – Repechage

Repechage:     Place – 1st 

    Time – 6:53.2

    Advanced to – Semi-Final

Semi-Final:    Place – 7th 

    Time – 6:56.1

    Advanced to – Petite Final

Petite Final:    Place – 6th 

    Time: 6:55.84

Varsity 8+:

    Heat:        Place – 3rd 

            Time – 5:56.82

            Advanced to – Semi-Final

    Semi-Final:    Place – 5th 

            Time – 5:54.7

            Advanced to – Petite Final

    Petite Final:    Place – 4th 

            Time – 6:07.42

2nd Novice 8+:

    Heat:        Place – 2nd 

            Time – 6:35.0

            Advanced to – Grand Final

    Grand Final:    Place – 3rd 

            Time – 6:36.22

Novice 8+:

    Heat:        Place – 3rd 

            Time – 6:18.66

            Advanced to – Repechage

    Repechage:    Place – 2nd

            Time – 6:13.2

            Advanced to – Petite Final

    Petite Final:    Place – 2nd 

            Time – 6:16.0

We would like to congratulate the men of Notre Dame Rowing Club on a great season, and also the 2nd Novice 8 for bringing home some hardware from ACRAs. The team made significant strides this year, becoming faster and growing together.

That being said, the team has collectively set the bar higher for Notre Dame Men’s Rowing. Our men are not satisfied with the results from this year’s ACRAs. Already, the team has set their sights on ACRA 2016 and is determined to get faster. Whether lifting weights, erging, or joining their local rowing clubs, our men are taking steps this summer to reach the bar they have all set. 

We are excited to return in the fall and take the Notre Dame Rowing Club to new heights. Thank you to all of our parents and donors who have supported us throughout our season. We look forward to seeing you all next season!

R’Irish!