Led by heavyweight single sensation Mike Braithwaite, the Varsity Blues rowing team posted many impressive individual as well as team finishes in 2009.

Braithwaite earned a gold medal in the men’s single at the OUA championships and Canadian University Rowing Association championships (CURC) on his way to being named the CURC Oarsman of the Year. He also won a bronze medal in the men’s single at the 2009 national championships and, in doing so, was declared the champion of the U23 men’s single category.

After successful showings at both the Western Invitational and Queen’s Challenge Regatta, the Blues earned seven gold medals at the prestigious Head of the Rideau in Ottawa.

Toronto earned their first two medals in team history at the Head of the Charles Regatta in Boston, Mass. with a gold in the women’s open lightweight four and a bronze in the men’s collegiate four.

Elise Mackie and Lindsay Tetreault joined Braithwaite atop the podium at the OUA championships, finishing first in the women’s double.

Lauren Brown and Christina Malinas capped off another successful season with two bronze medals at the provincial championships. The duo placed third in the women’s lightweight double before joining Kathleen Romatowski and Kate and Jenn Sauks and claiming bronze in the women’s lightweight four.