The University of Toronto Varsity Blues rowing team earned their first two medals in team history at the Head of the Charles Regatta this weekend (Oct. 17-18) in Boston, Mass. 

 

The Head of the Charles is among the most prestigious regattas in the world and is the world’s largest two-day rowing event. This year’s event saw over 9000 athletes competing in over 1900 crews. Toronto had not won a medal of any sort in the 45-year history of this competition.

 

U of T had three crews competing and all three boats proved they were capable of competing against the best of the best.

 

The Blues garnered two medals on the day.  The women’s open lightweight four of Lauren Brown (Toronto), Christina Malinas (Toronto), Blues assistant coach Meghann Jackson, Kate Sauks (Owen Sound, Ont.) and coxswain Kathleen Romatowski (St. Catharines, Ont.) won a gold medal, finishing 43 seconds ahead of the second-place Riverside Boat Club.

 

“I couldn’t be happier for this foursome,” said head coach Rob Watering. “The open events are probably the most competitive categories at the regatta. What our crew did today was truly remarkable.”

 

Toronto’s men’s collegiate four of Mike Braithwaite (Duncan, B.C.), Jeff Chadwick (Hamilton, Ont.), Scott Sinclair (Abbotsford, B.C.), Mike Harowicz (Oakville, Ont.) and coxswain Ali Zimmerman (Toronto) claimed bronze in a time of 17:21.128.

 

Another great race came from the women’s collegiate eight, which started in 35th place and passed an impressive four crews in the head-style race to finish 11th overall.

 

Full Results

The Varsity Blues return to the water this weekend (Oct. 23-24) for the 2009 OUA championships in St. Catharines, Ont. 

 

For more information, scores and highlights on your favourite Toronto teams, please visit the home of the Varsity Blues at http://www.varsityblues.ca.