Rowers wrap up in style Head of the Fish signals close of fall season

Author: Stephanie Pritchard

The weekend before Halloween and the Head of the Fish Regatta mark the end of Middlebury Crew's fall season. The Head of the Fish in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., is famous for its laid-back atmosphere, poor weather and the costumes that some crews wear. Fortunately this year the weather was uncharacteristically beautiful and costumes were abounding.

For Middlebury, the Fish not only signals the end of the season, but the first race for new rowers. Some of the varsity had been away from racing for three weeks due to a cancelled regatta two weeks ago. Coach Alex Machi was pleased with the season closer. "With some of our rowers not having had a chance to get out and race for a few weeks now, I was glad that they not only had good conditions for this end-of-season regatta, but that they made the most of the opportunity and put everything together today."

The novice team, under the direction of Coach Lorie Mackey, raced a men's four and a women's eight, both composed entirely of new rowers. Both boats came off the water feeling successful and excited for the spring.

The women's varsity four (coxswain Matt Griswold '07.5, Ellen Flanagan '09, Erin McCormick '08.5, Janet Schroeder '08.5 and Flora Campbell '09) did an excellent job in the competitive field. They started directly behind Williams, who went on to win the regatta, and in front of a powerful crew from Amherst. The boat defeated multiple attacks from the Argonaut Rowing Club, and only allowed Amherst to pass to clinch third place. Griswold noted, "It was through the determination and dedication of the girls that they were able to hold off the more experienced crews and finish with a time of 15:39."

The Middlebury men had a veritable armada of boats with an eight, a four, a double and a single all competing. The men's double (Doug Penrose '06 and Matt Griswold '07.5) won their race, winning a coveted plaque, which boasts a real fish head, along with the more traditional gold medals.

Despite equipment difficulties on the way to the starting line which ultimately delayed their start, the varsity men's eight pulled together for a successful last race of the season. Coxswain Kelsey Eichhorn '07 remarked on the incredible improvements of the crew as a whole and said, "These guys have pushed themselves really hard this season. I can't wait to get back on the water for the spring sprint season."

The men's four also had an incredible race. Coxswain Eva Nixon '09 reported, "It was beautiful how every little bit came together and the boat just flew. The teamwork and sheer athletic drive was amazing, and it was perfect to see the hard work from the entire season culminate in a great last race."