SMU rowing completed a successful trip competing at the Head of the Charles in Boston over the weekend.
 
"It was exciting to get the team up to Boston for the 60th Head of the Charles," said head coach Chase Graham. "Both Crews had top five finishes, with the club four finishing on the podium and earning a medal. I was inspired by our athletes, focus and determination throughout the whole weekend. We have pushed the team really hard this fall and the results are a reflection of the work from our whole team and staff. "


"Our main focus is performing well at the NCAA championships in May, but this was a good check in to see how our athletes stack up against some great competition."

"For now it's back to work and putting in the mileage to close out the semester strong. The team will get one more opportunity to match up against an external opponent when the University of Texas comes to White Rock in November."
 
In the program's first appearance at the Head of the Charles, the Mustangs placed in an impressive fourth in the championship four with a time of 17:28.639. The club four placed fifth with a time of 18:20.536.

"The Head of the Charles Regatta was a really fantastic event I'm grateful to have been a part of this year," said junior Jill Zwart.  "I'm really proud of the girls for stepping up in a new competition to perform really well across both boats. I think it shows how hard the whole team has worked so far this fall and is a good indicator of the strong direction we're headed in as we approach the spring."
 
"The Head of the Charles was a super strong representation of the work our team puts in in the fall and the potential SMU rowing has the year to compete with the best," added senior Francesca La Marca. "Besides a break from the Texas heat, the crowds and the course was such a fun experience. None of the girls on our trip had ever experienced the Charles before and the energy was exactly what we needed mid-fall as school and training volume picks up. A  fifth place finish for the club four out of 53 was a huge boost and a testament to the hard work and good vibes this four put in. Especially in fall as we train and train with no race or end in sight. Obviously this early in the season it's tough to compare speed, but It is so motivating to get out there, lay down some fast times, and see the work the other teams around us are putting in working towards May competition."
 
Mustang rowing continues to prepare for competition come spring time.