UDMC Ends Fall Season with Frostbite and Braxton Regattas

Frostbite Regatta

This Saturday, all crews were able to compete in the Frostbite Regatta against local and east coast collegiate rowing programs. UDMC fielded five varsity eights, four freshman eights and a lightweight four. This race was the last fall race for most crews, but gave them a little taste of spring racing as they competed on the Cooper River 2k course. Freshmen crews competed in the Collegiate Frosh/Novice 8+ with representation in all four of its flights. The first and fourth flight boats achieved a strong 1st in their flights, along with a 2nd and 5th place finish in the third and second flights. We look forward to seeing our freshmen race again in the spring.

Varsity Heavyweights ended their fall season on Saturday as well, competing in their respective events. Second Varsity Heavies finished 3rd behind Temple and in close contention with Drexel. First Varsity Heavies put up a good fight but found themselves in 5th across the finish line. Varsity Heavies had a great fall season, raising bars and setting new standards, and are looking forward to a competitive spring racing season. Varsity Lightweights fielded three eights on Saturday that would again race on Sunday. They competed in the Collegiate Men’s Varsity 8+ event in all three of its flights against Heavyweight competitors. In the first flight the 3V lights took 3rd in their flight of 5 boats. In the second flight 2V lights finished second behind Drexel, and in the third flight the 1V lights took 3rd, a close finish behind Temple and Drexel. Racing out of their weight class, the lightweights proved to be competitive opponents for local heavyweight crews.

Bill Braxton Memorial Regatta

The Lightweights returned to the Cooper River with their three eights on Sunday morning for the Bill Braxton Memorial Regatta where they would race against some of the same competitors from the day before. With a strong tailwind, the 1V took the course in the Men’s Collegiate Varsity 8+ event. 1V lights held their close lead through the 2k race coming across the finish line just .56 seconds before Temple earning them a 1st ranked time. Similarly, the 2V fought their way to the finish line crossing a close .21 seconds ahead of Temple’s 2v. In the “Dad Vail” Men’s Lightweight 8+ event, the 3v raced against local top Varsity lightweight crews for the Bill Braxton Memorial Cup. The 3v put up a strong fight against the other 3 crews and found themselves in a close 2nd across the finish line behind Ithaca’s Lightweights. Congratulations Lights! The Lightweights ended their season well on Sunday and were luckily able to get their races in, as the races were suspended after 12:00 due to high winds.
UDMC crews will continue to train on the water for a few more weeks until they are pushed indoors by the cold winter weather. This is the time where all crews focus on increasing their fitness levels in preparation for a competitive spring. Congratulations to all crews for a great fall season, and good luck this spring! Parents and friends, thank you for all your support this fall, in stocking the food tent and in cheering from the shore. Keep an eye out for spring racing schedule updates, as they will be posted soon!