Brentwood Athletes Shine at Head of the Charles
This past weekend, 18 Brentwood athletes proudly represented their school at the prestigious Head of the Charles Regatta in Boston, Massachusetts. Known for being one of the largest and most renowned rowing events in the world, the regatta offered both the women’s and men’s Varsity 8+ crews a chance to showcase their hard work and dedication. Starting as bow number 28, both teams not only improved their times, but also significantly enhanced their standings compared to last year, reflecting the remarkable growth they’ve achieved through relentless training and teamwork.
The excitement was palpable among the athletes. Isabel H, Mackenzie ’25, a member of the women’s crew, shared her enthusiasm: “We are so excited to race and feel the energy of everybody in Boston. We have worked very hard to get to this point.” Her words captured the anticipation felt by the entire team as they prepared to face some of the best crews in the world. Novella R, Hope ’25 added a deeper perspective on their journey, saying, “The regatta was a great opportunity to see our development over not only the last few months but also the past four years. It’s not just about this year; it’s about carrying forward the legacy of those before us, inching closer to gold one place at a time.” This sense of legacy and progress illustrates the commitment Brentwood athletes have to their program and each other.
The men’s crew also embraced the competitive spirit of the event. Coxie Joel K, Ellis ’26 expressed his eagerness to compete: “We are looking forward to racing the best crews in the world.” This mindset of striving for excellence permeated the team, as William H, Ellis ’25, emphasized the toughness displayed by his crew during the race: “In the second half of the race our crew displayed a lot of grit.” Such determination is crucial in rowing, where the physical and mental demands are immense.
Mr Crothers shared his pride in the accomplishments of both teams. “I am incredibly proud of the effort that both the women’s and men’s teams put forth at one of the most iconic rowing regattas in the world.” he remarked. “Not only did both boats improve their standing from last year, but they also showed the power of a full team effort. Their performance today was a great accomplishment for the program.” His affirmation reflects the collective spirit of the athletes and the hard work that led them to this moment.
The Women’s Varsity 8+ was coxed by Alisha P, with Megan C in the stroke seat, Isabel H in 7, Grace S in 6, Novella R in 5, Emma K in 4, Rowan V in 3, Solena C in 2, and Mimi K in bow seat. The women secured an impressive 21st place among 90 competing teams.
Meanwhile, the Men’s Varsity 8+ was coxed by Joel K, with William H in stroke, Peter D in 7, Matson W in 6, Hawk A in 5, Daimon G in 4, Preston C in 3, Marcus H in 2, and Finn D in bow seat. The men’s team achieved a remarkable top-20 finish, taking 17th place out of 90 teams.
Additionally, both Mr Calder and Mr Crothers competed in the regatta, with Mr Calder achieving a commendable third place in the Canadian Alumni 8+. Meanwhile, Mr Crothers excelled securing first place setting an impressive course record!
The Head of the Charles Regatta served as not just a competitive platform, but also a celebration of the dedication, teamwork, and spirit that define Brentwood’s rowing program. As both crews continue to build on their successes and carry forward the legacy of those before them, the future looks incredibly promising. With their impressive performances and unwavering commitment, Brentwood athletes are poised to make significant strides in the coming season.
Grace S, Allard ‘25