BOSTON, Mass. – The Ithaca College Women's Rowing team was in action on Sunday competing at the prestigious Head of the Charles Regatta (HOCR) in Boston.  The regatta is recognized as the world's largest three-day rowing event, attracting thousands of athletes and spectators each year. Juniors, Masters, Collegiate and Elite rowers from across the country and even the international scene are drawn to the challenging course for it's competitiveness, visibility and celebration of community.  For this 60th anniversary event, the weather cooperated with sunshine, mild temps & favorable winds.  Several course records were broken over the course of the weekend. The Bombers had just their Varsity 8+ competing and they took 18^th place out of 37 total boats.
 
Ithaca's lone entry this year raced in the Women's Collegiate 8+. Sophomore coxswain Smeena Gill steered her crew of Julia DiCostanzo, Anna Capodilupo, Sam Gallagher, Kai Lincke, Melanie Heim, Claire Edwards, Emmeline Robinson, and CJ Owen through the infamous twists of the Charles.
 
Starting at bow 13, Ithaca raced hard down the course trying to hold off bow 14, Middlebury, who has been enjoying a surge of speed this fall under the coaching of Steve Kish, formerly of DI Bucknell. The Bombers put down a clean line, but were reeled in by Middlebury near the 90 degree turn at Weeks Bridge. They were forced to yield the inside of the Weeks turn, but managed to hold their position to take the inside of the following turn at Anderson. In the end, the Bombers fought their way to 18th of 37 boats in a time of 18:16.921.

2025 NCAA Champion Tufts repeated as winner in the event with a decisive 16:49.117, proving that they will once again be a team to chase come spring. Ithaca's crew reported letting the adrenaline drive their rating a bit higher than intended, but in the end were proud of their aggression, composure & consistency throughout the piece.

We couldn't begin to name all the alumni and families who came out to catch up, cheer, and even race in their own events this weekend. The Bomber presence at the Charles exists in races at all levels, announcing and officiating teams, coaching staffs, and even as part of the official start line crew. A heartfelt thank you goes to parent Dana Capodilupo for hosting the team over the weekend, and to all the other fans who came out to support the team with your cheers (and cannoli). 

Next up, the team heads to Saratoga Springs on Saturday, October 25 for the Head of the Fish. The Bombers will be there in force with the entire squad - Men, Women & Scullers - racing.