ITHACA, N.Y. -- On Oct 4th, Ithaca College Scullers traveled to Hartford, CT for the Head of the Connecticut.  The event was a 3800m head race against the current where the Bombers got to test their skills in the Open 1x, 2x and 4x events.  

The day kicked off with solid effort & community.  For both IC entries, this was the first time ever racing a 1x, and each came back with stories:  rogue wakes, friendly masters sharing advice, and tricky yields to the fastest finishers in the Jr M1x event.  After a week of trading finishes in practice, senior Bry Mendoza Arias and sophomore Chris Cox came in back to back on race day in 4th and 5th place at 21:07 and 21:23 respectively in a small field of post-collegiate racers.  

Next to race were the 2xs.  In the 14 boat field, IC faced Sacred Heart, Holy Cross, Albany, Trinity, Bowdoin and Dominican, as well as host club Riverfront Recapture.  The duo of March & DiCostanzo snagged the win in 17:46 with a 5 second lead over Riverfront.  Teammates McCulloch and Owen also moved through the field - sometimes on the outside of the turn - to finish in 3rd at 18:04.1.  Without a seasoned senior as part of the lineup, IC's 3rd entry of sophomores Huber & Vahle were a bit more rattled by the unfamiliar course. They kept an aggressive pace nonetheless and finished 9th overall in 19:05, between crews from Trinity and Holy Cross.

The final lineup of the day was a 4x+ of Claire Edwards, Jamie Friedlander, Emmi Chen and Mya Veracka, coxed by Cameron Silberman.  With one of Trinity's two entries missing from the start area, the race became a dual where the Bombers walked off with the gold in a decisive 18:28 to Trinity's 19:17.

On shore, our crews enjoyed visits from parents and alumni alike. Bombers were everywhere  ...as race organizers, members of the media, masters racers, club admins, and coaches!  It was great to connect & see you all sharing your love of the sport beyond Ithaca. 

Full racing results can be found HERE.  And a segment where our Bombers made the local news coverage can be seen HERE.   

Tune in again this weekend as the Bombers will bring the fight - and the ENTIRE squad of Sweepers, Scullers, Men & Women - to Rochester, NY for Head of the Genesee.  We hope to see you at the races.