GOLD RIVER, Calif. – The Stanford women’s rowing team competed in its first fall regatta on Saturday in the rain at the Head of the American in Gold River, Calif.
“Today really revitalized our team,” said junior Katie Toothman. “We’re all pretty tired after a hard day of racing, but it was awesome to see everyone jump into a bunch of different lineups. A taste of competition is just what we needed to keep us motivated through winter training.”
The Cardinal defended its title in the novice eight. The freshman class came through with a first place time of 17:56 to win by 39 seconds. It was the first collegiate racing for the nine individuals in the class of class of 2018.
“This race is all about teamwork and it was fun to see everybody kick in and do well going from race to race,” said head coach Yasmin Farooq. “The freshmen continued the streak with a win in the novice eight.”
In the Halloween spirit, our novice eight carved up the competition at the Head of the American today. pic.twitter.com/lL2MBifrwC
— Stanford Rowing (@StanfordRowing) October 26, 2014
Stanford fielded eight boats in the pair event. Leading the way was the G boat with Kay Rusher and Ellie Parker. The duo finished second with a time of 20:18, 16 seconds back of the first place boat. Katie Toothman and Jenn Belz also finished in the top five, claiming fourth place with a time of 20:28.
Overall the Cardinal placed four of its pairs in the top 10 overall. Alix Chrumka and Lilly Tinapple were sixth, crossing the line in 20:37. Right behind them were Devin Norder and Reilly Hayes, posting a 20:45.
“It was great to see four pairs finish in the top seven since we have spent a fair amount of time in small boats this fall,” said Farooq.
It was a memorable day for all the freshmen making their collegiate debut. The list included Jenn Belz, Anne Bertram, Callie Heiderscheit, Madi Kist, Anya Miller, Devin Norder, Tracy Roberts, Alie Rusher, Helen Stroheker, Becca Triplett, Celeste Turner, Paige Voigt and Leigh Warner.
First college race ever today, so happy to be doing it with a Stanford S on my uni... Even if it is soaked by the rain #gostanford
— Jenn Belz (@jbelz4444) October 25, 2014
With most everyone on the team getting a chance to race in at least two events, the competition that has been so evident in practice continued at the first regatta of the season.
The Cardinal entered four coxed fours in the regatta with the top boat placing second overall. The boat featured coxswain Liza Gurtin, Courtney Carrabino, Nancy Miles, Ruth Narode and Simone Jacobs. It was one of two boats in the top 10 as Stanford also claimed seventh place in the race.
Senior coxswain Naomi Cornman and freshman stroke seat Devin Norder helped lead the way for the varsity eight as they placed second with a time of 17:19.
Stanford will conclude its fall season in two weeks when they split the squad. The team will be sending some team members to race in a dual with Cal on Nov. 8, while others will go to the Head of the Lagoon in Foster City, Calif.