Conquer Time Trials

HENLEY-ON-THAMES, England – The Henley Royal Regatta time trials were over and each of the 13 crews were standing in the boatyard waiting to hear the announcement of who would qualify for the Remenham Challenge Cup.

The announcer called out Brown University, Imperial College London and Sport Imperial Boat Club and then Leander Club. Stanford’s varsity eight was huddled together in the boat tent, biting their nails, with only one crew remaining to be announced.

The fourth and final crew who qualified rang over the loud speakers, “Stanford University.” The Cardinal eight rejoiced with smiles and hugs as it heard its name announced as one of the teams competing in the Henley Royal Regatta next week.

“Having the chance to race here in Henley is an unbelievable opportunity,” said junior Katie Toothman.

“We came off the water excited to see if we had made the cut and when we heard ‘Stanford University’ over the loudspeaker, our team erupted in excitement.”

Heading into the time trials, the Cardinal knew the challenge that lay before them. Several big name crews were in the field with only four of the 13 moving on.

The nine individuals in the varsity eight wanted to join the quad in competition next week. The quad automatically qualified for the Henley Royal Regatta with a win at the Women’s Henley last weekend.

Despite the wind picking up for the evening race, Stanford’s eight did just what they needed to do to rank in the top four of the time trials and advance.

“We knew going into the time trial qualifier that we were going to have to throw down our best race to ensure that we would race in the Royal Regatta,” said Toothman. “We are looking forward to what lies ahead in the Remenham Cup!”

Times for the time trial qualifiers were not announced. The draws for the Henley Royal Regatta will be announced tomorrow.