FAIRFIELD, Conn. – The Fairfield University rowing programs will build on the momentum gained in last weekend's opening competitions by heading to the Head of the Charles this weekend.
The women's program took two top two finishes in events at the SHU Invitational with the novice 8 posting a winning time of 21:11 while the varsity 4 secured second place in its event with a time of 20:07. The men's team went to the Navy Day Regatta in Philadelphia as its opener with the novice 8 highlighting the day with its fourth-place run of 14:09.58.

The Stags have enjoyed success by both the men's and women's programs at the Head of the Charles, including the men earning a bronze medal in the club 4 last year. This year, Fairfield will send entries for the men's and women's club 4 as well as the men's collegiate 8.

"After results from the 2022-2023 season it is clear the both rowing squads can dream a little larger," Director of Rowing David Patterson said. "The men's four last year led the way with the ambition to not just seek automatic qualification for the following year's Head of the Charles but to put in the best performance in school history, which they duly delivered in quite some style with a 3^rd place medal finish. That success carried into the spring with the men delivering the first-ever Dad Vail varsity gold and silver in the open weight and lightweight four events."

The women also built their experience at the Head of the Charles last fall into bigger and better things during the spring campaign. And with last year's experience at the Head of the Charles and other events, the Stags will look to keep that momentum.

"The women pushed to a second-place team performance in the MAAC Championship with all crews medaling," Coach Patterson said. "Having gained the confidence to deliver on the bigger dreams the women will endeavor to produce a Fairfield best performance in the club four event and the men will seek to carve through the field from the back as a new entry in the collegiate eight division as their priority boating. The four will then be challenged to bring home the automatic qualifier in the club event with the ambition to deliver 12 rowing and 2 coxswain seats guaranteed for the 2024 event."
 
Live results of the Head of the Charles can be found at Regatta Central.