FAIRFIELD, Conn. – The Fairfield University men's and women's rowing teams will make their way to the prestigious Head of the Charles this weekend, both sending representatives to compete against the region's and nation's best.

The women's team will enter three boats into Saturday's competition, placing two in the club 4 competition and one in the club 8. The club 4 event will begin at 1:04 pm while the club 8 is scheduled for a 1:44 pm launch. The men's team will enter the collegiate 8 event which is slated for a 3:40 pm on Sunday.

Each year, the Head of the Charles provides the Fairfield rowing team with a chance to place itself up against some of the best rowers across all areas.

"The Head of the Charles, the world's largest regatta, gives our men's eight the opportunity to test ourselves against a strong collegiate field," Men's Rowing Head Coach Steven Baranoski said. "That level of competition challenges us to stay composed, execute our race plan, and work together under pressure. For Fairfield, it's a valuable opportunity to see where we stand, identify where we need to improve, and bring that experience back to training as we build through the season."

The women's team will try to build upon the success it has achieved in past Head of the Charles regattas. The Fairfield fours will look to make add another chapter to their Charles history. 

 "I believe this year is the greatest number of competitors the women's program have been able to have with accepted entries," Women's Rowing Head Coach David Patterson said. "Every boat is launching with a big challenging goal. The 'A' four should be driving for a highest finish in program history which would mean coming 9^th or better. The 'B' four will be challenged to charge up through the rankings and challenge is also to finish 24^th or higher to keep up the automatic bids for next year."

The Stags will send a group of eight into the club that won its race at the Head of the Housatonic last week, looking to continue its strong start to the Fall season.

"We have seen from the results at the Head of the Housatonic that our freshman crew is capable of working hard, going fast and taking on their teammates," Coach Patterson said. "With that, the challenge for the eight is to take on the course as contenders."

Following the Head of the Charles, the Fairfield men's and women's rowing teams will compete at the Wormtown Chase on Lake Quinsigamond in New Hampshire.