Oct. 16, 2006

Over the weekend the men's and women's rowing teams welcomed Alumni back to campus for a crew reunion. Many founding members of the crew club from 1991 made the trip including Liz (Albers) Goodrich, Karen Gross, Antonio Tapacchi, and Laura Furman as well as the first coaches of the team, Mike and Trish Miles. An alumni cookout was held where alumni met with current members of the team and shared stories about how the team has changed since its humble beginnings in 1991.

After the cookout, the alumni were treated to the annual Class Day races by the current members of the women's rowing team. Class races are when the team assigns boat lineups by class year (All seniors in one boat, juniors in another, sophomores in a third). This year the Juniors stole the show by winning all three pieces in convincing manner. After the class races the alumni took up the challenge of racing the current Varsity 8, who are eagerly anticipating this Sunday's Head of the Charles race in Boston, MA. Under the stipulation of "We want the boat the juniors won in, the oars the juniors used, and the coxswain the juniors had," which was made reality by generous donation, the alumni women's 8 dusted off the form they learned as undergrads and had a great day on the water. Pieces were mixed on the day with the alumni having a few 'ringers' in the boat who looked curiously like male alums, providing great competition for the V8.

The varsity 8 is made up of Seniors Kate Sanders, Raechelle Smith, Allie Bogenshutz, Emily Darin, Katie Butler, and Monica Lange. Filling it out are Juniors Nicki Bianco, Marcie Shockey, and Melissa Brandfass. After finishing 9th at the Head of the Charles last year, the Flyer's are looking to improve their placement this year.

"We've had a solid week of practice since fall break, and are anxious to see where we stand," said Head Coach Mike Farrey

A reception was held at the Boesch Lounge in the evening for all former men and women's rowers. Approximately 40 people made the trip back to campus for the weekend. Aside from rowing they were very approving of how much campus has developed and enjoyed the chance to revisit their college years.

"I'm very pleased with the strides the team has made since we returned to campus," said Farrey, "It is hard for the girls to go this long without racing, but we have improved speed across the team compared to past years which will make for an exciting Fall and Spring season. The Novice team is starting to take shape and we look forward to seeing their first race as Dayton Flyers."

The first full team race will be October 28 in Knoxville, TN.