17:49.1? Are you kidding?

It was a tremendous day of racing on Saturday as both varsity eights shattered course records. The conditions could not have been more perfect. Not only did the crews enjoy a 5mph tailwind but they also took advantage of the increased flow of the mighty Androscoggin River due to the rains from the night before.

The WV8 of (from bow) Haley Sive, Amy Jacks, Alexandra Hill, Hopie King, Mallory Ward, Heather Monty, Elizabeth Sonshine, Allison DiSalvo and coxswain, Gabby Bilotta, broke the previous record by more than 1 minute when they clocked a time of 19:20.8. Distinguished members of the Class of 2011, Ellen Patterson & Hannah Richardson, were on hand for the "hull cracking" performance and were heard to exclaim,"I can't wait to see them race in the spring."

The Men's Varsity Eight had an equally impressive performance when they bested the previous record time of 18:40.3 (October 2010) by almost a full minute. Coxswain, Jake Sandor '14 pushed the men hard knowing that they had a real opportunity to set a mark that would be met by only the most fortunate of crews in the future. When they crossed the line it was immediately announced that they had pulled an outrageous time of 17:49.1!

Pictured above is the record setting crew of 2011: (from bow) Nick Flynn, Caleb Glassman, Charlie Carey, Gar Ditz, PC Miller, Hank Schless, Ollie Scholle, PK Miller, and cox: Jacob Sandor.

Following the morning's races the crews welcomed their parents, families and friends to the boathouse for coffee and muffins. The 1st-year parents had a chance to meet the new coaches for the first time and to see the Bates Rowing facility.

Once back on campus, the women's captains (Haley Sive '12 & Allison DiSalvo '12) officially presented the NCAA National Championship 2nd Place trophy to President Cable during the halftime of the Bates football game against Tufts. Again, we thank all the parents and friends who were able to join us for this terrific day of racing and recognition.