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Posted: Thursday, October 2, 2003

Head of the Trent: October 4 and 5

North America’s largest single-day rowing regatta and Trent University alumni reunion attract thousands

A weekend of camaraderie and competition is on the horizon as Trent University prepares to host the annual Head of the Trent rowing regatta and reunion October 4 and 5. Athletic and alumni events coincide on campus, regularly attracting more than 5,000 people and invigorating the University with friendly rivalry and fellowship.

The weekend will see more than 400 boats on the Trent-Severn Waterway, racing the 4.5-kilometre course from the Parkhill Street bridge to the famous Faryon Bridge at the University. From 7:30 a.m. to dusk on Saturday, close to 1,600 rowers representing high schools, universities and rowing clubs from across North America, will race in six different divisions. The regatta is hosted in partnership by the Peterborough Rowing Club, the Trent Rowing Club and Trent University Athletics.

"This is a real community event," says Bill Byrick, athletics director at Trent, noting there are numerous community groups essential to its success. "It is also a major endurance event and the competition will be stiff."

Varsity athletic events include a Saturday women’s rugby game at 1 p.m. and a men’s seconds rugby game at 5 p.m. at Trent, as well as a Sunday women’s soccer game at 1 p.m. and a men’s soccer game at 3 p.m. at Milroy field.

Meanwhile, an estimated 1,000 alumni flock to Trent, making it "the weekend to return," says Tony Storey, alumni director. Head of the Trent is yearly the largest gathering of former students.

Many activities, including the Alumni Association’s 35th Annual General Meeting (AGM), are scheduled, with just enough extra time for those well-established, more informal events among alumni, says Mr. Storey.

"People want time to simply talk and reminisce with their friends; they want to wander around campus," he adds.

On Saturday, there will be a family focus for alumni at the Champlain College riverside - the alumni gathering area - that will include balloons, children’s activities, face painting and movies. For the adults, there will be a barbecue and beverages between noon and 5:30 p.m. there.

Alumni event highlights include the AGM at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday in Blackburn Hall, alumni athletics including a 10 a.m. old boys’ soccer game on Saturday and at 11 a.m. old boys’ rugby game on Sunday. A dinner that will celebrate the 30th anniversary of Otonabee College and the contributions of alumni leaders and parents is also scheduled for Saturday night.

On Friday evening, alumni may choose to attend a Market Hall concert featuring Canadian singer-songwriter and class of 1967 alumnus Ian Tamblyn or see live music in Champlain College’s Great Hall, presented by the Trent Central Students Association.

For a complete listing of events, visit http://www.trentu.ca/alumni/headofthetrent.html

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For further information, please contact:
Tony Storey, Director, Alumni Affairs, 748-1599 or
Bill Byrick, Director, Athletics, 748-1252

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Last Updated December 10, 2003