Trent University is gearing up to host the annual Head of the Trent rowing regatta and reunion October 2 and 3. Athletic and alumni events coincide on campus, regularly attracting more than 5,000 people for a weekend of camaraderie and competition.
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 University Rowing Club and Trent University Athletics.
"We look forward to welcoming rowers from across North America to participate in what is truly a community-inspired event," says Bill Byrick, athletics director at Trent. "The course is a long and challenging one, which usually makes for fierce competition. Our varsity rowing team is one of the best in the country, and as in previous years we are looking for a strong showing from both our novice and experienced rowers.
"Thanks to regatta chairs Jack Lapum and Brian Love and members of the Peterborough Rowing Club and our Trent University Club, the Head of the Trent has become one of the feature events of the fall rowing season."
A number of varsity athletic events are planned for the weekend as well as several athletic reunions (see schedule below).
Meanwhile, an estimated 1,000 alumni are drawn to the area over the course of the weekend making Head of the Trent is the largest gathering of former students, says Tony Storey, alumni director.
Many activities for alumni and their families are scheduled for the weekend, including the "What's My Age Again?" Alumni Pub for classes of 1984-1989. This reunion takes place Saturday at 8 p.m. at the Olde Stone Brewery. The Early Eighties reunion for Champlain College Classes of 1983, 1984 and 1985 will take place Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Ceilie in Champlain College.
There will be a family focus at Champlain College Great Hall riverside lawn Saturday afternoon with balloons, face painting, and a video feature presentation between 1 and 5 p.m. There will be also be food and drink at that alumni gathering area between 12 and 5:30 p.m.
Mr. Storey is looking forward to a full weekend, and says that Trent's upcoming 40th anniversary has heightened the awareness of alumni reuniting.
For further information on alumni events, visit http://www.trentu.ca/alumni/headofthetrent.html
Posted October 1, 2004
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