Thousands Expected for Annual Head of the Trent and Alumni Homecoming Weekend at Trent University October 2 to 4
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Weekend Events Include Rowing Regatta, Alumni Festival,
20th Anniversary of Trent’s Penpal Program,
Varsity Games and More!
Thursday, October 1, 2009, Peterborough
Thousands of alumni and their families are expected to return to Trent University this weekend for the annual Head of the Trent and Alumni Homecoming, one of Trent’s longest-standing traditions, taking place from Friday, October 2 to Sunday, October 4.
Founded in 1970, this annual Trent event attracts alumni, students and community members alike for a busy weekend full of activities framed around the exciting Head of the Trent rowing competition, the largest single day event of its kind in North America.
Highlights of this year’s weekend-long event include:
39th Annual Head of the Trent Rowing Regatta
The 39th annual Head of the Trent, North America’s largest single-day head race regatta, gets underway at 8 a.m. on Saturday, October 3.
Over a thousand athletes from all over Ontario, Quebec and the North-Eastern United States, and representing more than 50 universities and clubs, will travel to Peterborough to participate in this year’s regatta. Races take place on the Trent-Severn Waterway, starting at the Parkhill Road Bridge and winding through the Trent Canal to finish 5km later at Trent’s Symons Campus, cheered on by an enthusiastic crowd. The race’s rich history and unbeatable atmosphere make the Head of the Trent this region’s premiere rowing event of the fall.
Homecoming Festival at Alumni House
The homecoming festival returns this year to Champlain Field, next to Alumni House. Running from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. on Saturday afternoon, the festival includes a licensed tent and BBQ, an Alumni House open house and lots of fun children’s activities, including a bouncy castle, face painting, free balloons and a spelling bee. This year, the Homecoming Festival also includes a special Alumni Athletes Reunion at the Coach’s Corner, providing a place where coaches and teammates can reconnect.
Penpal Program Celebrates 20th Anniversary
On Saturday afternoon in the Homecoming Festival Tent outside Champlain College, a special celebration will take place in recognition of the milestone 20th anniversary of the Trent Penpal Program. The official program gets underway at 3:30 p.m. when Dawn Franklin, former elementary school teacher and wife of President Steven Franklin, as the honorary patron for the Penpal program will cut the ribbon officially launching the program’s 20th year. Local teachers and Trent students will also speak about the impacts of the groundbreaking program. On display at the event will be enlargements of Penpal letters, posters of photos from Penpal days, and tee shirts worn by Penpal coordinators throughout the 20 years of the program.
President’s River Reception and Campaign Launch
During the President’s River Reception on Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m., Trent University will announce the official launch of the campaign to renew and expand the Trent Community Sport & Recreation Centre. A feature presentation by honorary campaign chair, Trent alumnus, and Olympic Rowing Gold Medalist Rob Marland will also take place. This invitation-only event will take place in the Robinson Dining Hall in Peter Gzowski College.
In addition, during the launch, a significant naming announcement related to the campaign honouring a prominent member of the Peterborough community will be revealed. Later, at 7:30 p.m., the individual will be honoured at the opening of the Varsity lacrosse game at the Trent University stadium.
Physics & Astronomy Get Together
The Department of Physics and Astronomy is hosting a get together for present and former students during the Head of the Trent, in the Physics Building on Saturday from 1 - 4 p.m.
Varsity (and Alumni) Sports
In addition to the rowing regatta, be sure to check out the following varsity and alumni sporting events:
Friday, October 2
7:00 p.m.
Varsity Women’s Rugby, Trent vs. York, Trent University Stadium Field
Saturday, October 3:
- 10:00 a.m.
Alumni soccer game and reunion, Trent University Stadium Field
Alumni volleyball game and reunion, Athletics Complex, Gymnasium
- 12:00 noon
Invitational swim meet, Athletics Complex, Allan Marshall Pool
Varsity Women’s Soccer, Trent vs. Queen’s, Trent University Stadium Field
- 3:15 p.m.
Varsity Men’s Soccer, Trent vs. Queen’s, Trent University Stadium Field
- 5:00 p.m.
Varsity Men’s Rugby, Trent vs. Fleming, Trent University Stadium Field
- 7:00 p.m.
Varsity Men’s Lacrosse, Trent vs. U of T, Trent University Stadium Field
-30-
For further information, please contact:
All Varsity Athletic events and the rowing regatta:
Bill Byrick, Director of Athletics, Trent University, (705) 748-1011 x1252
Alumni Homecoming:
Tony Storey, Director of Alumni Affairs, Trent University, (705) 748-1011 x1599
