University of Massachusets Athletics
Rowing Announces Henley Women's Regatta Minutefund Campaign
March 07, 2016 | Rowing
AMHERST, Mass. - University of Massachusetts Athletics announced the launch of a fundraising initiative for UMass Rowing in order to send 14 student-athletes to the 2016 Henley Women's Regatta, in England, June 17-19.
The goal is to raise $25,000 to cover the cost of transportation, food, hotel and entry fee expenses. The Minutefund page launches Mon., March 7. Follow this link to donate: UMass Rowing Minutefund Page
The Henley Women's Regatta is the premiere rowing regatta for women in the United Kingdom with over 1,000 entrants annually. The event draws international clubs from Australia, Ireland, England and the U.S., among others. The Massachusetts rowing team anticipates traveling to the HWR every four years beginning in 2016, giving selected student-athletes the opportunity to compete internationally once during their four-year career with the Minutewomen.
"Adding the Henley Women's Regatta would provide tremendous experience to our student-athletes," head coach Jim Dietz said. "Such an event is excellent exposure for our team and a great steppingstone for any of our athletes looking to compete at the international level. It is a top-of-the-line event, and one we hope to make a tradition within our program every four years."
UMass last competed at the HWR in 2003 and sent two varsity eight boats across the pond to represent the Maroon and White. The first varsity eight took home the College Eight title in a field of 33 competitors, while the second varsity eight followed closely behind with a fourth-place finish.
The first varsity eight defeated Emmanuel on the opening day of competition and recorded the day's fastest time at 5:06. The following day, the Minutewomen beat Downing College and Southampton University to advance to Sunday's semifinal race. Massachusetts then outpaced Osiris and was left to take on Ireland's University College Dublin (U.C.D.) crew in the championship race. The Maroon and White captured gold with a time of 14:10, beating U.C.D.'s time of 14:15 by open water.
The second varsity eight advanced to the semifinal round after beating Edinburgh University and Trinity Hall, but ultimately fell to U.C.D. by four seconds. Had the second varsity eight prevailed in the semifinal matchup, it would have set up an all Massachusetts final between UMass' top two boats.
UMass intends to send 14 student-athletes, including 13 rowers and one coxswain, overseas to compete in six events: 8+, 4-, 4x, 2-, 2x and 1x. Should the Minutewomen acquire funds exceeding the $25,000 benchmark, the team hopes to send additional athletes to compete as well.
By contributing to UMass Rowing, the program would launch the beginning of a four-year international tradition for the Minutewomen and provide our student-athletes with an unmatched experience. Your generosity is greatly appreciated. Anyone interested in donating to the UMass Rowing Minutefund campaign can do so here.
