Rowers return to historical regattas in England

Grand Valley rowers are in England to participate in two of the most prestigious events in the rowing world: the Royal Henley and Henley Women’s Regattas at Henley-on-Thames, England.

The Women’s Varsity Eight team advanced to the finals of the Henley Women’s Regatta June 22-23, where they competed against Oxford University and took second place.

“It was our best finish in Henley Regatta history,” said John Bancheri, head rowing coach. “The women’s crew competed toe-to-toe with one of the most elite universities in the world. It has been something I’ve dreamed of since I first started coaching 33 years ago.”

Men’s rowing will compete in the Reading Town Regatta June 29 and the Henley Royal Regatta from July 3-7. The team will compete for the Temple Challenge Cup at the Henley Royal Regatta, which will include universities such as Harvard, Columbia, and University of London.

In May, the women’s rowing teams took first place at the Aberdeen Dad Vail Regatta — the largest collegiate regatta in North America — in Philadelphia. The teams won two gold medals and captured the Women’s Points Trophy. The men’s teams finished with their highest score ever and placed second for the Overall Team Points Trophy.

For more information and photos, visit the Laker Rowing website at www.grandvalleyrowing.com.