Sooners Head to Boston

Oct. 20, 2011

NORMAN, Okla. - The University of Oklahoma rowing team continues its fall season at the Head of the Charles in Boston this Sunday, Oct. 23. This regatta is the world's largest two-day rowing event dating back to 1965. More than 8,000 athletes will compete in 55 different race events, and over 300,000 spectators are expected to be present.

Oklahoma will field one boat in the women's championship eight race against 37 other boats. The Sooners will race at 1:58 CST. Competing in the championship eight, the Sooners will face four of their Conference USA opponents: Tennessee, Central Florida, Texas and Alabama. Other schools competing include Brown, Louisville, Michigan and Princeton.

"Racing at the Head of the Charles is always exciting," Oklahoma Head Coach Leeanne Crain said. "It's a very challenging course so we'll be relying on the skillful navigation from Carly (Schueler) in the coxswain's seat to steer the shortest course possible while avoiding collisions at the bridges.”

The three-mile race course begins at the Boston University Boathouse on the Charles River and weaves around sharp turns and through five triple-arch brides and a railroad trestle bridge. The competition will be streamed live on the Head of the Charles website.

“The championship eight is the premiere event with some really fast teams,” Crain added. “It should be a great race.”

The Oklahoma championship eight rowers placed 15th at the 2010 Head of the Charles with a time of 16:48.612. The Sooners were just behind Tennessee, Stanford and Virginia. Princeton claimed the top spot with a time of 15:48.314.

Women's Collegiate Eight

Oklahoma A
Cox: Carly Schueler
Stroke: Rebecca Staff
7: Nikki Furmanek
6: Nicole Bladow
5: Brooke Sheppard
4: Kristin Clift
3: Olivia Staff
2: Kellie O'Reilly
Bow: Megan Farrell Alternate: Ivy Brown

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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