Cambridge, Mass. – Stanford men’s rowing began its fall racing season on Sunday, competing in the Championship Eights at the prestigious Head of the Charles Regatta on the Charles River in Cambridge, Mass.
The Cardinal placed 11th in a highly competitive 27-team field of American university crews and international clubs. Stanford finished the 2,400 meter course in a time of 14:53.286. Yale captured first place in the event with a time of 14.18.970.
“Our team raced well,” said Stanford head men’s rowing coach Craig Amerkhanian. “We were third at the first checkpoint and eighth at the second. Our 11th place overall is a solid start to our 2015-16 campaign.”
Stanford’s lineup in the eight included Nathalie Weiss (coxswain), Ryan Hails (8), Brennan Wertz (7), Will Nuelle (6), Peter Wood (5), Jovanni Stefani (4), Ryan O’Rourke (3), Will Spencer (2), Allen Reitz (1).
For Wertz, it was a family affair. His parents both competed in the regatta as well on Sunday. His father, Raoul, rowed in the three seat of the Marin Rowing Association entry that placed 10th in the Men’s Senior Masters Fours. His mother also raced for the Marin Rowing Association, competing in the Women’s Senior Master Eights on Sunday.
Sunday marked Stanford’s first competition in the Championship Eights race in more than 15 years.
Stanford will next row in the Head of the American in Sacramento, Calif. on Saturday, Oct. 24.
