Cardinals Make Final Preparations for Head of the Hooch

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Following their season debut at the Head of the Charles, the University of Louisville rowing team will continue its fall campaign this Saturday at the Head of the Hooch regatta in Chattanooga, Tenn. After fielding a limited crew for the Charles, the Cardinals will expand their roster with 15 boats in the regatta over four different races.

"The Head of the Hooch allows us to get the entire team racing, as well as multiple races for the majority of the varsity squad," said head coach Derek Copeland. "We have done a lot of training in even boats and this event will allow us to evaluate some combinations that have proven effective. We will be racing five eights, six fours and four doubles, so everyone will get plenty of opportunities to see the beautiful course in Chattanooga. We also get to see many of the families and that always helps morale."

The Hooch is one of the world's largest regattas with over 2,000 boats racing over a two-day period. Participants will row on the 5,000-meter course on the Tennessee River, concluding at Ross's Landing Park. In addition to the finish line, spectators attending the event will be able to view the competition from the various points including the Walnut Street Bridge and a bicycle path along the river.

"It is exciting to be heading back to the Head of the Hooch," said graduate assistant coach Alison Whitty, who made her collegiate debut with the University of Miami at the 2012 Hooch. "This will be my first race with the Cardinal family. I can't wait to watch our athletes uncork some solid races."

The Cards open their day with three boats in the women's championship eight race at 1:08 p.m. Last year, the Louisville B crew took first in the race with a time of 16:08.17. The Cards also earned victories in the women's championship four and women's champions doubles races, which will take place later in the day.

Saturday will also mark the competitive debut for the Cards' novice squads, who will compete in the women's college and club novice eight race at 2:37 p.m. With 17 new rowers on the roster, the Cards will have an opportunity to see their future contributors in action on the water.

"To walk into Hooch with this group of girls is so exciting," said sophomore Clarissa Garrett. "This is when we get to prove all our hard work that we've put in within a short amount of time and to prove ourselves to varsity and each other."

Freshman Summer Stark added, "To have the privilege to be on this hard-working team of girls and to represent UofL is something I am endlessly grateful for. I am so excited to see my team compete at Hooch and for us to show off the dedication we have toward working together and the sport of rowing."

Results from Saturday's races will be posted on RegattaCentral.com. A full recap of Saturday's action will be posted on GoCards.com following its conclusion. Fans can follow Louisville rowing on Twitter (@UofLrowing) at http://twitter.com/uoflrowing, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/UofLRowing and on Instagram at http://www.instagram.com/uoflrowing.

SCHEDULE
Women's Championship 8+ (three boats) – 1:08 p.m.
Women's College & Club Novice 8+ (two boats) – 2:37 p.m.
Women's Championship 2x (four boats) – 4:32 p.m.
Women's Championship 4+ (six boats) – 5:17 p.m.

Cardinals Make Final Preparations for Head of the Hooch

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Players Mentioned

Clarissa Garrett

Summer Stark

University of Louisville Athletics