Since its introduction in 2022, the division three racing at the IRA national championship has provided an opportunity for the smaller institutions to excel on the largest stage. Restricted by a strict set of rules governing scholarships and practice time among other things, this collection of small colleges, largely located in the northeast of the country, provide close racing as the level playing field leaves every team dreaming of lifting the Caldwell Cup on Saturday afternoon.
Trinity College
Following a fourth-place finish 12 months ago, Trinity College returned all but one of the athletes in their top two eights and return with a vengeance. Following a narrow victory in the race to be the fastest division three crew at the Head of the Charles, they entered the spring with dominance on their mind, finishing the regular season without an opponent having overlap until the conference championship final. Despite their opponents getting closer, the Bantams look almost certain to at least match their best-ever result at this event, a bronze in 2022. This won’t be enough for them, though, as Kevin MacDermott’s group will be looking to engrave a new name on the Caldwell Cup.
Bates College
Bringing incredible speed into this regatta, the Bates Bobcats have been on a phenomenal run in the lead up to championship season. Following a dual season without many overly impressive results, including a DNF in their race against Trinity and MIT, they left everyone speechless at the New England Championships, finishing within two seconds of the previously untouchable Trinity squad. If they can continue this rate of improvement, they could challenge for the win on Saturday, a phenomenal turnaround from a squad who finished fifth last year.
Tufts University
Hailing from the Boston area, the Tufts Jumbos have been ever-present in the division three racing and are almost certain to be in and around the fight again this weekend. Following their gold medal in the junior varsity event last year, the Medford-based programme were fast at their almost-home water at the Head of the Charles, coming within a blink of the division three bragging rights. Another member of the tight racing from top to bottom of the NESCAC contingent at this rergatta, they won bronze at their conference championship by less than a tenth of a second. If they have been able to improve their base speed in the interveneing three weeks, they have the killer instinct to end up in the medals in the top boat for the second year in a row.
Williams College
The winners of the first two editions of this championship, Williams College were within two tenths of completing an inaugural three-peat last year. Twelve months on, they come off the back of a strong dual season, going four-for-four against their opposition this weekend. However, at championship races, the men in purple have had a little more trouble, finishing fifth in the varsity eight at both the New England and National Invitational Championships. There is speed in the boathouse, with their second varsity being the top-seeded crew in their event. If the Ephs can re-find their speed from the early season, perhaps with some late crew changes from Marc Mandel, this weekend could shake their championship troubles for 2025.
Wesleyan University
The defending champions from southern Connecticut, Wesleyan University have had an inconsistent end to the season. After building a strong resume in the early spring, they stumbled in their dual against Williams, losing by seven seconds on Onota Lake. Recovering to pick up silver in the dreadful conditions of the New England Championships, they would slip again to fifth place at the National Invitational Rowing Championships to round out the season. With a long schedule of racing, it can be unclear where various teams are placing their priorities, but with 38 years of experience under his belt, head coach Phil Carney will have the expertise to maximise the Cardinal’s output this weekend.
Colby College
The last at-large selection for this weekend’s championship, the Colby Mules are one of two Maine-based teams on the start line in Cherry Hill. Making their first appearance at the championships in this category, they will not be satisfied to just make up the numbers this weekend. Missing the grand final at the New England Championships, they outperformed their seed to beat Coast Guard in the petite final. This crew can get it done when it matters and with nothing to lose, they could be a dangerous crew to meet in Friday’s heats.
Marietta College
A new face for the division three ranks, southeastern Ohio-based Marietta College have been rowing in the division one ranks for the past few years despite meeting the division three requirements. Moving into this division, the Pioneers will be looking to excel, and qualifying for the national championship at the first attempt is a sign they will be more competitive in this group. This season, they were the top eligible crew at the Mid-Atlantic Championships as well as at the Dad Vail Regatta, holding their own in the top event while their second varsity won the division three outcome. Faced back up against their New England competition, they will be wanting to close the gap compared to racing earlier this year if they want to be lining up in Saturday’s showpiece final.
Ithaca College
Coming into the championships as the lowest seeds, the Ithaca Bombers won the Liberty League championships in the first weekend in May to book their place on the start line this weekend. Competing in a difficult regular season campaign, they have seen four of their opponents already this weekend and will know what they need to do to get the better of them. Having raced at last year’s championships, they are familiar with this position, and I wouldn’t count out Justin Stangel’s men this weekend.
Predictions
While the margins have been getting closer across the last few races, I still cannot bet against the Trinity crew that doesn’t know how to lose. For silver, I can see the Williams ephs making up the group, with Bates rounding out the podium. However, with the close margins we have become accustomed to in this event, the whole grand final will have a chance of a medal when the flag drops on Saturday afternoon.
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