The Oakland Strokes youth rowing club men’s varsity eight won gold at The Head of The Charles Regatta in Boston for the first time in team history Oct. 19, while the local women’s varsity eight took 7th place.
The Oakland Strokes varsity men outpaced traditional powerhouses Marin and St. Paul’s of London, UK, the second and third place winners respectively, leading a field of 85 to take the gold. The Strokes women also finished well despite stiff competition, headwinds and a recent coaching change, taking 7th Place overall.
The Head of The Charles is one of the world’s preeminent rowing competitions, featuring races for U.S. and international rowers of all ages and abilities. This year marked the 50th anniversary of the race, making the Oakland Strokes men’s victory that much more memorable. The 2014 Regatta attracted 11,000 competitors and 400,000 spectators.
PHOTOS: Oakland Strokes men’s varsity eight from left to right: Daniel Hogan – De La Salle, Michael Cuellar – St. Joseph Notre Dame, Alexandr Lilichenko – Miramonte, Cameron Chater – Berkeley High, Sarah “Kenyon” Watson – Miramonte, Tucker Johnson – Piedmont, Maxwell McDonald – Piedmont, Allen Hosler – Piedmont, Brendan Purtill – Bentley. Photo courtesy of Maria Watson.
Oakland Strokes women’s varsity eight: Madelynn Prendergast – Head Royce, Jillian Lundstrom – Miramonte, Amy Tarczynski – St. Mary’s College High, Megan Cvitanovic – Alameda High, Evelyn McManus – Miramonte, Maryse Suppiger – Piedmont, Marie Johnson – Miramonte, Lindy Clute – Carondelet, Margaret Ross – Miramonte.
