Rows of gold

By Carly McKay

Fall often brings to mind the start of football season, the two-month grind of the university soccer calendar and, of course, training camp at Father David Bauer Arena. Basketball practices are getting under way, and the Dino Cup buzz is in the air.

While the athletic community’s focus gravitates toward these accredited varsity programs, there is a dedicated group of club athletes who are already winning races under the Dinos banner. Most students don’t even know they exist.

The Dinos Rowing Club’s opening regatta took place Sat., Oct. 1. The crew traveled north to compete in a tune-up event against the University of Alberta and various private boats from Calgary and Edmonton clubs. Despite a balmy temperature of five degrees and solid rain throughout the day, the Dinos crew showed well as they stormed the North Saskatchewan River, sporting toques with their spandex.

The Dinos’ medal haul at the end of the day totaled four golds. They won in the Open Men’s 1X, Open Men’s 4X, Novice Men’s 4+, and the Novice Women’s 8+ categories.

The next event on the rowing schedule is the Head of the Weasel regatta, held on Glenmore Reservoir Sat., Oct. 15. The races can be viewed from the Calgary Rowing Club in North Glenmore Park, and although rowing isn’t considered a varsity sport, there is a team of athletes representing the U of C that would love some fan support as they bring home more gold.

For anyone willing to brave the elements (and overwhelming display of lycra), festivities get underway with the first launch at 10 a.m.