Crew Team Travels to Tennessee for “Head of the Hooch”

On Thursday, Nov. 2, Academy’s crew team traveled to Chattanooga, Tennessee to compete in the regatta competition “Head of the Hooch.”  The event occurs annually on the first Saturday and Sunday of November. It was started in 1982.

“Although we have had to overcome many obstacles this season, we have significantly improved. I am so glad that we had to opportunity to go to Head of the Hooch” Said Sydney Lowman (‘19).

Two boats in the varsity eight category competed in a 5-kilometer race. The team’s Varsity 8A boat placed 71 out of 78, with a time of 20 minutes and 24 seconds. The Varsity 8B boat placed 76 out of 78, with a time of 22 minutes and 21 seconds.

Three boats in the varsity four categories also competed in a 5-kilometer race. The team’s Varsity 4A placed 61 out of 84, with a time of 21 minutes and 30 seconds. The team’s Varsity 4B placed 78 out of 84, with a time of 23 minutes and 17 seconds. The team’s Varsity 4C placed 84 out of 84, with a time of 27 minutes and 49 seconds.

Renee Rinderle (‘20) has been a member of the crew team since last spring.

“Although the Hooch had its setbacks, there were times we had a lot of fun. It was a beautiful place to bond with teammates. There were pockets of laughter and joy during the stressful races, and those small moments really made the trip special,” Rinderle said.

The crew team had also participated in the same competition four years ago.  

“Everyone was nervous. It was the biggest regatta that we’ve ever been too. There were teams all the way from Canada there. However as the day went on, it became more and more fun. The more practices we had, the more our confidences grew,” said Grace Cronen (‘21).

The Head of the Hooch was the last regatta of the fall season. The crew season will start again in January.