HEAD OF THE LAKE 2025
November 2nd, 2025
The Cougs concluded their fall racing season this past weekend at the Head of the Lake Regatta in Seattle, fielding four eights, three fours, and an alumni four against a competitive mix of varsity and club programs from across the Northwest. The regatta drew a large field and marked one of WSU’s strongest overall entries in recent years.
Early morning winds added some challenge, but conditions on Lake Union and Lake Washington were excellent for racing. The Men’s Varsity 8+ delivered one of the program’s most competitive performances in recent history, recording the tightest margin to Oregon State in more than a decade and finishing closer to Washington than any crew since 2019. The eights and fours showed effort, technical improvement, and depth throughout the roster this fall.
The alumni four brought an extra spark to the day, blending friendly competition with a sense of tradition that defines Cougar Crew. Overall, the regatta was a fitting conclusion to a productive fall, and the team now shifts its focus toward winter training and preparation for a promising spring season.
“The race went really well overall. We came out with a lot of energy in a new lineup and found a strong rhythm early on. It was great to see the work we’ve been putting in throughout the fall come together on race day. Being back on the west side was also meaningful for me since it’s the same regatta I used to race at during my youth rowing days. Getting to compete there again as part of Cougar Crew made the experience even more rewarding.”
“I was really looking forward to seeing what our boat could do at Head of the Lake as our fitness continues to improve. The racing showed the progress we’ve made together and how much our training has started to pay off. The rowing did not disappoint, and it makes me even more excited to see how much more speed we can find as we keep building through the season.”
