Jacksonville University will send its first varsity four to the Charles River in Boston, Massachusetts, for the Head of the Charles. The men’s rowing team won the event last season with a record time of 16:03.662 and will start this year’s race from Bow No. 1.
Head coach Preston Weinard said the trip marks an important test for the crew, which has been training with the goal of repeating last season’s result.
“This trip to Boston is a big step into the arena.,” head coach Preston Weinard said. “We have had this date circled on the calendar since the 2025 JU crew came back Champions; and the guys have been training with purpose to repeat that this year.”
Jacksonville University crew features two returning champions
Junior coxswain Mason Bezanis and sophomore rower Stefan Kuzmanovic are the two members of last season’s winning boat returning to the lineup. Junior captain Kellen Tooley, junior Vasilije Lopicic and senior Jack Galvin also are part of the Jacksonville crew.
Weinard said Jacksonville must remain focused throughout the race while facing tough competition and searching for the best line on the course.
“Although much is different from last year, much is still the same; JU arrives at the race course to compete, and battle the entire course,” Weinard said. “Starting Bow #1, JU will have to push away tough competitors the entire race, always chasing the best line and best complete race.”
How to follow Jacksonville University men’s rowing
Jacksonville is scheduled to compete at 1:20 p.m. Saturday on the Charles River in Boston. The race will be streamed live on YouTube, and results will be available through Regatta Central.
Weinard said the lineup has gained confidence in recent days after competitive seat racing helped determine the crew. The first varsity four now heads to Boston seeking to defend Jacksonville’s Head of the Charles title.
“The lineup has gained a lot of confidence in each other in the last few days, which is what they’ll need to have a chance to be successful,” Weinard said. “Lots of anticipation, lots of competitive seat racing to find the lineup, and now lots of energy and support for the boys heading up to Boston this weekend!”
FSB Take
Jacksonville University men’s rowing enters the Head of the Charles with two members of last season’s winning boat and a Bow No. 1 starting position. The race will give Mason Bezanis and Stefan Kuzmanovic an opportunity to draw on their experience from the 16:03.662 performance, while Kellen Tooley, Vasilije Lopicic and Jack Galvin join them in this year’s crew. The 1:20 p.m. Saturday start will determine whether Jacksonville can defend its title.
Source: Original report