TOLEDO, Ohio – The University of Toledo Women's Rowing program will make history this fall, launching its inaugural season with the program's first-ever event at the Glass City Regatta on the Maumee River in downtown Toledo on Saturday, Sept. 20. The Rockets will participate in events beginning at 9:20 a.m., giving fans their first chance to see the Midnight Blue and Gold in action on home waters.

Head coach Chris Bailey-Greene and his staff are in the process of putting together a squad that features both experienced rowers and student-athletes brand new to the sport. He said that in this inaugural season they are looking for good teammates who are willing to put in the work and buy into the culture of rowing.

"We are looking for people who are motivated and have the mindset to be good teammates, to talk to each other and pump each other up -- fist bumps in the boat, positive affirmation and ultimately are representing Toledo the right way," said Bailey-Greene, who came to Toledo with 25 years of coaching experience, including stops at Washington State, Gonzaga, Oregon State and Yale. "Right now, we're trying to build a solid culture that's going to last a long time."

Bailey-Greene, who expects the team roster be finalized in the coming weeks, said everyone on the squad who is cleared to race will participate in Saturday's regatta.

"I'm excited for them to get their first race under their belt, get the jitters out, get the butterflies gone, and just get them excited about actual competition the D-1 level," said Bailey-Greene. "It will be really cool to see them go down the river and race, to feel that kind of competitive juice because so many of them have just done technique and are just learning how to do it in the first place. So it will be nice to see them move into the next stage, where they realize this isn't just recreational, this is actually competitive.

"We are excited to race, to fly the Toledo logo across the chest, to wear the school colors and represent the University and the city of Toledo."

The Rockets' fall campaign also includes trips to Pittsburgh for the Yinzer Cup on Oct. 11 and to Philadelphia for the Head of the Schuylkill on Oct. 25, before closing out the autumn at the Bald Eagle Collegiate in Indianapolis on Nov. 1.
 
Glass City Regatta
Maumee River, Downtown Toledo
Saturday, Sept. 20

Schedule for Toledo races
9:20 a.m. – Women's Novice 8+ (two boats)
10:45 a.m. – Women's Open 8+
1:40 p.m. – Women's Open 4+

Parking
Parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis at International Park. Spectators should enter International Parkway from the Miami Street Entrance.