The Brock Badgers men's rowing team solidified their legacy this weekend with their fifth consecutive Ontario University Athletics (OUA) title.
The historic achievement took place at Henley Island in Port Dalhousie on Friday, Oct. 24 and Saturday, Oct. 25 during the championships hosted by the Carleton Ravens.
Combining for a total of 511 points, the Badgers captured first, with the Western Mustangs second at 419 and the Queen's Gaels third with 395.
"There's no question winning five banners in a row is a challenge," said lead open head coach Scott Anderson. "We didn't know that would be possible. This team creates a great atmosphere to be a part of, and to have some of these athletes have their names on all of five of these banners is really cool."
The Brock men's rowing team celebrated their fifth consecutive and 16th overall Ontario University Athletics title on Saturday, Oct. 25 at Henley Island.
The men's team appeared on the podium an impressive nine times out of 10 over the regatta, leaving with five gold medals, two silvers and two bronze.
"A fifth consecutive banner is beyond exceptional," said Melissa Krist, Executive Director, Brock Sports and Recreation. "Winning is hard, but our rowing program continues to perform at the highest level. We are so proud of our Badgers."
Riley Watson won Male Athlete of the Year at the regatta. He collected his first gold medal with a time of six minutes, 54 seconds and 503 milliseconds with partner Jonas Masys. Watson's hardware haul didn't stop there as he won gold with the men's lightweight eight crew (6:04.149).
Also reaching the podium was Charles-Etienne Tabet, who earned gold medals in the men's single in 7:13.316 and the men's double with Stephen Harris in 6:34.507.
Harris's first year in 2019 saw the team fall short of a championship win, but left them determined to change their fate for the following year.
"Every year, it's been an incredible experience with this team," he said. "This championship feels as good as or better than the first one. It's been an amazing run."
Coxswain Daniel Phillips and crew members Sawyer Dalton, Connor Dodds, Ethan Mason and Griffin Wick also earned two gold medals on the day as they finished first in both the men's lightweight eight (6:04.149) and men's lightweight coxed four events (6:51.955).
Anderson and Tom Kent won OUA Men's Coach of the Year for the second time in three seasons.
This marks the first time a men's rowing team has captured five consecutive OUA titles since the Western Mustangs achieved the feat from 1993 to 1997.
Read more at gobadgers.ca
