Full Head of the Charles Results

BOSTON – George Mason University rowing alumnae Maureen McAuliffe ('11) and Lauren Griffin ('13) excelled on one of the sport's biggest stages this past October, winning medals at the 2017 Head of the Charles Regatta.
 
The event – annually held as the largest 2-day rowing regatta in the world – brings more than 11,000 athletes from countries around the world to the Charles River in Boston, Massachusetts.
 
At the 2017 event, McAuliffe, who is coming off her first World Championship appearance for Team USA, finished first in Women's Championship Doubles alongside partner Lily Keane. The duo finished their race in 18:13.24, more than six seconds ahead of the next closest competitors.
 
"Placing first at Charles is a feeling I won't soon forget," McAuliffe said. "My doubles partner and I have a strong feeling of accomplishment because we came in seventh in this event last year against some of the same teams. The Charles is tricky to steer because the turns and bridges can make or break your finish time.  Mid-race, I felt very confident that Lily and I were navigating the course the way we wanted to. It was a beautiful day on the Charles and I was so happy to see Mason alumni and represent my team, ARION [Advanced Rowing Initiative of the North East]."
 
McAuliffe has had quite the busy 2017, after spending the later part of summer and early fall in full training mode with the USA Quad boat leading up to the World Championships in late September in Florida. Her prominent successes on the sport's highest level have inspired current and past Mason rowers, including Griffin.
 
"I was nervous about getting back into rowing after four years away from the sport," Griffin said. "However, myself and another former teammate [Bridget Hally] were inspired to get back into it by our amazing former captain, Mo. Hearing about Mo's experience on the international level was awesome and inspiring, and it was fun to follow this year. It was so cool to see our former teammate compete at the World Championships. We're all so excited to see her thriving in this sport."
 
After working her way back onto the water, Griffin – also a former Mason captain - qualified with her team, TBC, to race in the Women's Club Four portion of the Head of the Charles. Her boat performed admirably, placing ninth overall in the race. However, Griffin's boat finished first amongst club teams, earning her a medal in the process.
 
"After the race, we didn't know initially that we placed first out of the club teams, but when we found out we were thrilled," Griffin said. "It was awesome to be able to hang out with Mo after the race and share our experiences, especially with our gold medals!"

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