The Hobart and William Smith rowing teams will host the Challenge on the Canal on Saturday, Oct. 24. The annual home regatta is a 4.4-kilometer head race and is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. on the Cayuga Seneca Canal.
 
There is limited spectator parking at the Miltenberger and Bennett-Hooper Rowing Center. Overflow parking will be available at Sunset Bowl (341 Boarder City Road, Waterloo, New York). No Parking is allowed in the empty lot adjacent to the Rowing Center or along the neighborhood road.
 
The Statesmen and Herons will host Mercyhurst, Hamilton and RIT. Racing will begin at 10 a.m. in small boats and the first-year/novice 8s. Round 2 will begin at noon and feature the varsity eights.
 
On Friday evening, William Smith will dedicate a new varsity eight shell, The Siege. The boat's name, The Siege, was chosen by Mike and Moira Wertheimer and their daughter, Annie '22, to reflect the dual meaning of the word. A siege is a gathering of herons, birds known for their patience, precision, power and grace, qualities that mirror the rowing stroke and the collective strength of a crew. Just as individual herons become stronger and safer together, eight rowers moving in unison transform individual talent into something greater. For William Smith rowing, The Siege represents a team built on trust, perseverance and the belief that sustained effort can achieve extraordinary things.
 
The name also symbolizes the program's determination to establish itself among the best in Liberty League and Division III rowing. Since Head Coach Paul Bugenhagen took over the Herons in 2020, the Wertheimers have been steadfast supporters of the team, helping build its culture and contributing to milestones that include a Liberty League championship, an NCAA podium finish and the program's first-ever victory at the Head of the Charles. Through their daughter Annie's legacy and their continued commitment to the program, Mike and Moira have helped strengthen the team's foundation. The Siege honors their support and celebrates the families, athletes and community whose shared commitment makes the team stronger.
 
The new shell will also feature named seats. The bow seat is named Crow's Nest courtesy of the Darius family and named in honor of Dr. Matthew Crow, rowing's faculty advisor. The next two seats are courtesy of the Barnhart family, Delaware and Dr. Pepper.  The Falkenstein family named a seat Velocity 2021 for the class of 2021's theme. The Jung family named the fifth seat Girl Bosses '28. The parents of the Class of 2030 combined to name one seat Class of 2030. Finally, Sweet Caroline, from the Hendrickson family, honoring their daughter Caroline.
 
It's not too late for someone to name a seat in honor of a family member, teammate, coach, or someone special. It's a meaningful opportunity to have that name and legacy carried forward for the lifespan of the boat.