GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The University of Toledo women’s rowing team is set to begin its spring season this Saturday at the Lubbers Cup, hosted on the waters of the Grand River in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This marks a significant milestone for the program, which is in its inaugural year of competition. The Rockets are eager to translate the groundwork laid during the fall season into success on the 2000-meter sprint courses that define spring rowing.
The transition from fall “head races” – longer, winding courses often spanning 5,000 meters – to the shorter, more direct spring races presents a unique challenge for a young team. According to the University of Toledo Athletics website, approximately 90 percent of the rowing squad are walk-ons, meaning they did not arrive with prior rowing experience. Chris Bailey-Greene, the team’s head coach, emphasizes the importance of adapting to this latest format. “In the spring you go 2000 meters instead of about 4-to-5000 meters,” Bailey-Greene explained. “It’s a very different level of racing, being side by side, seeing boats around you and seeing who’s actually winning and losing.”
Building a Program from the Ground Up
Bailey-Greene brings a wealth of experience to Toledo, having spent 15 seasons as an assistant coach at programs including Washington State, Gonzaga, Oregon State and Yale. He views this initial spring competition as a crucial learning opportunity. The focus isn’t solely on results, but on acclimating the athletes to the intensity and tactical demands of sprint racing. The Lubbers Cup will provide a valuable benchmark for measuring progress and identifying areas for improvement.
The Rockets haven’t been without their challenges. Unseasonably cold weather this semester has limited the amount of time the team has been able to spend practicing on the water. Despite this setback, Bailey-Greene is encouraged by the dedication and improvement he’s witnessed. “For those who are committed, put in the work, showed up and got through winter season, they’ve gotten drastically faster,” he said. “They learned a lot more. Their technique has gotten better. And I would say they’re all hungrier now. I believe the team is more tight-knit now. Everybody’s really bought into what we’re doing.”
What to Expect at the Lubbers Cup
The Lubbers Cup, hosted by Grand Valley State University, is a prominent event on the collegiate rowing calendar. The regatta typically attracts teams from across the Midwest, providing a competitive field for the Rockets to test their skills. Grand Valley State’s athletics website details the event schedule and participating teams, noting that racing will begin Saturday morning.
Bailey-Greene’s long-term vision extends beyond this single race. He’s building a program focused on continuous development and a strong team culture. “Our goal is to learn something at every single race, getting to the end of the spring and feeling drastically more experienced than we did at the beginning,” he stated. This approach reflects a commitment to sustainable success, prioritizing growth and understanding over immediate victories.
Looking Ahead: A Full Spring Schedule
The Lubbers Cup is just the first step in a busy spring campaign for the Toledo rowing team. Following this weekend’s competition, the Rockets will travel to Oak Ridge, Tennessee, for the Southern Intercollegiate Rowing Association (SIRA) Regatta on April 18-19. They will then return to Michigan for regattas at Eastern Michigan University on April 25 and Duquesne University on May 2.
The culmination of the season will be the Mid-American Conference (MAC) Championships in Ypsilanti, Michigan, on May 16. At the MAC Championships, Toledo will compete for an automatic berth into the NCAA Championships, representing a significant opportunity for the program to build its mark on the national stage. The Mid-American Conference website provides details on the championship event and qualifying procedures.
The challenges facing this nascent program are considerable, but the enthusiasm and dedication of the athletes and coaching staff are palpable. The Lubbers Cup offers a first glimpse of what this determined group can achieve, and sets the stage for a spring season filled with learning, growth, and the pursuit of excellence.
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