Competitive rowing is a popular sport in Boston that is steeped with just as much tradition as baseball or hockey. Every October, thousands of rowers from around the world descend on the city for the world’s largest regatta, the Head of the Charles. This year, on Oct. 19 and 20, two University of Massachusetts Boston students will be participating the storied event.
Christian Colegrove, a freshman, and Chris Dello Russo, a sophomore, are currently working as assistant coaches at their alma mater, Medford High School. This is their first year as coaches and they have had to do a little bit of adjusting for their new roles.
Colegrove said, “It’s interesting [to coach our former teammates]. With the freshmen it’s like a fresh new start so you have the opportunity to make an impact on them and mold them.” 
The two coaches are making an impact for the upstart team. They never had the chance to compete in the Head of the Charles during their own crew careers.
Dello Russo said, “For myself, it’s not so much about the experience that I’ll have, but for these high school rowers, it’s a once in a lifetime chance, especially at the age of 16, 17, to row in something that is so historic.”
He added “it’s the biggest rowing event in the world. … The thing I’m most looking forward to is seeing the look on their faces and how the grandiose nature of the event will impact them.”
Medford High will be putting its best rowers out on the Charles next weekend. Dello Russo and Colegrove were very quick to praise some “fantastic rowers” who could be “among the all time best in school history” who will be partaking in the big race.
The two left their own mark on the program during their tenures, both contributing heavily to the varsity squad. In Colegrove’s case, he would occasionally row in four boats in a single day of racing, which he described as “not too fun.”
But that dedication is paying off as the guys prepare for the big race. Colegrove said, “The Head of the Charles is an event even for people who aren’t that crazy about rowing.”
He added, ”There’s all kinds of activities surrounding the two days of racing and there are participants from all over the world. It’s like a great time in the park.”
Colegrove and Dello Russo will be representing the Beacons when they take to the Charles next weekend. Medford High’s race will be on Sunday, Oct. 20 at 9:15 a.m. The Mass Media will have results from the Head of the Charles in the next issue.