“We’ve got 200+ members in our club and we’re trying to service everyone. On top of that, we’re trying to put together a regatta of this kind,” Eric Catalano, Executive Director of host Saratoga Rowing Association, said about the preparation that goes into the event. “Head of the Fish means a lot to the community, especially all of the parents, because they get to see their kids here at home.”

Following its participation in the prestigious Head of the Charles in Massachusetts over the weekend of Oct. 18-19, the Saratoga Rowing Association racked up 34 medals. 

Among the winners was the varsity junior eight, coached by Catalano. After finishing third in Boston, the SRA Boat A won the gold with a time over 11 minute, 32 seconds and avenged St. Catharine’s Rowing (Ontario) in the process.

“We knew they were going to be tight. The girls were keyed up,” Catalano said. “They really stepped up. They beat them by 10 seconds. Everybody was incredibly excited following the race.”

The Skidmore College men’s lightweight four earned a gold medal and the Skidmore Community Rowing program earned three bronze medals.

Saratoga Rowing captured both the women’s and women’s masters overall points trophies.

“We expect the race to keep getting bigger. We could see between 1,200-1,300 entries next year,” Catalano said.

This Saturday, the SRA is holding its “Hoe-Down, Row-Down”, at the Saratoga Rowing Association Community Boathouse on Union Avenue. The party goes from 7-11 p.m. The event will benefit the club and features food from Jake’s Round-Up. For tickets and more information, call 587-6697.