Get Ready for the Splash: Badgers Set for Big Ten Championships!
The Wisconsin women’s rowing team is poised to launch into an exhilarating postseason at the 2025 Big Ten Rowing Championships, set to take place this weekend at Eagle Creek Park in Indianapolis. As anticipation builds, let’s dive into essential information and insights ahead of this thrilling competition!
1. Championship Overview: A New Era
This year marks a significant transformation for the Big Ten Rowing Championships, now a two-day event following the recent addition of powerhouse teams UCLA, USC, and Washington. Each of the seven competing boat classes—including IV Eights and I Fours—will race during Saturday’s semifinals, aiming for a coveted spot in the grand finals on Sunday.
The stakes are high, as the victory will grant the winner an automatic bid to the NCAA Championships, scheduled for May 30 – June 1 at Mercer Lake in West Windsor, New Jersey. It’s an opportunity not just for glory in rowing but also a chance for other Big Ten teams to secure at-large NCAA bids. Stay tuned for the announcement on May 20 at 4 p.m. CT via the NCAA streaming show.
For more event details, check the official Big Ten Rowing Central page.
2. Who’s Competing? The Contenders Awaken!
The Badgers are ready to face fierce opposition from traditional rivals such as Iowa, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio State, not to mention offensive challengers like Rutgers, as well as newcomers UCLA, USC, and Washington. Currently, Washington holds the top spot at No. 2 in the Pocock CRCA poll, followed closely by Rutgers at No. 7—a testament to the depth of talent in this conference.
At last year’s championship, Michigan emerged victorious, with an impressive score of 189 points, claiming the automatic NCAA bid. The Badgers will look to build on last season’s performance, where they finished sixth overall with notable finishes from the second varsity eight and third varsity four.
3. Last Weekend’s Performance: A Solid Foundation
The Badgers enter this championship after a competitive showing at the B1G Invite held on April 18-19 at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota, Florida. Leading the charge was the third varsity four, which not only secured a second-place finish but improved its time significantly as the weekend progressed.
For detailed race recaps, explore the full coverage of Day One and Day Two.
4. How to Follow the Action: Stay Connected!
Fans won’t want to miss a minute of the action! Live results for the weekend’s events will be available here.
- Saturday’s heats will be streamed live on B1G+ and the Fox Sports App.
- On Sunday, both the finals and consolation races will also be broadcast live on B1G+ and featured on the Big Ten Network.
Expect expert commentary from an all-star lineup, including Grace Latz, a former Badger and U.S. Olympian, and Mandi Kowal, a world champion and Wisconsin rower.
Big Ten Championships
- Date: May 17-18
- Location: Eagle Creek Park, Indianapolis
- Distance: 2000 meters
Race Day Schedule (Times ET)
Saturday, May 17:
- 9:14 a.m. – IV Eights (Heat #2)
- 9:26 a.m. – III Eights (Heat #1)
- 9:50 a.m. – III Fours (Heat #1)
- 10:26 a.m. – II Fours (Heat #2)
- 10:38 a.m. – I Fours (Heat #1)
- 11:02 a.m. – II Eights (Heat #1)
- 11:26 a.m. – I Eights (Heat #1)
- Sunday, May 18:
- 9:02 a.m. – IV Eights Petite
- 9:14 a.m. – IV Eights Final
- 9:26 a.m. – III Eights Petite
- 9:38 a.m. – III Eights Final
- (Additional races continuing throughout the morning)
- 1 p.m. – Awards Ceremony
Conclusion: The Battle Awaits!
As the waters of Eagle Creek Park prepare to welcome these elite rowers, the Wisconsin Badgers are set to make waves in this high-stakes showdown. With passion and precision, they’ll battle not just for victory, but for a chance at national glory. Are you ready to cheer them on? The countdown to the races has begun!
