Brophy’s U17 Crew Competes on Rowing’s Biggest Stage

Brophy’s U17 Crew Competes on Rowing’s Biggest Stage

Brophy College Preparatory’s rowing program proudly represented the Broncos at the 2026 Head of the Charles Regatta in Cambridge, Massachusetts, competing against some of the world's finest junior rowing programs.

Often called the “Super Bowl of Rowing,” the Head of the Charles is the world's largest three-day rowing regatta and the premier fall event for the international rowing community. The prestigious competition brings together Olympians, national team athletes, collegiate crews, and elite junior rowers. This year’s event featured approximately 11,000–12,000 athletes representing 30 countries, with an estimated 325,000 spectators lining the banks of the Charles River.

Brophy's Men's Youth Coxed Quad was represented by Connor Nixon ’28, Beckham Belaski ’29, Lucas Crooks ’28, Aden Sulit ’28, and Dean Moseke ’29.

Competing in the U19 division, Brophy's young crew faced a particularly challenging field, racing against older, more experienced athletes, including three international crews. Despite the age difference and the caliber of competition, the Broncos rose to the occasion, finishing fourth in their U17 subcategory and 46th overall in a field of 50 boats.

Unlike traditional side-by-side sprint races, the Head of the Charles is a race against the clock. Crews start at staggered intervals and navigate a demanding three-mile course featuring sharp turns, unpredictable conditions, and historic narrow bridges, including the famous Weeks Bridge. Success requires strength and endurance, as well as exceptional steering, precision, and teamwork.

For Brophy's young crew, simply earning the opportunity to compete on this international stage was a significant accomplishment. Racing against some of the world's top junior programs provided invaluable experience and a firsthand look at the level of competition they aspire to reach.

Their fourth-place U17 finish is an achievement worth celebrating, especially given they competed in an event dominated by older athletes. More importantly, the experience demonstrated the determination, teamwork, and competitive spirit that continue to define Brophy Crew.

The entire Brophy community should be proud of these five young men for representing their school with dedication and determination on one of rowing's most prestigious stages.

Photo: Cherry Corales