10
TONY KILBRIDGE
crew
The MIT men’s heavyweight Collegiate 8+
captured first place at the 2019 Head of the
Charles, marking its fifth straight top-10 finish
and the program’s first victory in the event. The
Engineers registered a time of 14.25.901, a
comfortable 3.219 seconds ahead of runner-up
Marist in a field of 38 teams, and 1.7 seconds
off the course record. (FULL STORY)
Competing in perfect rowing weather
that featured sunny and cool conditions
with a light tailwind at the 2019 Head
of the Fish, the men’s heavyweight
crew Second Varsity 8+ captured first
place while the Varsity 8+ was the
runner up. The Collegiate 4+ rounded
out the Engineers with a fifth-place
finish. (FULL STORY)
“I chose to attend MIT because it offers a unique combination
of rigorous, challenging academics and a competitive yet
supportive rowing team. I felt that there would be no better
place to perform exciting research and strive for academic
success while also pushing myself physically as an athlete.”
- Ben Koenig ‘21
“Being a student athlete at MIT sometimes
feels surreal. If you’re serious about continuing
your sport and pushing yourself academically
I really don’t think there is a better place to
be than MIT. We have access to world class
coaching, facilities, and support systems;
and we get to pursue our academic interests
at what is widely considered to be the best
university on the planet.” - Orrie Page ‘22
“Coming from California, the idea that we could
not row all year on the water was completely
terrifying. However, there is something special
about getting off the erg after a solid 20km
worth of work, as it snows outside. These
little moments and the everyday nuances of
practice are by far my favorite part of being a
member of the team.” - Max von Franque ‘22
“I chose to come to MIT because I knew
that the student body was one of the most
incredible and accomplished groups of young
adults in the world; and I was honored to have
the opportunity to meet them and to be able to
spend four years making the most of my time at
the Institute. Being a student-athlete enhances
this experience more than I could have ever
imagined - not only are my teammates
incredibly interesting and multi-dimensional
people off the water (as most MIT students
are), but I am able to witness their passion
towards building a winning rowing program
here at MIT and it has been an honor being
able to contribute and be part of a team of
wonderful people working towards a common
goal.” - Jay Hesslink ‘22
Tony Kilbridge is in his 15th year as MIT’s Director of Rowing and men’s varsity heavyweight head
coach. Since his arrival, MIT crews raced successfully at the EARC Sprints, before transitioning to
the Dad Vail Regatta, where they have established themselves as a perennial power. (FULL BIO)