The University of Toronto Varsity Blues are determined to reach the podium at the 2009 OUA rowing championships this Saturday, October 24 at the Henley Island Course in St. Catharines, Ont.

The Blues lightweight women’s four of Christina Malinas (Toronto), Lauren Brown (Toronto), sisters Jenn and Kate Sauks (Owen Sound, Ont.) and coxswaim Kathleen Romatowski (St. Catharines, Ont.) are fresh off a gold-medal performance at the Head of the Charles regatta in Boston this past weekend. The crew garnered U of T’s first medal in history at the Head of the Charles and will look to improve on the Blues fifth-place finish in this event at last year’s championships.

A bronze medalist at the under-23 FISA world rowing championships this summer, Michael Braithwaite (Duncan, B.C.) is capable of medaling in both the heavyweight single sculls and the men’s double with teammate Mike Harowicz (Oakville, Ont.). Braithwaite and Harowicz garnered gold medals at both the Head of the Trent and Head of the Rideau this fall and will attempt to cap off the season with a great showing this weekend.

Head coach Rob Watering is also excited about U of T’s women’s heavyweight program. The women’s heavyweight eight recorded a very impressive performance last weekend, clawing their way to an 11th-place finish after starting in the 35th position. In addition, three rowers in the women’s four were members of the novice women’s eight that won bronze in 2008.

Schools competing at the OUA championships include the men’s and women’s defending champion Queen’s Gaels, the host Brock Badgers, Carleton Ravens, Guelph Gryphons, McGill Redmen/Martlets, McMaster Marauders, Ottawa Gee-Gees, Trent Excalibur, Ryerson Rams, UOIT Ridgebacks and Western Mustangs.

For more information, scores and highlights on your favourite Toronto teams, please visit the home of the Varsity Blues at http://www.varsityblues.ca.