In similar fashion, Irwin, recounting the event as a high school rower, looks forward to reconnecting with her club’s current teammates and young alumni.

“The Head of the Charles was this once-a-year opportunity for everyone who had once been on my club team to come together again,” Irwin says. “Now, as a graduate of my club, something that I have been excited to do is to be in the position of the college student returning.”

For the Black and White to carry home the top prize this weekend, both McCormick and Irwin will need to demonstrate the kind of talent that propelled them to the varsity eight as freshmen.

“[Erika and Veronique] are sitting in the important two seat and bow seat,” Cartwright says. “In this race, you need to have a cool head and keep your wits about you. Both of them demonstrate cool under pressure, which is unusual for a freshman.”

Regardless of the outcome, representing Radcliffe at the Head of the Charles is sure to be one of any rower’s most memorable experiences on the team.

“For new rowers to see this great moment and be part of this experience is inspiring,” Cartwright says. “Many girls, if their freshman year is their first one rowing, have later told me that [Head of the Charles] is what got them excited about the sport.”

—Staff writer Robert T. Hamlin can be reached at rhamlin@fas.harvard.edu.