ROCKFORD, Ill. – The Drake rowing team continues its fall campaign this Sunday at the Head of the Rock Regatta in Rockford, Ill.

The Head of the Rock is one of the Midwest's premier rowing events with many top collegiate and club teams competing on a 5,000 (3.2 mile) meter course on the Rock River.

Drake head coach Charlie DiSilvestro is excited to take his team to the event after a long hiatus, where they will race against some of the top rowing clubs and teams in the Midwest.

“It's been over 20 years since we have competed at the Head of the Rock,” said DiSilvestro. “It's a great Midwest race with strong competition in schools such as Illinois, Northwestern, Purdue and Wisconsin along with several top club teams. It is centrally located and perfect for the families and friends of our rowers, who are from the area, to come out and watch us compete on what is supposed to be a great day for rowing.”

Drake opened the fall at the local Head of the Des Moines Regatta on Sept. 27 on the Des Moines River. The Bulldogs posted a strong showing at the event as they were able to have their returners, novice members and new recruits get out on the water and compete against area clubs and collegiate teams.

“Sunday is going to give us an opportunity to test improvements we have made since the Head of the Des Moines,” commented DiSilvestro. “The team has come together more as a family these last few weeks as they continue to get know each other and row in different boat lineups.

After the Head of the Rock, Drake closes the fall season with its annual competition against the Creighton Bluejays with the teams racing each other on the Des Moines River on Nov. 7.