CHICAGO – The Drake University rowing team starts its 2018 fall season Saturday at Rowtoberfest in Chicago. Drake had its initial first fall race, the Head of the Des Moines Regatta, scheduled for Sept. 29 in Des Moines, Iowa cancelled due to high water on the Des Moines River.  
 
Drake is set to compete in Rowtoberfest's Women's Collegiate 4+ and 8+ races at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., respectively. The regatta is being held on the Chicago River and will be contested on a 4,000-meter long course.
 
"We're very excited for this opportunity to get out on the water," said Drake head coach Charlie DiSilvestro. "We haven't had the chance to be on the water in some time due to the high water on the river. We always compete to win, but this is also a chance to have a fun day on the water. Especially for our novices who get to experience a race day and being on the water for the first time."
 
Following Rowtoberfest, Drake travels to Minneapolis, Minn., Oct. 27, for the North Star Regatta.