The Basics
After working hard in preparation for the spring season, the Bulldogs will open their 2026 campaign on Saturday, Mar. 14 against Wichita State in Wichita, Kansas. The head-to-head contest will begin at 9 a.m.
Head Coach Charlie DiSilvestro on Facing Wichita State
"We're excited to race Wichita State so early. We actually had to make a schedule change, and they were nice enough to let us come down and race this weekend. We'll start racing at 9 o'clock Saturday morning. We're planning to race a novice eight, a varsity four, and a varsity eight.
"We're excited because we've gotten about a month more water time this year than we have in the past. That's part of why we wanted to start racing earlier in the season, and Wichita State was kind enough to accommodate us.
"We're a very young team — mostly freshmen — so it will be good for us to get some races in and then go to spring training right after this. We can work on the things we learn here in Wichita so that we're better prepared for Michigan."
Bulldog Boats
Drake will race a novice eight, a varsity four, and a varsity eight.
Fall Recap
The Bulldogs competed in three events during the fall season, beginning with the Head of the Des Moines in late September. Drake enjoyed a strong start to the campaign, highlighted by two silver-medal finishes and an impressive performance from a novice varsity four that defeated a varsity boat.
The team continued to show progress at the Head of the Mississippi in Minneapolis. Competing against a talented field, the Bulldogs demonstrated steady improvement across all boats. Freshmen played a key role throughout the regatta, with novice crews gaining valuable experience and helping the team build speed.
Drake closed the fall season at the Iowa Chase, where the Bulldogs held their own against Big Ten opponent Iowa. Despite facing a larger program, Drake remained competitive in multiple events and showed continued growth in execution and teamwork. The young roster gained important racing experience that the Bulldogs will look to build on this spring.
Up Next
Drake will return to action on Saturday, March 21 in a head-to-head meeting with Tulsa in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
