JACKSONVILLE, Fla. --- The Jacksonville men's rowing team is shipping back up to Boston to defend one of the most prestigious titles in school history. The Dolphins will send their first varsity four up to the Charles River to compete in the Head of the Charles this weekend.

Jacksonville won the event last season, posting a record time of 16:03.662. This year, a similar crew heads north looking to defend the crown.

"This trip to Boston is a big step into the arena.," head coach Preston Weinard said. "We have had this date circled on the calendar since the 2025 JU crew came back Champions; and the guys have been training with purpose to repeat that this year."

In the crew for the Dolphins are two members of last year's winning crew: junior coxswain Mason Bezanis and sophomore rower Stefan Kuzmanovic. They bring course experience to a talented boat of upperclassmen.

Joining the trip for JU are junior captain Kellen Tooley, junior Vasilije Lopicic and senior Jack Galvin.

"Although much is different from last year, much is still the same; JU arrives at the race course to compete, and battle the entire course," Weinard said. "Starting Bow #1, JU will have to push away tough competitors the entire race, always chasing the best line and best complete race."

The Dolphins will compete at 1:20 PM Saturday. The race will be streamed live on YouTube and results can be found on Regatta Central. Both links can be found on the Jacksonville Men's Rowing schedule page.

"The lineup has gained a lot of confidence in each other in the last few days, which is what they'll need to have a chance to be successful," Weinard said. "Lots of anticipation, lots of competitive seat racing to find the lineup, and now lots of energy and support for the boys heading up to Boston this weekend!"