This weekend, Trent University will become a stage for one of the most anticipated traditions of the year.

The 55th Head of the Trent will draw thousands of alumni, students, athletes, families, and community members to campus to watch one of North America’s second-largest rowing regattas as well as Excalibur varsity games. Excalibur student-athletes will compete across rugby, soccer, volleyball, and rowing in front of one of the biggest home crowds of the season.

Together, almost 200 student-athletes will represent Trent in a weekend defined by competition, community, and school spirit. Nearly 60 varsity, junior varsity, and novice rowers will take to the Otonabee River this weekend, competing in the rowing regatta that has been at the heart of the celebration for generations. More than 100 Excalibur athletes will also compete on the field and court, reflecting the expansion of athletic aspirations at Head of the Trent weekend over the past half century.

For the athletes wearing green and white, the weekend represents something different depending on where they are in their Trent journey.

For some, it's a first chapter. For others, it's the final page.

Chasing the feeling everyone talks about

Long before the crowds line the canal and the cheers echo across campus, second-year rower Owen Ingram (Otonabee College) is thinking about a moment that lasts only seconds.

"My absolute favourite moment is going through that canal. It's electric," says Owen, an Environmental and Resource Science student, Trent University Rowing Club captain, and 2025 OUA lightweight singles bronze medallist.

Ask any Trent rower and they'll tell you the same thing: there is nothing quite like racing through a corridor of supporters packed shoulder-to-shoulder along the water.

It's a feeling fellow rower Tess Friar (Lady Eaton College) knows well.

Tess, a fifth-year Nursing student who came to Trent as a rowing novice, has since earned OUA gold in the women’s double and silver in the women’s single and represented Canada twice, including at the 2025 Junior Pan American Games, where she won silver and bronze.

Yet for all the medals and milestones, it is Head of the Trent that remains her favourite event.

"The people, the atmosphere, the racing, and the incredible support from the Trent rowing community make it such a special weekend," she says.

First taste of a Trent tradition

For men’s soccer player Thomas Rochon (Gzowski College) the countdown is almost over.

This weekend, the Kinesiology student will experience Head of the Trent as an Excalibur athlete for the first time when the men's soccer team takes on Carleton University.

The Ottawa athlete arrived at Trent with an impressive soccer background to Trent, including an Ontario Player Development League win and time with the Ottawa South United representative team.

“I'm most looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere for myself and being part of something that has been such a big Trent tradition for so many years,” he says.

First-year rower and Myles Quintyn (Gzowski College) is also preparing for his HOTT debut. Most days begin before sunrise, with 5 a.m. training sessions before class. For him, the commitment is he says it worth it.

“I love rowing with a passion, and I love the team here at Trent,” he says. “It's a big family where we all look out for each other while pushing each other to be our best.”

One last time

For graduating athletes, Head of the Trent brings a different perspective. There is excitement, but also reflection.

When fifth-year women's rugby player Keira MacKinnon (Gzowski College) runs onto the field Friday evening, she knows she'll remember more than the result.

“Standing together as a team, hearing my name announced, and looking up at the crowd there to support us really is an ‘I've made it' moment,” says the Indigenous Bachelor of Education student. “It reminds me that I'm representing something greater than myself.”

For men's rugby player Logan McDonald (Champlain College), whose team faces Guelph in the Saturday night game, the goal is simple.

“I want to take in every single second,” says Logan, who is in his final semester of the Kinesiology program. “The roar and cheering of the crowd, the grit and resilience of our team, my first tackle, every time we score – I want to stay in the present and cement these memories.” 

For women’s soccer player Emma Da Silva (Gzowski College), her final Head of the Trent is also a reminder of the community that has supported the Excalibur throughout her time at Trent. Her team will take on Carleton on Saturday and the University of Ottawa on Sunday.

“Having that many people come out and support us gives the game a completely different energy,” she says. “Seeing students, alumni, family, friends, and members of the community cheering us on makes you want to play that much harder.”

More than sport

That sense of connection is what continues to make Head of the Trent unlike any other weekend on the varsity calendar.

Yes, it's one of Canada's premier rowing events. Yes, it's packed with competition, rivalries, and school spirit.

But for the athletes at its centre, it's about something bigger.

It's about community, tradition and the memories made between the starting line and the final whistle.

And whether it's their first Head of the Trent or their last, every Excalibur athlete competing this weekend will be part of a story that extends far beyond the finish line.

Visit the HOTT website for the full schedule of events.