Wisconsin Badgers
Georgetown Duel
F(oar) things to know: Lightweights open spring season
March 19, 2026 | Lightweight Rowing
Wisconsin will take on Georgetown to open the spring rowing season
MADISON, Wis. — The Wisconsin women's lightweight rowing team opens its spring rowing season in a dual against Georgetown on March 22 in Fairfax, Virginia.Â
Before the Badgers hit the water, here are f(oar) things to know:
1. WHERE THEY LEFT OFF
The Badgers put up impressive performances in the fall, kicking off the season in winning fashion with a first-place finish in the varsity fours at the Milwaukee River Challenge. At the Head of the Charles, the lightweight eight crew notched a fourth-place finish. Wisconsin closed out the fall racing season with back-to-back scrimmages at home. Wisconsin went head-to-head against Eastern Michigan before capping off the fall against Minnesota.Â
2. SPRING RACING SCHEDULE
Wisconsin's dual against Georgetown is one of two duals the lightweight rowers will compete in this spring, along with two regular-season regattas before the championship season.Â
Following their competition against Georgetown, the Badgers head to San Diego, California, for the San Diego Crew Classic on March 28-29. The following week, Wisconsin will head to Chula Vista, California, to take on the University of San Diego in a dual on Otay Lake.Â
The Badgers will also compete in the Knecht Cup in New Jersey on April 11-12 before taking on the Eastern Sprints Conference Championships in Worcester, Massachusetts, on May 3. The lightweights will close out their season at the IRA National Championships in Lake Natoma on May 29-31.
3. PREVIEWINGÂ GEORGETOWN
The Wisconsin lightweights enter the season with the fourth-ranked lightweight eight, the fifth-ranked lightweight four and the second-ranked lightweight double sculls. Georgetown sits at No. 3 with its lightweight eight, sixth in the lightweight four and fifth in the lightweight doube sculls.
The Wisconsin lightweights took on Georgetown in a dual for their season opener last season, winning two of three events. The Badgers' varsity double crew sealed a commanding victory over Georgetown, beating out the Hoyas by over 12 seconds. The varsity four crew, led by coxswain Emilie Rochon, created a four-second gap to seal the event win for the Badgers.
4. STRAIGHT FROM THE SOURCE
Read what lightweight coach Hadzo "Hodge" Habibovic has to say about the team's progress heading into the spring season opener!Â
"This is one of the most motivated teams we've had in my time at Wisconsin. There's a strong belief within our program, and our athletes have embraced significant leadership roles both on and off the water," Habibovic said. "We've already seen meaningful breakthroughs this winter, and while much of our top speed comes from a young core, they're developing quickly.
"This weekend is a great early test for us. Georgetown is a very strong program—they were third at IRAs last season, third at the Head of the Charles, and are ranked third in the CRCA preseason poll—so we know exactly the level we're stepping into. It's a good opportunity to see where we stand and compete right away, especially coming off a winter without water time.
"Last season clarified what the next step requires. This group has raised the internal standard and understands what it will take. We're preparing to be at our best when championships are decided, and we intend to show that progress this spring."
Â
Players Mentioned
