The Hobart and William Smith rowing teams will open the 2011-12 racing season on Saturday, Oct. 8, when they host the annual HWS Challenge on the Canal. Boats from Clarkson, Geneseo, Ithaca, Marietta, and RIT will join HWS on the Seneca-Cayuga Canal for races beginning at 9 a.m. with the women's varsity eight.
 
Following the day's final race, the men's varsity four at noon, William Smith will christen the Deb L. Steward. Named in honor of the current William Smith Director of Athletics, the Herons' newest racing shell will honor Steward's contributions to the success of William Smith rowing and all Heron student-athletes.
 
“It was an easy decision to name this boat in honor of Deb,” William Smith Head Coach Sandra Chu said. “She has provided me personally, and the William Smith rowing program with a great deal of support through her leadership, her understanding of the sport, the way she has helped us meet challenges, and the way she has raised the visibility for rowing in our community.”
 
The Herons, who are coming off the program's fourth Liberty League championship and ninth NCAA Championship appearance, return 13 student-athletes from the 18 that competed in the top two varsity eights last season, including first team CRCA All-American Tess Wiggins.
 
In addition to an experienced and talented group of returning oarswomen, the Herons also welcomed 24 first-years to the squad, including six that earned a seat in the second varsity eight.
 
The day's complete racing schedule follows:

• 9 a.m. – Women's Varsity 8+
• 9 a.m. – Women's Second Varsity 8+
• 9:20 a.m. – Men's Varsity 8+
• 9:20 a.m. – Men's Second Varsity 8+
• 9:40 a.m. – Women's Novice 4+
• 10:30 a.m. – Hobart Alumni Challenge
• 10:50 a.m. – Women's Novice 8+
• 11:10 a.m. – Men's Novice 8+
• 11:30 a.m. – Men's Varsity 4+
• 11:50 a.m. – Women's Varsity 4+
• 12:10 p.m. – Men's Novice 4+