The last week of September went by really fast, as everyone was counting down the days before Head of the Trent. This is a tradition that everyone in our community knows about, and the excitement is infectious. Trent students come together in a display of school spirit, along with many students from other universities coming to Trent to enjoy our unique experience.

When I woke on the morning of October 1st, I could already hear the sounds of students celebrating Head of the Trent. Our fun-loving community had begun the celebrations earlier on Friday. When I stepped out of my house I saw everyone wearing green, many girls in cute green bows.

The weather was gloomy, but did nothing to dampen the excitement of the revelers. Busses were running all day and students were filling them up very quickly. Extra busses wound up being added free of charge.

Symons Campus was full of events to attend that day, most of them athletic. Trent women’s and men’s teams in rugby, soccer, lacrosse, volleyball competed throughout the day, and there was always an exciting match to watch. The turnout to support and cheer for our teams was great.

The Head of the Trent is an annual regatta taking place on the Otonabee River over 5 km. This event brings together participants primarily from Ontario, Quebec and occasionally from international clubs. Head of the Trent is one of the biggest events in Ontario for fall rowing.

Over the years it grew more competitive and as a result the event now attracts more attention from the general public. Over 2000 athletes race throughout the day, making this one of the largest single-day regattas in North America. On October 1st, at the 46th Head of the Trent Regatta, the Trent Excalibur men’s heavyweight eight made a statement to everyone. Our guys defeated Western Mustangs by five seconds. Trent got gold; the crowd went nuts. With such an eclectic day, I wondered what Head of Trent meant to the people around me. Hajra Ahmed Khan (4th year student) attended this year’s race, and she kindly answered a few of my questions.

What is the Head of the Trent to you?

Khan: It means to me a fun weekend where students and alumni get a chance to show their school spirit and it is a great way of supporting our rowing and varsity teams. I believe this event is very exciting for all the Trent community. Head of the Trent is the largest one-day event of its kind in North America. Each year, Trent hosts thousands of students, alumni and athletes who travel across the world to be a part of this fantastic event.

Did you go to HOTT in your first year?

Khan: Sadly, I was not able to make it to HOTT in my first year because I had a research paper due at midnight. However, I did cheer from the second floor of the library and watched the boats go by.

What is your feedback from this year’s event?

Khan: I am attending HOTT this year and this is a very exciting day for me since this is my last Head of Trent as a student. I am looking forward to watching the races and all the other interesting events. The event went great; from parking to the beer garden, I found everything was very organized. It was amazing how many people showed up and cheered for the races over the Faryon Bridge.

What did you do?

Khan: After exploring the beer garden, we walked around the campus. There were a lot of fun activities going on, alumni were getting free Trent T-shirts and I had a chance to play some games, spinning a giant wheel, where I won coupons. Last but not least, we watched some races and cheered for our rowing team.

Was the event inclusive?

Khan: The event had free admission, was open to the public, and there were activities for all age groups. I think Head of the Trent was an inclusive event.

Allie Dale was another student that I had the opportunity to speak with. She is in her 4th year, and this is the last time she is attending HOTT as an undergraduate.

What does Head of the Trent mean to you?

Dale: I think that HOTT is a fun way for past and present students to come together. It’s neat to see generations of Trent students coming back and enjoying their time together.

Did you attend this event on your first year?

Dale: Yes, I did. I remember not realizing how much spirit Trent had until I showed up!

What do you think is the best thing about HOTT?

Dale: Seeing our school come together to support the rowing teams, volleyball teams and all other teams as well as the bands that play, is something unique to Trent.

How did the event go? Did it meet your expectations?

Dale: Yes, I loved it! Having it in the LEC parking lot this year was different, but honestly, I liked it better. There was more space for everyone and it was nice to be able to see the Drumlin.

Would you encourage first year students to attend?

Dale: I encourage everyone to go! It’s such a unique part of Trent’s tradition and history. There is something for everyone! Seeing everyone around Peterborough in their Trent green is so much fun!

Do you think you appreciated HOTT more in your last year?

Dale: I think that the idea that it was my last year as a student made me a little nostalgic, but I know that I will come back as an alum!

Head of Trent brings all of us together: domestic and international students, undergraduates and alumni. Many students came from across Canada back to Trent for this weekend to enjoy Trent’s warm atmosphere. Head of the Trent provides a unique chance for everyone to stay close and in touch with each other as a university family; I would go as far as calling Head of the Trent a family reunion, and this year, a very successful one.