Waterville, Maine — The Colby Men's and Women's Crew teams will compete for conference and regional titles this Sunday, May 10th at the National Invitational Rowing Championship (NIRC) on Lake Quinsigamond in Worcester, Massachusetts. The regatta also serves as the NESCAC Championship, with automatic bids to the IRA Championships at stake.

The Colby Men enter the weekend as top contenders for the NESCAC crown, which is awarded to the highest-placing conference boat in the first varsity eight event. The Mules' 1V8, led by a veteran core including Jack Childress, Jack Weinberg, and William Eardley, is coming off a sixth-place finish at the New England Rowing Championships. The crew is looking to secure an automatic bid to the IRA National Championship Regatta for the second straight season. Last year the Men's 2V8 crew claimed bronze in the IRA Grand Final. 

On the women's side, the Mules are chasing the NESCAC's automatic qualifier for the NCAA Championship. Unlike the men, the women's conference champion is determined by a combined points trophy involving both the 1V8 and 2V8 results. The Colby Women's 1V8—anchored by Shayna Leinberger, Ellie Pohlig, and Eliza Nilson—heads to Worcester after placing fourth in the petite final at the New England championships last weekend, placing them 10th in a 20-team field.

Racing begins Sunday morning with heats, followed by afternoon finals. Results will determine the 2026 NESCAC champions and the final postseason paths for both programs.

Fans can follow alongside the Mules using the live results link to keep track of Sunday's action with the first race of the day starting at 8:00am. For more information check out the NESCAC Championship central page.