MADISON, Wis. -- The Wisconsin Badgers lightweight rowing team will open its 2025 fall season at the Milwaukee River Challenge on Saturday, Oct. 4. 

Before the Badgers hit the water, here are f(oar) things to know:

WHERE THEY LEFT OFF:

The Badgers last raced nearly four months ago in the 2025 IRA National Championships to cap off their 2024-25 campaign, coming away with a silver medal in the women's double sculls for the boat's first podium finish since 2019. 

THE FIELD:

The Milwaukee River Challenge features a challenging three-mile course along the Milwaukee and Menomonee Rivers, navigating under 16 bridges. Wisconsin lightweights will be competing against a variety of Midwest teams, including Purdue, the University of Chicago and Wheaton. The lightweight fours are expected to hit the water at 8:30 a.m., and the lightweight eights are expected to compete at 11:30 a.m.

LAST TIME OUT:

The Badgers placed second in the Open 4+ in the Milwaukee River Challenge last season, led by coxswain Maggie Wagner, just behind the Lincoln Park crew. The eight crew, led by coxswain Emilie Rochon, finished second in the Open 8+ close behind a Wisconsin openweight crew. It marked the first time the Badgers had competed in the regatta since 2019.  

FOLLOW ALONG:

Post-regatta results can be found on the Milwaukee River Challenge's website, along with a recap on uwbadgers.com.