HAMILTON, Ont. — The McMaster Marauders rowing teams will participate in the 2024 OUA Championships in St. Catharines, Ont.
The Marauders will be one of 14 teams battling for the OUA title. The Marauders are in search of reaching an OUA Championship for the first time since 1975 for the women and 1966 for the men.
Marauders Rowing Head Co-Coach, Myma Okuda-Rayfuse, says she is excited for the opportunity that is in front of her teams, "We're so proud of the effort and results our teams have put forward this year and we're eager to carry that momentum forward to the OUA Championships. ".
The women's team placed ninth place last year and feel strongly that they have improved this year. They will participate with a number of returning athletes such as
Heidi Akot (Toronto, Ont.) and
Sarah Cushnie (Waterdown, Ont.).
The men's team also finished ninth last season and will also expect to move up the ranks. The men boast a solid mix of new and returning athletes.
Jonathan Diakopoulos (Burlington, Ont.) was a bright spot on the men's lightweight team and will be a key piece in their success.
The Marauders are in good hands as the women are led by
Nathalie Hilbert (Elmira, Ont.) and the men are led by third-year Marauder,
Trevor Tung (Etobicoke, Ont.).
Key Athlete
Nathalie Hilbert (Elmira, Ont.)
Hilbert has been an impressive Marauder since her first season in 2021. Hilbert was a standout in the 2022 season, earning a gold medal in the women's open doubles event at provincials. Hilbert continued her success at the OUA Championships as she earned third place in the women's solo event in the 2023 season.
Hilbert will compete in singles and doubles competition this year alongside, Cushnie, as they proved to be a strong duo in the past few seasons. They are hoping to lead McMaster to a gold medal.
Trevor Tung (Etobicoke, Ont.)
Tung is a strong member of the men's rowing team. The third-year athlete is one of the team's co-presidents. He got his start with the Marauders in 2021 as was part of the novice men's program. He has developed into a strong asset to the team including earning a bronze medal in the lightweight men's pair at last years OUA Championships.
Tung has performed well this season. He claimed a first-place finish at the Brock Invitational Regatta. Tung, along with his teammates will look to have a successful regatta as they search for gold.
The rowing OUA Championships will begin at 8:30 am on Friday with the varsity men's double event kicking things off.
