87th annual Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta underway on the Cooper River in Pennsauken, N.J.
The Dad Vail is the largest collegiate regatta in the United States, featuring thousands of student athletes from more than 100 colleges and universities.
Semifinal races are underway following morning time trials at the 87th Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta, where windy conditions along the Cooper River in Pennsauken, New Jersey, created choppy waters for competitors. Cheers from spectators who lined the riverbanks energized rowers pushing toward the finish line Friday. Day one of the nation's largest collegiate rowing competition drew supporters from across the region to watch dozens of teams compete.
"It's wonderful. We love to sit here and watch all the schools. We root for Jefferson," said Rich Gray of Somers Point, New Jersey.
Teams from across the United States - and beyond - traveled to Camden County for the event. For some athletes, the regatta marks a first-time experience. "I'm a freshman.
It's my first one," said Zoe Shangle of Franklinville, New Jersey, who rows for Monmouth University. International competitors are also part of the field, including crews from Canada. "We row just against the other Ontario schools, which is about 8 different schools, but then when we come here, it's so many more," said Mia Switzer of Trent University.