News and Updates April 6, 2010 It was another memorable season for the University of St. Thomas Sailing Team; as we look back on the last year we have a lot to be proud, both on and off the water. We may be the underdogs, but each semester we continue to prove that hard work truly does pay off and that even as a small team we can do big things. It's hard to believe that only a few short semesters ago our goal in the Midwest Collegiate Sailing Association (MCSA) was not to take last place. Today, our perspective and goals have completely changed. During the Fall of 2008 we saw a sudden surge of new members join our team. This allowed us to host our first ever "Tommie Cup Regatta" on our home waters of Lake Minnetonka. A successful event and a new team full of energy gave us the confidence and excitement to strive for newer levels throughout the next year. Without a doubt the Spring 2009 season was something to remember. After countless practices and successful regattas, we found ourselves in a qualifying position for the 2009 Inter Collegiate Sailing Association (ICSA) Semi-Finals. Brandon Wilson, Matthew Weishan, Charlie Igo and Medora Sletten headed off to Boston for an unforgettable sailing experience against the best of the best. At the start of the Fall 2009 season, St. Thomas hosted its second successful Tommie Cup. Better yet, we finished first overall. The men from St. Thomas and Minnesota headed off for the first ever MCSA Sonar Match Race in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. We once again survived the 13 hour drive to Detroit for the Sloop Championship, where stories from the weekend’s adventures are brought home more often than trophies. We spent another wonderful Thanksgiving as a team in Chicago after qualifying for the Timmi Angsten Memorial Regatta our third year in a row. Typical shifty Chicago breezes and tough competition was no problem for St. Thomas as we finished second and Minnesota third. Senior Charlie Igo said a final farewell to college sailing with a traditional toss into the lake at his last regatta, Timmi Angsten. With both teams (St. Thomas and University of Minnesota) sailing at the Wayzata Community Sailing Center, it says a lot about our coaching staff that they can create two teams who constantly fight each other for the finish line. Although it’s friendly competition, we push Minnesota just as much as they push us, at the same time cheering each other on. For now, all we can do is look forward to the Spring season and hopefully another trip to Nationals. But no matter the outcome, we will still have fun. For the seniors, Brandon Wilson, Medora Sletten and Sarah Goosens, it’s a bittersweet feeling knowing we only have one more semester before we leave college sailing behind. It sure is a wild ride and there truly is never a dull moment. back to top