Back-to-Back Champions: Trinity Men’s Rowing Claims 2026 IRA National Title
The Trinity College men’s rowing team has done it again. Following a dominant performance on the water in California last weekend, the Bantams return to Hartford as the 2026 Intercollegiate Rowing Association (IRA) Division III Varsity Eight National Champions. Wesleyan University finished second in the Varsity Eight Grand Final, crossing the line just 0.150 seconds behind Trinity, while Williams College placed third, 2.690 seconds back of the Bantams. This is head men’s rowing coach Kevin MacDermott’s second straight national championship with the Bantams, and the program’s second title. The 2026 IRA National Championships were held on Lake Natoma at the Sacramento State Aquatic Center in Gold River, California, from May 29-31.