SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. -- James Jessup and Ben Andrews continue to earn the respect of the rowing community. The two Stags won two events at the Head of the Fish, virtually picking up where they left off last spring.

"This particular weekend in the racing calendar traditionally is notorious for grim weather," Head Coach Dave Patterson said. "Rather than waste time and money on racing that doesn't occur, I generally don't enter competition for this weekend. However, because these two student-athlete work so hard and produce results, it felt fitting that they should get the opportunity to compete whenever possible."

The duo did not disappoint their coach. Jessup and Andrews competed in the open pairs on Saturday morning and the collegiate doubles in the afternoon, winning both of the 2.2 mile races. In the open pairs, the duo posted a winning time of 12:04, a full 15 seconds faster than their closest rival.

On Sunday, the two student-athletes raced won the collegiate doubles race with a time of 13:12.68, just three seconds ahead of Vermont.

"Jessup and Andrews are natural born winners," Patterson said. "They know how to win and they aren't afraid to win. Their positive work input and attitude doesn't guarantee race victories, but they will fight with everything they've got to at least be competitive and that is all any coach can ever ask of their student-athletes."

While the two victories were nice, Coach Patterson was even more exciting about reaping the benefits of winning races at the Head of the Fish regatta.

"I get to hang two of the most sought after trophies on my office wall for prizes that are literally fish heads hung on presentation plaques. The rowers can keep their medals!"