VICTORIA - To kick off the 2024-25 season, the University of Victoria rowing program brought together new student-athletes, alumni, friends, and donors at Centennial Stadium for the christening of four new hulls during the ninth annual Captain's Barbeque.

Each September, the Vikes rowing captains' welcome new athletes and their families into the community and celebrate the start of the competitive season with a christening ceremony for the year's new hulls. The ceremony serves to honor members of the rowing community whose contributions reflect the values and traditions of the university, the legacy of the program, and the generosity of its donors.This year's ceremony recognized five esteemed rowing alumni: Ingrid Braul, Tom Hawker, Brian Carr, and Tom Watson.

The 2024-25 rowing season officially begins on October 6 with the Western Canadian Rowing Championships at Burnaby Lake. Later in the season, the Vikes will have the opportunity to compete for a national title on their home waters when UVic hosts the 2024 Canadian University Rowing Championship from November 1-3 at Elk Lake.

Christening of four new hulls

Ingrid Braul 
Ingrid Braul played an unforgettable role in helping the women's rowing program earn consecutive national titles. But more importantly, she embodies what it means to be a Vike.  
From 2008 to 2013, Braul was a standout lightweight rower for the women's rowing team at UVic.  

Her journey was marked by determination, resilience, and commitment to her sport despite facing various injuries, illness, and setbacks early in her career. 

Despite those initial setbacks, Braul's impact on the program was profound. She played a key role in leading the team to back-to-back Canadian University Rowing Championship victories in 2010 and 2011, winning gold in both the lightweight four and the single. Her outstanding performance and leadership on and off the water earned her the position of team captain in her final year—a testament to her relentless drive and ability to inspire her teammates. 

Braul's contributions to rowing extend beyond university competition. She also excelled on the national stage, capturing gold in the lightweight single at the prestigious Royal Canadian Henley Regatta. 

After graduating from UVic, Braul went on to earn her juris doctor from the University of Calgary's law school and currently works as a lawyer in Vancouver where she practices privacy law and commercial litigation.  

Even after her competitive rowing career, Braul's passion for the sport remains strong. She continues to give back to the rowing community through her volunteer work with the Rowing BC Board of Directors, where she has served since 2019.  


Tom Hawker 
The Tom Hawker single scull was donated to the program in support of the lightweight men's rowing program. Hawker has generously donated a Fillipi single scull, aptly named after his father, William L.B. Hawker, which symbolizes not only his family's deep-rooted commitment to the program, but also their belief in the transformative power of rowing. 

The Hawker family has played an integral role in our history, with both Kim Hawker and Aimee Hawker having coxed for our teams. 

Tom Hawker and his camera has been a staple at regattas, capturing images of athletes at the Head of the Gorge, Brown Cup and any other regattas he has time to attend, generously sharing the images he captures with the Vikes and their families!  
Additionally, the Hawkers association with the Pedan Foundation, has significantly impacted both our men's and women's rowing programs. Through their support, we've been able to foster talent and promote excellence within our teams. Together, the Hawker family and the Pedan Foundation have helped create a legacy that will inspire generations to come. 

Hawker's journey represents the spirit of resilience and innovation that we strive for in our athletes. 


Brian Carr 
From 1982 to 1987, Brian Carr represented the Vikes in both rowing and track, honing his skills and forging lifelong friendships that have left a lasting impact on our program. 

Carr's contributions extend far beyond his time as a student-athlete. As an esteemed alumnus and dedicated coach at Brentwood College School, he has profoundly influenced countless young athletes, nurtured their potential and fostered a culture of excellence and camaraderie. His commitment to nurturing young athletes and fostering their potential will leave a lasting imprint for generations to come. 

Carr's contributions extend far beyond his time as a student-athlete. 

His influence on the UVic rowing team is evident in the success of athletes like Connor McGuigan, Ellis Hollands, Jacob Phillips, and Jesse Harold, who have carried the values Brian instilled—dedication, resilience, and teamwork—into our program.  
The christening of this pair is a tribute to Carr, symbolizing his enduring impact on our sport, our institution, and our community. We honor his past achievements and the future he continues to shape. 


Tom Watson 
Tom Watson was a talented lightweight rower from the Winnipeg Rowing Club. The lightweight men's single is a tribute to his exceptional accomplishments and the spirit of dedication that he embodies. 

Watson's rowing journey began in Winnipeg, where his passion and determination to succeed set him apart from the very beginning. As he honed his skills at the University of Victoria, he not only showcased his talent but also his resilience, representing the Vikes while also achieving a 9.0 GPA earning him the Provost Award. 

While rowing with the Vikes, Watson also represented Canada in the lightweight men's quadruple sculls and served as the spare at the 2015 Olympic qualifiers.  

Watson's achievements do not stop there. His acceptance into the University of Oxford is a testament to his academic prowess and continued passion for rowing. At Oxford, he stroked the Isis men's eight to not just one, but three wins.  
Beyond the water, Watson is now embarking on another incredible journey as he pursues a career in medicine. His passion for helping others, combined with his extensive training as an athlete, is sure to lead him to success in his studies and future endeavors. 

The christening of the Tom Hawker celebrates not only his achievements but also the many young athletes who will be inspired by his journey.