WSU’s novice 8+ crew poses with medals after capturing 2nd place in nationals
WSU’s novice 8+ rowing crew took second place Sunday, May 24, in the American Collegiate Rowing Association (ACRA) National Championship, held in Oak Ridge, Tenn.
After their impressive 4th place finish at the Pac-10 Championships, WSU’s novice 8+ team was seeded #2 coming into the weekend. They successfully defended that ranking, finishing
just threee seconds behind Michigan, a team with varsity-club status.
just threee seconds behind Michigan, a team with varsity-club status.
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Finishing the season as the second fastest club team in the country was a reflection of the hard work and determination, as its members began the year as true novice walk-ons.
The novice 8+ qualified for the Grand Finals on Saturday, May 23, as it scored a win against the competition in those heats.
The finals included crews from Michigan, New Hampshire, Notre Dame, Bucknell and Minnesota.
“We came out and rowed our race and rowed it really well,” said team member James Dorsey. “It was a really good way to end the season. A solid performance and we couldn’t have asked for more.”
WSU’s varsity lightweight 4+ finished fifth in their Grand Final, just 0.7 seconds behind Northwestern and 3.7 seconds off of third place Purdue. The 4+ posted its fastest time of
the year. “I would say it was our best race of the year,” said departing senior Garrett Lyman. “Even though we lost the race, we gave it our all.”
the year. “I would say it was our best race of the year,” said departing senior Garrett Lyman. “Even though we lost the race, we gave it our all.”
ACRA is in its second year of hosting the national championship for club rowing teams.
Related article:
* 5-28-09 Seattle Times — The Zen of Crew: Heaven and hell on water
