Freshman Heavyweights Conclude Season with Strong Second in IRA Race
6/2/2007 12:00:00 AM | Heavyweight Rowing
The varsity heavyweights, finally approaching the form they had displayed during the regular season, concluded their season with a fifth place, but probably would have had second if the race had been just a bit longer.
The freshmen posted a 13-1 record during the regular season, and were ranked fifth in the EARC going into the Eastern Sprints. But they didn't row well at the Sprints, nor in the opening IRA race Thursday.
Coach Dan Perkins' team bounced back in Thursday's Repechage, only to lose their opportunity to row for a medal when Georgetown beat them by 17/100 of a second. The eight fought back, and won Friday's Semifinal. Today, they appeared well on their way to a second straight victory in the Third Level Final.
“We got out well,” heavyweight head coach Mike Zimmer recalled. “We led by a little at the start. We got up by a seat on Wisconsin, and held it through the first 1000.”
Columbia needed some breathing room, and got it with a little push right after the 1000-meter point. “We made a move, and went up by four seats,” Zimmer said. But the move seemed to energize the Badgers, the only crew in the six-boat race that was threatening the Lions.
“Wisconsin countered,” Zimmer said, “pulled level with Columbia, then pulled through to take the lead.” The Lion eight was unable to overtake the Badgers, but successfully held off the other four boats.
Wisconsin won in 5:54.788, followed by Columbia in 5:59.286. Navy was third in 6:02.657, with Syracuse, Boston U., and Dartmouth trailing. “Columbia raced well,” Zimmer said.
After a solid regular season, the varsity eight had struggled in both the Eastern Sprints and the first three races on the IRA program. In their final race of the season, the Fourth Level Final, “they found their legs a little bit,” Zimmer said.
Although rowing very hard, Columbia soon fell behind. This time, however, they fought back, closing on the leaders with alacrity. Purdue won the race in 5:49.570, two seconds ahead of Holy Cross, while three crews were bunched in three through five ? Marist, 5:53.122; George Washington, 5:53.309; and Columbia, 5:53.360.
“At the end we were closing on fourth and third,” Zimmer said. “The guys were happy with their effort, if not the result.” The coach paused and reflected. “This team was really young,” he said. “It's tough for a young team to be consistent all season. I'm looking forward to working with all of these guys next year.”
The results:
IRA National Championship Regatta
Saturday, June 2, 2007
Cooper River, Camden County, N.J.
Varsity Eight - Fourth Level Final
1. Purdue, 5:49.570
2. Holy Cross, 5:51.486
3. Marist, 5:53.122
4. George Washington, 5:53.309
5. COLUMBIA, 5:53.360
6. Dartmouth, 6:12.256
Freshman Eights - Third Level Final
1. Wisconsin, 5:54.788
2. COLUMBIA, 5:59.286
3. Navy, 6:02.657
4. Syracuse, 6:04.989
5. Boston U., 6:09.451
6. Dartmouth, 6:13.592
