April 29, 2006

WEST WINDSOR, N.J. -- Mike Zimmer was the personification of "calm" as he stood on the shore of picturesque Mercer Lake, watching two regattas on the water, and speaking with alumni and fans brought out by a warm, sunny late April day.

But inside, you could tell, the anticipation was building. It had been a long time since Columbia was going into a Maxwell Stevenson Cup race with Navy, in reach of victory. In just his second season as head coach of the Columbia heavyweights, Zimmer had them on the threshold of a highly-significant victory. The voters thought so, too; they had ranked Navy ninth in the EARC Coaches Poll, and Columbia 12th.

The race began well for Columbia. "Columbia went out well," Zimmer remembered. "By 500 meters, we were two seats up on Navy."

In the second 500 meters, however, bothered by a gusty headwind, the Lions faltered. Navy sped up and pushed to the front, as Columbia struggled. But the Lions wouldn't give up.

"In the third 500," Zimmer said, "we slowly took a little [distance] back." Then, with only 500 meters to go, Columbia made its move.

"With 500 to go," the coach said, "we pushed back into them." As the small but enthusiastic crowd began to roar, "We moved up. At 100 meters [to go], we were just four or five seats back!"

The Lions appeared on the verge of victory. "But then Navy lifted their cadence," said. "They moved up, and were up six seats at the finish." The Midshipmen had been timed in 6:21.83, just 2.37 seconds in front of Columbia's 6:24.26.

Coach Hank Osborn's freshmen turned in their second straight strong performance of the season. They fought Navy to a virtual dead heat through the first 1000 meters, then fell slightly behind.

Columbia really turned on some speed, and Navy was able to hold the Lions off, winning by fewer than four seconds. The Lion second varsity fell behind early and was beaten by two Navy boats.

Completing their regular season with the regatta, the Lions will take a break for final exams before competing in the Eastern Sprints three weeks from now, May 21, on Lake Quinsigamond in Worcester, Mass.

The results:

Varsity Eights (Maxwell Stevenson Cup)
1. Navy, 6:21.83
2. Columbia, 6:24.26

Second Varsity Eights
1. Navy, 6:31.06
2. Navy 3V, 6:39.97
3. Columbia, 6:49.43

Freshman Eights
1. Navy, 6:37.75
2. Columbia, 6:41.36
3. Navy 2F, 6:56.88