ACRA National Championships
03 Jun 2009
Redemption never tasted so sweet for the Novice 8+, as they took 2nd in the nation at the American Collegiate Rowing Association National Championships on Sunday. ACRA is in its second year as the national championship for club rowing teams.
After their impressive 4th place finish at the Pac-10 Championships, the Novice 8+ was seeded #2 coming into the weekend. They successfully defended that ranking, finishing just 3 seconds behind Michigan, a team with Varsity-Club status. Finishing the season as the second fastest club team in the country is a true testament to the hard work and determination of these rowers who began the year as true novice walk-ons.
Coming off of a convincing win in the Saturday repechage, the Cougs were focused and ready for the Grand Finals. The deep field of crews included Michigan, New Hampshire, Notre Dame, Bucknell, and Minnesota.
After a close first 1000 meters, they moved on the other crews, separating themselves from New Hampshire and Notre Dame. "We came out and rowed our race and rowed it really well," said James Dorsey. "It was a really good way to end the season. A solid performance and we couldn't have asked for more."
The Varsity Lightweight 4+ finished 5th in their Grand Final, just 0.7 seconds off of Northwestern and 3.7 seconds off of third place Purdue. The 4+ posted its fastest time of the year and finished on a high note for departing senior Garrett Lyman. "I would say it was our best race of the year," said Garrett. "Even though we lost the race, we gave it our all."
