UW shells racing for crew national titles

  • Herald news services
  • Saturday, May 31, 2014 11:02pm
  • SportsSports

Both the University of Washington men’s and women’s varsity eight crews are racing for national titles today, the men competing at the Intercollegiate Rowing Association championships in West Windsor, N.J., and the women rowing at the NCAA Division I championships at Eagle Creek Park, Ind.

In all, seven Husky men’s and women’s shells have shots at winning national titles today. The UW men, who have five shells in national title races, also are in contention for their eighth consecutive Ten Eyck Trophy, awarded to the school that finishes with the most overall points at the IRA competition.

“When you put five boats into the grand finals, I think that’s a pretty good indication of where the (men’s) program is,” men’s head coach Michael Callahan said. “We’re a program that stresses that every guy matters and that every guy pulls on the same oar. I’m proud that everyone made the final.”

Also competing for national titles at the men’s competition are the UW’s second-varsity eight, third-varsity eight, varsity four and freshman eight boats. Each won their semifinal races to advance to today’s Grand Finals.

In the women’s competion, the UW varsity eight, which finshed third in its semifinal, is joined in the Grand Finals by the Husky varsity four, which advanced by finishing second in its race.

“It’s great to see the varsity and the four in the final,” women’s head coach Bob Ernst said. “The thing that strikes me is just the quality and caliber of this regatta. I’ve talked to a lot of coaches and a lot of folks from around the world and this is probably the pre-imminent regatta in the world right now as far as breadth and quality of competition. It’s really, really good.”

The UW men’s varsity eight advanced to today’s Grand Final by placing second in its semifinal race. The Huskies rowed the windy 2,000-meter course on Lake Mercer in five minutes, 49.863 seconds, finishing about two seconds behind Pac-12 rival California (5:47.397). The Huskies had beaten the Golden Bears twice previously this season, and the UW’s semifinal time was about 12 seconds slower than its performance in Friday’s heat.

At the race start, the Huskies fell behind Cal and Brown. Washington overtook the Ivy Leaguers near the midway point, but Cal was able to hold off the Huskies’ charge. All three boats advanced to today’s Grand Final along with Yale, Princeton and Harvard.

“Today was pretty challenging for everybody,” Callahan said. “That wind was blowing up and changing directions.”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27

Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.