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SDSU Rowing Wins Three Medals at WIRA Championships
May 4, 2008
LAKE NATOMA, Calif. - The San Diego State rowing team wrapped up a successful showing at the WIRA Championships with three medals Sunday on the shores of Lake Natoma, Calif. The Aztecs picked up gold medals in the novice eight and second novice eight races, and grabbed a bronze in the novice four race. "This was the best showing we have had at WIRA's in my five years (at San Diego State)," head coach Jennifer Zebroski said. "It was a great way to end our season for our boats and our varsity eight boat now has great momentum heading into the Dad Vail Regatta next weekend." SDSU's novice eight boat dominated the field in its race, winning by a comfortable 7.1 seconds in open water at 7 minutes, 11.8 seconds. Gonzaga was second in 7:18.9. The victory was the novice eight's first at the WIRA's since 2004 and came in an 18-boat field. In the second novice eight race, San Diego State easily outdistanced the field in 7:25.4, well ahead of runner-up UC Davis (7:33.9). The Aztecs improved on last year's third-place showing. SDSU also secured another medal with a third-place showing in the novice four race. San Diego State, which hadn't raced in the event since a third-place finish in 2004, rowed to a time of 8:15.1, behind UC Davis (7:54.4) and Western Washington (8:09.5). "Our novices had an amazing day," Zebroski said. "We are excited to see what we can do next year with another year of strength." The Aztecs also had a solid showing in the varsity eight race with a fourth-place finish at 7:03.6, the team's best finish during Zebroski's tenure. SDSU defeated San Diego (7:05.0) and Sacramento State (7:11.8) with Gonzaga (6:57.6), Western Washington (6:58.7) and UC Davis (7:00.6) finishing first, second and third, respectively.
"I thought we had a good showing," Zebroski said. "We beat San Diego and we are closing the gap on UC Davis. I think we are ready for (the Dad Vail Regatta) and I am excited to see what we can do."
Rounding out the day for San Diego State was a sixth-place finish in the second varsity eight race with a time of 7:22.2. Gonzaga won with a 7:00.2 clocking. "Today wasn't as solid as yesterday for the (second varsity eight boat)," Zebroski said. "We wanted to make the grand final and we did. I am still ecstatic about the weekend." The varsity eight will travel across the country to Philadelphia, Pa., for the Dad Vail Regatta on May 10-11.
WIRA Championships
Varsity Eight
Second Varsity Eight
Novice Eight
Second Novice Eight
Novice Four
WIRA Lineups
Second Varsity Eight
Novice Eight
Second Novice Eight
Novice Four |
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