Bernell DorroughThe Washington University men’s crew team captured the championship and the women’s crew team came in fourth in last weekend’s Indianapolis Division III Invitational Regatta. The event was held in Indianapolis, Indiana’s Eagle Creek Reservoir.
The Invitational, which is the first ever of its kind and hopes to become an annual event, featured six teams from the University Athletic Association (UAA). These teams included Carnegie Mellon University, Case Western University, University of Chicago, Emory University, University of Rochester, and the Bears. Fellow UAA teams New York University and Brandeis University were unable to attend because of budgetary restraints.
The Bears headed in to the competition with high expectations.
“We were confident that we could do well. We weren’t sure if we were going to win,” senior captain Ben Brodie said. “We had competition in Rochester, who beat us in a couple races, but we pulled out a win.”
In the men’s competition, the Bears posted a dominating performance. The Bears won in the men’s pair with the duo of Brodie and junior Matt White. They also finished first in novice men’s 8+ and novice 4+. The Bears fielded teams that finished second in men’s varsity 8+, men’s varsity 4+, and men’s JV/light 4+. The team finished strongly despite the fact that two of their top rowers were injured and needed replacements.
On the women’s side, the team was led by the second place finish of senior captain Renea Poppino and junior Kristin Nelson in the women’s pair. The team also finished second in the women’s varsity 8+ and third in the women’s novice 4+.
Senior captain Brodie saw the team’s pre-match intensity as one of the things the team did well.
“We all went out there prepared to race, which I’m very proud about.,” Brodie said, “No messing around, no [funny] business.”
Still, Brodie saw room for improvement including “technique and race plan, trying to work together,” Brodie said.
Brodie added that improvement would be needed for the team to fare well in the upcoming National Championships in Philadelphia.
“Much more difficult there, large rowing programs from big state schools,” Brodie said of the Championships. “We’ll need to turn in a very good performance.”
Brodie’s teammate White also saw more potential in the team.
“Definitely room for improvement. Early in sprint season, and as the season goes along we’re going to cut down to one boat,” White said. “Ben [Brodie] and I will really get to work at working in a small boat together.”
The Crew team will have little time to savor their victory, however, as the team heads to Oakridge, Tennessee next week. White viewed the tournament as valuable experience for the team and stressed the importance of next week’s competition.
“This was a pretty good warm-up because we usually don’t get to see much East Coast competition. The Regatta in Tennessee is big for us. Our goal is to meet up in the finals in every meet this season.”
The Rowing Bears are coached by Cameron Carter.