Rowers Take Two Races Against Powerhouse Grand Valley
Eagles put two boats across the finish line before Grand Valley at Saturday's Heritage Ragatta
11/4/2009 11:54:14 AM
WYANDOTTE Mich., (EMUEagles.com) – The women of the Eastern Michigan University varsity rowing team had an impressive outing on in-state waters, Saturday, Nov. 1, as it won two races at the Heritage Festival Regatta in Wyandotte.
In the women’s Varsity 8+ race, the Eagles squared off in a head-to-head bout with perennial powerhouse Grand Valley State University. The Lakers, who were ranked as high as No. 13 overall in the country last spring, had beaten the Eagles for three straight years heading into the race.
This year would be different. It was EMU who came out victorious, finishing two seconds ahead of GVSU in a time of 16:43 in the Varsity 8+ race. In the Varsity 4+ race Eastern also upended Grand Valley in dominant fashion, finishing 16 seconds sooner than GVSU in a time of 18:59.
“Our team is developing very well and right on schedule,” said EMU Rowing Head Coach Brad Holdren. “This win sets us up nicely for the race in Chattanooga, Tennessee this coming weekend, and sets us up very nicely for the long indoor winter training.”
The team will compete in the renowned Head of the Hooch Regatta this Saturday, Nov. 7, in Chattanooga, Tenn., before heading home to wrap up the winter season with a race the following weekend.