May 21, 2013
WASHINGTON - The Georgetown University openweight rowing team competed at BIG EAST championships this past weekend on Mercer Lake in West Windsor, N.J. The Hoyas placed fifth overall with 85 points to conclude the spring racing season.
Georgetown started the day by racing in morning heats, with the varsity eight and second varsity eight advancing to the afternoon grand finals by finishing fourth in their respective heats. The varsity four advanced to the afternoon petite finals, missing out grand finals by just three seconds.
In the varsity eight grand final, the Hoyas got off the line with a very fast start and was able to stay competitive through the first 500-meters. During the middle 1,000-meters Georgetown started to fall off the pace, expending most of their energy in the first half of the race.
Coming down to the finish, the Hoyas were edged out by Rutgers at the line by less than one second to grab fifth place with a time of 7:20.48. Georgetown finished behind first place Notre Dame, Syracuse, Louisville and Rutgers, who crossed the line in 7:19.82.
The women's second varsity eight took fourth place in their grand final, crossing the line ahead of Rutgers in a time of 7:38.86. Coach Miranda Paris was pleased with the result, as well as how the entire season unfolded for both crews.
"The 2V8 really came together this year, building a confident dynamic that enabled them to achieve their potential this year. I know they will use this race as motivation to continue to push this team in the direction we're going."
"This has been an amazing year for this team and for Georgetown Rowing, with objective improvements in every area" continued Paris. "This team has done incredible work, and as a coaching staff, we are very proud of them. It's hard on the final day to feel like they took a risk and it didn't end the way they wanted it to, but that's what taking risks is all about: no guarantees. The most important thing is we have established an incredible culture, and as the team grows and develops, we're excited to build on this solid foundation."
In the varsity four petite finals the Hoyas rowed a strong race, defeating Rutgers by open water in a time of 8:31.02. Assistant coach Stephen Full commented on the results.
"Making the fastest boat is always the goal. Then it's having our best race on the final day of the year. I made a switch in the line-up early in the week and put a novice at stroke. As challenging as it was, it gave us the best opportunity to have our fastest boat for this race. I am proud of the girls and for all they have accomplished this season. I am looking forward to next year and the continued growth on our team."
In addition to successful racing, Georgetown placed two athletes on the All-BIG EAST first and second teams. Junior coxswain Devon O'Brien (Seaville, N.J./Ocean City) earned first team All-BIG EAST honors while senior rower Lindsey Bragg earned a place on the All-BIG EAST second team.
