Rowing Earns Five Top-Three Finishes at Clemson Regatta
3/19/2011 12:00:00 AM | Rowing
CLEMSON, S.C. - This Saturday, the Alabama rowing team had its best showing at the Clemson Regatta against the toughest competition the event has fielded since the Crimson Tide began making its annual trip over to Clemson University.
"We did a great job today, competing tough against the strongest field we've seen in the years we've been coming to Clemson," UA head coach Larry Davis said. "Our whole group made a big step forward today, both as competitors and in terms of boat speed."
Alabama finished third or better in all five of its races, each of which featured seven teams, and was closer to No. 15 Clemson, the winner of all five races, than they have been over the previous years.
"One of the things that we saw today was that we were very tenacious," Davis said. "No matter where we were in the race, we kept pushing."
The Tide was second in the First Varsity 4+, with a 7:46.57, just five seconds behind Clemson and five seconds ahead of third place Syracuse. Alabama's Second Varsity 4+ was third with an 8:04.44, just seven seconds behind Boston University with Clemson taking the win with a 7:48.57.
The Tide was third in the First Varsity 8+, clocking a 6:52.05, seven seconds behind Indiana and 12 second behind Clemson. Alabama was also third in the Second Varsity 8+ with a 6:56.98, just four seconds behind Indiana and 12 seconds behind Clemson.
The Tide was also third in the Novice 8+, crossing the finish line at 7:32.02, with Clemson taking first and Indiana's "A" boat taking second.
"I'm very pleased with where we are right now through our first two weekends," Davis said. "There is still some speed we can pick up, and need to pick up if we're going to continue to progress the way we want to, but I'm very, very encouraged as to where we are right now."
Alabama returns to action April 2, going cross country for the San Diego Crew Classic.
