Gonzaga University
George Washington Invitational
Zags Successful At George Washington Invitational Regatta
4/10/2009 12:00:00 AM | Men's Crew
April 10, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Traveling nearly 2,500 miles across the United States boded well for the Gonzaga University men's rowing team as the Bulldogs won two out of three races at the George Washington Invitational Regatta, the East Coast's premier collegiate dual racing series, on Friday at the Potomac River in Washington, D.C.
The Zag Varsity 8+, who came into the weekend set to race two ranked opponents, began the regatta off with a bang. GU took down No. 17 Georgetown University in an exciting race. The Hoyas led off from the start, but the Bulldogs pressed on and sprinted the final 100-meters, gaining the lead in the last 50-meters, to claim the victory with a time of 5:39.3. Georgetown crossed the finish line just behind at 5:39.6.
The Freshman 8+ began the day for Gonzaga earning a six-second win, also over Georgetown. The Hoyas led by a half of length to the bridge, at the 1,000-meter mark, but the Zags took over in the third 500 and won in open water. The Bulldogs had a time of 5:48.0, while the Hoyas finished at 5:54.8.
Gonzaga's only setback of the afternoon was in the Second Varsity 8+. Georgetown, who led for the entire race, crossed the finish line with a time of 5:47.5, while Gonzaga was clocked at 5:52.7.
"We had a good showing today," stated head coach Dan Gehn. "It was great to see our athletes perform so well after traveling across the country. It wasn't easy in any race, but they showed great endurance and were rewarded for that."
Each of the three Bulldog boats will now race twice on Saturday. Gonzaga will open the day racing Cornell University, whose Varsity 8+ boat is ranked 11th in the latest USRowing Collegiate Top 20, and closes out the day facing off against the College of Holy Cross.
George Washington Invitational - Potomac River - Washington, D.C.
2,000-meters - 60's, overcast, headwinds on and off, with tail current
Varsity 8+
Gonzaga 5:39.3, No. 17 Georgetown 5:39.6
No. 11 Cornell 5:38.1, George Washington 5:43.1
Second Varsity 8+
Georgetown 5:47.5, Gonzaga 5:52.7
Cornell 5:41.3, George Washington 5:44.4
Freshman 8+
Gonzaga 5:48.0, Georgetown 5:54.8
Cornell 5:46.1, George Washington 6:02.3
