FOLSOM, Calif. – The Gonzaga varsity eight boat had a strong final race in the Grand Finale of the WIRA Championships on Lake Natoma outside of Folsom, Calif. The Bulldogs finished less than two seconds behind UC San Diego's winning time of 5:53.812.
 
"The varsity eight race was as expected, a battle from start to finish with several lead changes and never more than half a length separating all three medaling crews," head men's rowing coach Dan Gehn said. "Our effort level was high, and we challenged in the third 500 but it wasn't enough for the win."
 
UC San Diego claimed the win, with Santa Clara claiming second with a time of 5:54.847. Gonzaga placed third at 5:55.147.
 
The Bulldogs' second varsity eight finished fifth in the second varsity eight finale with a time of 6:17.764.
 
Gonzaga returns to Lake Natoma May 18 for the Western Sprints.
 
RESULTS
Varsity Eight
1             UC San Diego                    5:53.812
2             Santa Clara                        5:54.847
3             Gonzaga                             5:55.147
4             UC Santa Barbara             5:59.863
5             UC Irvine                            6:04.674
6             Orange Coast                    6:06.495
 
Second Varsity Eight
1             UC San Diego                    6:02.419
2             Santa Clara                        6:08.585
3             Orange Coast                    6:11.257
4             UC Davis                             6:13.096
5             Gonzaga                             6:17.764
6             UC Irvine                            6:21.701
 
LINEUPS
Varsity 8
Cox: Ben Foos
Mark Jankovic
Colin Drangsholt
Richard Zukowski
Ian Melder
Anthony Adamek
Charley Nordin
Coe Carter
John Lomond
 
Second Varsity 8
Cox: Scott Stewart
Benjamin Kropelnicki
Zach Weber
Johnathon Kneeland
Kyle Jangard
Colby Cadman
Jack Snider
Dillon Yanick
Sam Dernis