May 4, 2008
LAKE NATOMA, Calif. - The San Diego State rowing team wrapped up a successful showing at the WIRA Championships with three medals Sunday on the shores of Lake Natoma, Calif. The Aztecs picked up gold medals in the novice eight and second novice eight races, and grabbed a bronze in the novice four race.
"This was the best showing we have had at WIRA's in my five years (at San Diego State)," head coach Jennifer Zebroski said. "It was a great way to end our season for our boats and our varsity eight boat now has great momentum heading into the Dad Vail Regatta next weekend."
SDSU's novice eight boat dominated the field in its race, winning by a comfortable 7.1 seconds in open water at 7 minutes, 11.8 seconds. Gonzaga was second in 7:18.9. The victory was the novice eight's first at the WIRA's since 2004 and came in an 18-boat field.
In the second novice eight race, San Diego State easily outdistanced the field in 7:25.4, well ahead of runner-up UC Davis (7:33.9). The Aztecs improved on last year's third-place showing.
SDSU also secured another medal with a third-place showing in the novice four race. San Diego State, which hadn't raced in the event since a third-place finish in 2004, rowed to a time of 8:15.1, behind UC Davis (7:54.4) and Western Washington (8:09.5).
"Our novices had an amazing day," Zebroski said. "We are excited to see what we can do next year with another year of strength."
The Aztecs also had a solid showing in the varsity eight race with a fourth-place finish at 7:03.6, the team's best finish during Zebroski's tenure. SDSU defeated San Diego (7:05.0) and Sacramento State (7:11.8) with Gonzaga (6:57.6), Western Washington (6:58.7) and UC Davis (7:00.6) finishing first, second and third, respectively.
"I thought we had a good showing," Zebroski said. "We beat San Diego and we are closing the gap on UC Davis. I think we are ready for (the Dad Vail Regatta) and I am excited to see what we can do."
Rounding out the day for San Diego State was a sixth-place finish in the second varsity eight race with a time of 7:22.2. Gonzaga won with a 7:00.2 clocking.
"Today wasn't as solid as yesterday for the (second varsity eight boat)," Zebroski said. "We wanted to make the grand final and we did. I am still ecstatic about the weekend."
The varsity eight will travel across the country to Philadelphia, Pa., for the Dad Vail Regatta on May 10-11.
WIRA Championships
Lake Natoma, Calif.
Finals
May 4, 2008
Varsity Eight
(Grand Final)
1. Gonzaga - 6:57.6
2. Western Washington - 6:58.7
3. UC Davis - 7:00.6
4. San Diego State - 7:03.6
5. San Diego - 7:05.0
6. Sacramento State - 7:11.8
NOTE: Aztecs finished fourth of 11 boats overall
Second Varsity Eight
(Grand Final)
1. Gonzaga - 7:00.2
2. UC Davis - 7:01.8
3. Sacramento State - 7:09.8
4. Loyola Marymount - 7:13.5
5. Western Washington - 7:16.2
6. San Diego State - 7:22.2
NOTE: Aztecs finished sixth of 14 boats overall
Novice Eight
(Grand Final)
1. San Diego State - 7:11.8
2. Gonzaga - 7:18.9
3. UC Davis - 7:21.0
4. Willamette - 7:27.7
5. Sacramento State - 7:29.0
6. Orange Coast College - 7:29.7
NOTE: Aztecs finished first of 18 boats overall
Second Novice Eight
(Grand Final)
1. San Diego State - 7:25.4
2. UC Davis - 7:33.9
3. Puget Sound - 7:48.7
4. Orange Coast College - 7:55.6
5. Evergreen State - 7:56.2
6. San Diego - 7:57.4
7. UC San Diego - 8:41.1
NOTE: Aztecs finished first of seven boats overall
Novice Four
(Grand Final)
1. UC Davis - 7:54.4
2. Western Washington - 8:09.5
3. San Diego State - 8:15.1
4. Sonoma State - 8:16.8
5. Evergreen State - 8:26.9
6. Colorado - 8:27.4
NOTE: Aztecs finished third of 18 boats overall
WIRA Lineups
Varsity Eight
Cox - Caitlynn Crouch
Stroke - Allison Hardin
Seven - Jaime Hinton
Six - Casi Boyle
Five - Tashina Vavuris
Four - Anna Ohrstrom
Three - Chloe Wiegman
Two - Christine Dickson
Bow - Mary Anne Hinman
Second Varsity Eight
Cox - Laura Norton
Stroke - Jenna Wood
Seven - Robin Lauber
Six - Melissa Carey
Five - Taylor Weirick
Four - Alyson Boyd
Three - Kristina Giacolone
Two - Katie Rusch
Bow - Kelly West
Novice Eight
Cox - Cassy Baleix
Stroke - Rachel Mossinger
Seven - Alanna Call
Six - Kristin Guissanie
Five - Leslie Sexton
Four - Kelsey Anderson
Three - Kassi Russell
Two - Ashley Kohler
Bow - Stacey Triche
Second Novice Eight
Cox - Jessica Nieto
Stroke - Kristina Blanco
Seven - Stefanie Krach
Six - Morgan Roberts
Five - Abby Kegel
Four - Jill Duff
Three - Katie Austin
Two - Christina Mattos
Bow - Christina Gamboa
Novice Four
Cox - Cassie Lyman
Stroke - Jenny Woudenberg
Three - Lindsey Serhan
Two - Kelsey Burns
Bow - Daniela Garcia