Mar 21, 2008

Rams' Rowers Christen Spring Season on Schuylkill Versus Drexel and Villanova

The Philadelphia University men's and women's rowing teams shoved off on their 2008 spring campaign in a triangular meeting with Drexel University and Villanova University on the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia. The Rams, Dragons and Wildcats braved blustery conditions on a cold Good Friday morning to compete in five events.

The windy weather made for a choppy 2,000 meter course on a river that was already running fast and high on the second day of spring. However, the crews were able to overcome the elements and turn in some solid performances heading into their first regatta of 2008, the Murphy Cup, back on the Schuylkill next Saturday, March 29.

Head Coach Chris O'Brien's women's novice eight and women's second-varsity eights both took first place against Villanova and Drexel on Friday. "This was very good for our women's novices," said coach O'Brien, who added, "It's a step in the right direction as we hope to repeat in the women's novice eight at the Dad Vail Regatta in May."

The second-varsity eight trailed at the 800-meter mark before gaining ground on their local rivals to post a comeback win today. "This crew showed their increasing maturity and dedication today in an outstanding effort," said the coach.

The men's novice four notched perhaps the most surprising result of the day, an excellent second-place finish in the novice fours, topping Drexel's "B" boat and Villanova, while just six and a half seconds behind the victorious Drexel "A" boat. Coach O'Brien was more than pleased, "The men's novice four raced exceptionally well against talented Drexel crews with much greater high-school experience."

Finally, the men's varsity four and women's varsity four did not finish at the front today, but both were able to gain valuable experience against top teams, as many of the varsity rowers this season were novices last year. "It's a big step up from novice to varsity, and our men and women are showing all the right signs as we strive for success at the top level," said O'Brien.

Once again, the men and women rowers for the Rams are in action again next Saturday, March 29 on the Schuylkill, competing in the 26th Annual Murphy Cup Regatta, hosted by Temple University.

Complete Results:

Men's Racing
Varsity 4+:
Drexel "B" 6:41.17
Drexel "A" 6:48.61
Villanova 6:56.15
Philadelphia 6:57.26

Freshmen 4+:
Drexel "A" 6:38.21
Philadelphia 6:44.86
Drexel "B" 7:01.58
Villanova 7:23.88

Women's Racing
Varsity 8+:
Villanova 6:37.28
Drexel 6:39.49
Philadelphia 6:49.80

2nd Varsity 8+:
Philadelphia 7:00.77
Drexel 7:03.27
Villanova 7:05.03

Freshmen 8+:
Philadelphia 7:13.60
Drexel 7:24.54
Villanova 7:41.46


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