Rowing: WVU Shines at SIRAs
April 19, 2003 08:18 PM | General
April 19, 2003
OAK RIDGE, Tenn. - The West Virginia University women’s rowing team finished in the top five of four races at the 36th Southern Intercollegiate Rowing Association (SIRA) Championship Regatta this afternoon.
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| West Virginia claimed four top five finishes at SIRAs (submitted photo) |
The second novice eight took home the championship of their race sailing into first with a time of 7:26. Louisville finished second with a 7:41 while Georgia finished third with a 7:50.2. Members of the second novice eight include Jessica Wurster, Jessica Bell, Kellie McNamara, Jenny Boyles, Laura Buch, Theresa Danko, Jessica Smith, Amy Arthur, and coxed by Miriam Blackburn.
“The second novice eight had a great race,” said assistant coach Jim Mitchell. “They caught a crab in the middle and was able to come back and win. Their comeback shows that they have a lot of speed.”
The No.25 varsity eight finished second behind No.20 Tennessee. The Mountaineers finished with a 6:35.7 while Tennessee came in with a 6:29.8. Louisville finished third with a 6:36.1. Members of the nationally ranked varsity eight are Donna Stullken, Gaetanne De LaBourdonnaye, Kirsten Leslie, Erin Nisbet, Kate Abernethy, Amelia Payne, Risha Kelley, Tina Griffith, and coxswain Laura Goren.
“West Virginia was right with Tennessee in the first 1,000, but fell back,” said Mitchell. “Tennessee is a fast school so it was great to see West Virginia right up front.”
The JV eight finished third and the first novice eight came in fifth.
“This is the fastest West Virginia has raced at this regatta,” said Mitchell. “These are some of the best results we have ever had.”
The Mountaineers return to action on April 27, when they participate in the BIG EAST championship on Lake Quinsigamond, Worcester, Mass.
