Varsity Crew Loses To Yale; Frosh Turn Heads In Win
May 1, 1999 | Men's Rowing
The Terriers' men's varsity heavyweight crew rowed as it has for most of the seasona strong first half of a race but unable to handle their opponent's challenge in the second 1000 meters, as B.U. lost to Yale by more than six seconds on Saturday. But, the real head-turner on The Charles came in the novice race where the Terriers upset the Elis by less than a second.
In the freshman race, B.U., which came into the race ranked 11th among the novice boats in the Eastern Association of Rowing Colleges poll, came from six seats back with 500 meters to go to catch Yale, which was ranked among the top five in the weekly poll.
B.U. was timed in 6:04.5 over the 2000-meter course, while Yale was clocked in 6:05.3.
It was a great race, beamed varsity coach Rodney Pratt. We were trailing them from the start, but our kids never quit and put on a strong sprint at the end to catch Yale.
The Elis, known for getting off to a quick start, did exactly that against the Terrier frosh and took a seven-seat lead through the first 500 meters. By the time the race had reached the midpoint at the Mass Ave. Bridge, Yale still enjoyed a three-second lead.
That's when the Terriers began to make their move and slowly took seats back from the surprised Elis.
Then, finally with less than 200 meters left, B.U. took a slight lead only to see Yale move a bow ball ahead.
The boat with the oars in the water last was going to win, said Pratt.
And, that was B.U.
The varsity was not as successful, as it lost to the favored Elis, 5:52.68 to 5:58.75.
As what happened earlier in the novice race, Yale jumped to a quick start and led by three seats in the opening 200 meters. By the time the crews reached the 1000-meter mark, Yale led by a length and never looked back.
We improved a lot this week, said Pratt. The first 1000 meters was a searing race, and we rowed great to that point. But, we never made a move after that.
The Terriers hope to change that form next Sunday when they compete in the Eastern Sprints at Lake Quinsigamond in Worcester.
Someone has to step forward and say no more of this rowing for just the first 1000 meters. We have to row for the entire 2000 meters.
In the second varsity race against Yale, the Elis prevailed, 6:13.0 to 6:15.7.
Results from Saturday's races on The Charles
First Varsity: 1, Yale, 5:52.68; 2, Boston University (cox, Christopher Perry; str, Sean McCourt; 7, David Padgett; 6, Aaron Martlage; 5, Robert Rogers; 4, Ian Ruegg; 3, Andrew Hunter; 2, Matthew Elwood; bow, Christopher Torney), 5:58.75.
Second Varsity: 1. Yale, 6:13.0; 2, Boston University (Cox, Peter Szymanski; Str. Joseph Pizonka; 7, Jeffrey Marx; 6, Eric Johas; 5, kristian Hanelt; 4, John McCann; 3, Edward Leonard, 2; Sean Corcoran; box, Jarrod Campbell), 6:15.7
First Freshmen: 1. Boston University (Cox, Nancy Nakano, Str, Andre Reid; 7, Trudo Letschert; 6, Kevin Valent; 5, Michael Strilesky; 4, Sean Casavechia; 3, Craig Broderson; 2, Daniel Avenick; bow, Mitchell Johnson), 6:04.5; Yale, 6:05.3.
