Varsity, Freshmen Crews Sweep Columbia
April 23, 2005 | Men's Rowing
NEW YORK, NY-The Terriers' varsity crew overcame some rough water through the first 1000 miles to row to a nearly three-second win over host Columbia on the Harlem River on Saturday, April 23.
The Terriers were timed in 5:47.5, while the much-improved Columbia heavyweight boat rowed in 5:50.3.
Rowing with a tailwind that caused rough conditions especially in the second 500 meters, the Terriers spotted the Lions a three-quarters of a length lead off the starting line.
However, by the 1000-meter mark, B.U. was clear of the worst water and was able to draw alongside Columbia. The two boats battled for the next 250 meters before the Terriers were able to pull ahead and win by the final margin.
"Columbia showed a lot of determination," said Terrier head coach Rodney Pratt. "They came out fighting and did not give up. This is great to see because tight races make everyone faster."
There was no second varsity race, as Columbia did not have a boat entered. However, there were first and second freshmen regattas, and the Terriers captured both of them.
The first freshman race was almost a mirror of the varsity race, except for the fact that after the 1000-meter mark twice the frosh were frustrated by their move having the momentum taken away by debris in the River. However, the coxswain did a great job keeping his course and getting the crew to push through to win by a length. The final times were 5:53.1 for the Terriers and 5:56.1 for Columbia.
The second freshmen race featured the fastest time of the day as the Terriers took advantage of a tail wind and a ripping tide. The winning time was 5:45.2 to the Lions' 5:49.1. The Terriers actually got off to a little slower start than Columbia but soon drew level. By the 1000-meter mark, B.U. had the lead and went to win by a length and a half.
