Men's Crew Falls to Northeastern in Arlett Cup
April 8, 2006 | Men's Rowing
BOSTON – The Boston University men’s crew team opened its spring season on Saturday morning with a loss to Charles River rival Northeastern in the Arlett Cup. Although the varsity Terrier boat held the lead throughout much of the 2,000-meter course, the Huskies pulled ahead in the last 500 meters for the victory.
Having already participated in regattas last weekend, Northeastern was able to come away with wins in all four races, including varsity eights, junior varsity eights and first and second freshmen eights.
“Northeastern had some races last weekend, which really helped them out today,” said BU Head Coach Rodney Pratt. “You learn a lot in a short period of time and now we know what we have to do.”
The second freshmen eight boats were up first thing in the morning, with the Huskies crossing the finish line in 6:22.90, compared to the Terriers’ time of 6:30.76. Next up was the first freshmen contingencies, with NU rowing to the victory in 6:31.31, in front of the BU boat that finished in 6:22.68.
Amidst good spring conditions, the second varsity eights were next. After a good start by BU and an even race at the 500-meter mark, the Huskies gradually pulled out to gain the lead and finish in 6:12.68, compared to BU’s time of 6:18.18.
The varsity eights finished off the race day, with NU edging BU for the Arlett Cup. The Terriers got off to a strong start and had a seven-foot lead at the split. The Huskies then made a push in the latter half of the race and took some seats in the third 500 meters to pull dead even at the 1,500-meter mark. In the last quarter, the Huskies slipped by the Terriers, finishing in 6:03.39, while BU stopped the timer at 6:07.34.
“Traditionally, we’re not very fast at the start, so it was a surprise that we were today,” said Pratt. “We just didn’t respond to their late push.”
Following the river schedule, the “Number 7” varsity boat was dedicated at the DeWolfe Boathouse.
BU returns to action on April 15 versus Dartmouth and Rutgers in Hanover, N.H.
