May 5, 2004
RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif. - The Santa Clara University men's and women's rowing teams completed a successful weekend Sunday as each crew performed well at the Western Intercollegiate Rowing Association championships at Lake Natoma.
The men's squad recorded upper division finishes in the men's novice eight and the second men's novice eight and finished second in the second men's varsity eight. In addition, the Bronco men finished sixth in the grand final of the men's varsity eight. The women's crew finished third in the women's varsity eight.
"We pushed the limits this weekend and it really showed," said women's rowing head coach Stephanie Shepherd. "They rowed their best races to date and the team is really fired up to finish the season on a winning note. It's been a tough season as we've had to sacrafice some of our boat speed early on in order to get the team physically and mentally prepared for the big regattas. It all came together at WIRA as they went out and solidly beat University of San Diego and San Diego State, both teams who we lost to earlier in the season. The team has made huge improvements and steps toward improving the program, I couldn't be more proud and excited for the team."
The Bronco women finished second in the petit final of the women's varsity eight with a time of 7:03.9, just over one second behind first-place Western Washington.
Both Bronco crews will be in action this weekend at the prestigious Dad Vail Regatta in Philadelphia, Pa.
