Men’s and Women’s Crew at ACRA 2018

Official results here.

Race photos courtesy of row2k.com

Men’s Varsity 4+

The Men’s Varsity 4+ finished 3rd out of 27 competing universities. These young men were planning to row the Varsity 8+ but days prior to the event one of the members of the crew came down with an MRSA staph infection, requiring surgery, and eliminating him from the competition for the season (he is well on his way to recovery). This forced the boys into the 4+ event with only a few days of practice. They were up for the challenge, however, and were very pleased with their bronze medal finish! Now, this group of athletes looks forward to getting back to Shellmaker to continue training for the Henley Royal Regatta in the UK! This will be the first representation of UC Irvine on this international stage in decades. More updates on their progress to come!

Men’s Varsity 2-

The Men’s Varsity 2- was also a result of the restructured 8+. With a large team size this year the boys have not spent much time in the smaller boats, but these guys were not afraid of the challenge, jumped in the boat, and found good speed right away. They did struggle a bit with steering the boat (remember, you steer with your foot!) however, they gained invaluable small-boat racing experience and placed a respectable 10th out of 25 competing crews.

Men’s Lightweight Varsity 4+

The Men’s Lightweight Varsity 4+ is composed of oarsman under 160 pounds, but tough as nails. All season long, these athletes have been very strict about their diets and devotion to practice. It really paid off as they were able to progress to the Grand Final and place 7th out of 16 lightweight boats.

Men’s Novice 8+

The Men’s Novice 8+ has been together all season and are composed of true walk-ons (all first-year rowers). This group has never been nationally ranked in anything in their lives and finished 6th in the nation. They were one of two West Coast programs in the Grand Final (alongside their harbor rivals Orange Coast, with whom they really closed the gap). The future looks bright down on Shellmaker Island, as these young men will continue to grow the excellence of UCI Rowing!

Men’s Novice 4+

The Men’s Novice 4+ was composed of younger athletes to develop and mold for the 2018/2019 Varsity Team. They raced hard and had their eyes opened to what a national regatta is all about, finishing 16th of 26 overall.

Women’s Varsity 4+

The Women’s Varsity 4+ learned a great deal about racing and led senior captain Meghan Wong to her final race placing 16th out of 19 competing crews.

Women’s Novice 8+

The Women’s Novice 8+ took the regatta by storm and placed first overall! These young women are now National Champions at the novice level and will bring this winning spirit and culture onto the Varsity Team next season. The B Boat was also in the event and placed sixth out of 7 crews. Congratulations to the A Boat and their Gold Medal.  Coach Peter Vescovi was also honored with West Coast Women’s Coach of the Year. Lot’s to celebrate with this lot, we’re looking forward to seeing them continue to dominate in years to come!

Thank You

Henry T. Nicholas, III, contributors to our silent auction at the UC Challenge Cup Brunch, and all donors and supporters throughout this year, thank you, for giving our student-athletes the opportunity to compete and learn outside of the classroom. This experience will last a lifetime and the friendship and bond this team has developed will help continue to grow UC Irvine Rowing well into the future.