Michigan State University
Head of the Ohio
Michigan State Celebrates Unprecedented Success In Major Regatta
10/4/2003 12:00:00 AM | Women's Rowing
Oct. 4, 2003
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - Michigan State women's crew finished first in almost every race it entered at the Head of the Ohio regatta on Saturday. The Head of the Ohio, which marked the Spartans' first regatta of 2003-2004, entailed a 2.8-mile racecourse for 4,000-plus entrants.
"We had a really good day," said MSU head coach Bebe Bryans. "We won an unprecedented number of events and I am very pleased."
State entered its top two boats in the open eight event and finished first of the ten boats that raced in 14:41. MSU also took third place behind Cornell, posting a 15:21 finish.
The Spartans' number three boat competed in the club eight category and finished first of 14 boats in 14:55. Marietta University ranked second in this event with a 15:15 finish, followed by the Capitol Rowing Club from Washington, D.C. at 15:22.
State's number three eight was split into two fours to compete in the open four event. Of the 23 boats who raced, the Spartans took first and second place with 16:07 and 16:33 finishes.
"It's nice to win all of these races," said Bryans. "Beyond winning, it is a chance for us to chart our progress and after today, we are pretty pleased with the steps we have taken."
MSU also split its number two eight into two fours to race in the club four category. State finished first (16:38) and third (17:05) out of more than 15 boats that competed in this event. Capitol Rowing Club took second place with a 16:59 finish.
For the open pairs event, MSU split its No. 1 eight into four pairs and finished the race in first (16:41), second (17:05), third (17:32) and fifth (17:52) places.
In addition to the Spartans' numerous wins, MSU assistant coach Matt Weise celebrated a racing victory achieved by his wife. Lisa Weise and Marie Gershem, both MSU alumni, finished first in the women's open double event.
Coach Bryans attributes much of the Spartans' success to team members' winning attitudes.
"These guys really want to compete," Bryans said. "They really want to race and that is an attitude that we cannot teach. If they have that, it's great. They are practicing with the intensity that they normally have in the springtime and that is just fabulous."
Next, MSU will compete in the Head of the Grand, which takes place on the Grand River, Sunday, Oct. 19 in Lansing, Mich. After that, State will travel to Elkhart, Ind. for the Head of the Elk regatta on Sunday, Oct. 26. Times for both upcoming regattas have yet to be announced.
