Princeton University Athletics
Carnegie's Champion
February 10, 2000 | Women's Rowing - Lightweight
The women's lightweight crew left many in its wake on its way to a national championship. Did we mention that the program was only in its second year?
In the 135 years of Princeton athletics, numerous programs have captured the most prestigious achievement in collegiate sports-the national championship. For the most part the winning coach battled tough seasons before leading his or her team to the title game.
Chris Sailer was eight years into her tenure before the women's lacrosse won the national championship. Bill Tierney went 2-13 in his first season with the men's lacrosse team, five years later the Tigers were 14-1 and NCAA champions. After six years at the helm of heavyweight crew, Curtis Jordan won the national crown in 1996.
Women's lightweight crew coach Heather Smith had just one question. What took you so long?
In just its second year of existence, the women's lightweight crew blistered the competition to pick up the 1999 national title at the Intercollegiate Rowing Association championship. Winning the crown followed an Eastern Association of Women's Rowing title and topped off a perfect 4-0 season, in which the Tigers edged their opponents by an average of more than 12 seconds in dual competition. In a meeting before the season began, Smith asked each rower to set personal and team goals. That meeting began the drive toward the title.
"As we shared everyone's team goals it became very clear that it was a unanimous goal to win the national championship at the IRA," Smith says. "I think that really fed their work through the winter and spring."
Hard work and dedication can lead to success, but it does not hurt to have a strong support staff. Other than an exceptional coaching staff, the lightweight crew had support from the Athletic Department and Princeton Rowing Association (PRA). Besides the administrative support, the PRA deserves a pat on the back, including former Tiger rower and current PRA president Dick Prentke '67, who was responsible for the purchasing and naming of the racing shell-Susan Ottesen Prentke, in honor of his wife. David Covin '91 donated two racing fours named for his wife and late father.
In the world of women's lightweight crew, the number of varsity programs is on the rise, but the programs are still few and far between. The five seniors in this year's championship boat have done their part to facilitate interest and competitiveness. Led by Tamara Kavander, the Class of 1999 established the Princeton-Radcliffe Bowl, which is awarded annually to the winner of the Princeton-Radcliffe dual regatta.
"In a way I think being a new team helped us," Laura Vaughn '99 says. "I also think that the fact that we were able to come so far in such a short time is a testament to the strength of the whole Princeton rowing program."
When all is said and done, nine female athletes-strong, physically fit and highly motivated-got in a boat and proved they were champions.
by Jenn Garrett