Princeton University Athletics
High Winds Affect Princeton Chase, But Tiger Crews Still Perform Well
October 31, 2006 | Heavyweight Rowing, Women's Rowing - Open, Women's Rowing - Lightweight, Men's Rowing - Lightweight
The Princeton Chase is annually one of the highlight days of the fall racing season, but the 2006 version belonged squarely to Mother Nature. Gusting winds caused the cancellation of the small boat races and played a major factor in the varsity 8s, which went off as scheduled. Each of the four Princeton programs sent 8s out on Lake Carnegie, and the women's lightweights claimed a big win over some of its top rivals.
Paul Rassam's women's lightweights, building on a strong performance at the Head of the Charles last weekend, had a strong team performance that was highlighted by a dominant win from its 'A' boat. The first boat topped all women's lightweight boats in a time of 16:58.72, and the second fastest lightweight crew turned out to the Princeton 'B' boat (17:35.34). Radcliffe and Georgetown followed those two crews, and the Princeton 'C' crew placed sixth in 18:38.01. The depth in Rassam's program should serve the team well when the spring rolls around and the Tigers take aim at the Eastern and national titles.
The open women know something about both titles, having claimed each during a historic 2006 spring. With several rowers having graduated from that boat, Lori Dauphiny's crew has found itself fighting it out with several of the elite boats in the East this fall. Although Virginia captured the open competition Sunday, Princeton but two crews in the top eight and placed its 'A' boat third overall in a time of 16:08.12. The Tiger 'B' crew finished in 16:38.49.
The men's lightweights also got a strong showing from its overall depth. Although Cornell claimed the race, Princeton head coach Greg Hughes was pleased to see three Orange and Black boats placing in the Top 10. The 'A' boat finished fourth in 14:37.94, while the 'B' boat placed seventh in 14:53.86 and the 'C' boat finished 10th in 15:07.44.
The men's heavyweights, like the open women, were the dominant program in the East last spring, but is going through a bit of a makeover due to graduation. The Tigers showed strong form in their first fall race at home, placing second overall in 14:18.27. Only Yale was able to finish faster.
The Belly of the Carnegie will take place Nov. 12, and all involved hope that nature allows the story of the day to be the rowing, as opposed to the conditions.