Princeton University Athletics
Chase-ing Perfection: Princeton Rowing Sweeps Top Races
November 01, 2010 | Heavyweight Rowing, Women's Rowing - Open, Women's Rowing - Lightweight, Men's Rowing - Lightweight
Each of the four Princeton crews had impressive performances in their first competitive races on Lake Carnegie during the 2010-11 academic season. The heavyweight men, open women and the men's lightweight crews swept Sunday's 3-mile Princeton Chase, one week after a highly successful Head Of The Charles weekend, while the women's lightweights beat several top open crews.
The regatta opened the men's heavyweights, and Princeton held off strong challenges by both Syracuse and Cornell to win the event. Princeton finished in 13:06.187, more than two seconds faster than Syracuse's time of 13:08.379. Cornell was the second-best Ivy boat, placing third overall in 13:09.798. The Tigers also had a strong showing from its 'B' boat; that crew placed 10th overall in a time of 13:35.215 and was defeated by only one 'B' boat in the field, Syracuse. Princeton and Syracuse were the only two schools to place a pair in the Top 10.
The men's lightweights were up next, and Princeton built off the momentum of its victory at the Charles by defeating Harvard by more than three seconds to win the Chase. The two-time defending national champion Tigers finished the course in 13:17.687, while Harvard took second in 13:20.918. The Princeton 'B' crew defeated all but three 'A' teams, including its own; following Princeton, Harvard and Georgetown, the Princeton 'B' crew placed fourth overall in 13:31.364.
Another Head of the Charles winner was the women's open eight, and Lori Dauphiny's squad followed with a convincing win in the Princeton Chase. The Tigers finished in 14:22.518, more than nine seconds faster than reigning NCAA champion Virginia and more than 35 seconds faster than any other boat in the field. The Princeton 'B' crew placed ninth in a time of 15:22.241.
The lightweight women also competed in the open race, and host Princeton was once again impressive. Paul Rassam's team, which reached the medal stand at the 2010 IRA national championships, finished 11th overall in 15:30.954. There were no other lightweight 8s in the field, but Princeton did top several open boats, including Northeastern, Penn and Boston University. The second lightweight boat placed 40th overall in 16:57.7.
"We have had a pretty decent fall season," Rassam said. "The team is certainly headed in the right direction. But our expectations are higher than last year and we have a ton of work to do if we are to meet our goals for the spring. It's time to go back to work."