April 7, 2011
Coach Rick
ANNAPOLIS, Md. - The Navy men's heavyweight rowing team will kickoff its spring schedule this weekend when it travels to Washington, D.C. to compete in the annual George Washington Invitational. Competition on the Potomac River will begin at 8 a.m. on Saturday and at 9 a.m. on Sunday.
About the George Washington Invitational
This year's event will feature two sessions of racing on Saturday, followed by one morning session of racing on Sunday. In addition to host George Washington, Navy will also face Georgetown and Holy Cross at this year's invitational.
A complete schedule of events is available to download in PDF here.
Last Year at the George Washington Invitational
Navy also opened its spring season last year at the George Washington Invitational where it got out to great start. The Mids' first varsity eight boat went 3-0 at the event last season and as a team, Navy didn't lose a race as all boats combined to go 19-0.
A Closer Look at the 2011 Season
Navy enters the spring of 2011 with high hopes and a wealth of returning talent. The Midshipmen return five members, plus coxswain Nate Miller, to its first varsity boat. Navy also brings back six members of its second varsity boat as well as its entire third boat.
"We have a number of people back this year," said Navy head coach Rick Clothier. "We have four boats-plus of athletes right now."
Miller, who is entering his third season with the first varsity crew, was elected captain of this year's team.
"I believe Nate Miller is just the second coxswain to be named captain here in my 37 years - so that speaks more loudly than my words," said Clothier. "His heart is in it and he is a very adept leader."
Miller joins Stephen Betzler, who will be in the fourth seat, as the only returning seniors in this year's first varsity boat.
"Stephen has grown tremendously in his ability and toughness," said Clothier. "Each year he has gotten better. He is rowing his best right now."
The remaining returning members of the first varsity boat all come from the junior class. Matt Fluhr is the stroke, Will Race is in the fifth seat, Kyle Browne is in the sixth seat and Chris Gear is in the seventh seat.
"Last year, we invested a lot in four sophomores and they were our stern four," said Clothier. "These guys are all back from last year and that's where it begins to happen - where a rhythm is established. You want guys who are leaders, both as racers and through the training cycles, and these guys did a wonderful job of that."
The three newcomers to this year's first varsity crew are all sophomores - Alex Lizotte, Chris Chang and Ted Baumgardner - that rowed together last year in the first freshman boat.
Up Next
Navy will face Cornell and Syracuse for the Goes Cup next Saturday at 8:30 a.m. in Ithaca, N.Y.
