WEST WINDSOR, N.J. – The No. 13 Navy heavyweight rowing team finished its 2022 regular season with a strong four-for-four showing in a quad meet at Mercer Lake on Sunday afternoon. Competing against No. 17 Columbia, R/V Hobart and George Washington, Navy collected wins in the first and second varsity eight classifications, as well as in the varsity four and fifth varsity/novice eight events.
The action on Sunday started with the second varsity contest. The four 2V8 combatants were joined by Navy's third varsity crew in the 2,000-meter race. At the conclusion of the race, the Mids' two boats finished one-two as Navy's 2V posted a winning time of 6:01.9, while the 3V crew recorded a 6:07.4 result. The two Navy boats were significantly faster than the other three opponents as George Washington was the next crew to cross the finish line at 6:14.1, slightly edging Columbia by 0.2 seconds.
The Stevenson Cup was on the line in the following race between the first varsities from Navy and Columbia. Close throughout the majority of the contest, the Mids pulled away for a 3.2-second victory over the Lions, 5:53.2 to 5:56.4. That win was the third consecutive for Navy in the Stevenson Cup rivalry. Competing as guests, G.W. and Hobart finished third and fourth at 6:00.4 and 6:10.6, respectively.
In a preview of postseason racing, Navy, Columbia and Hobart moved into a four-man competition. Once again, the Mids' depth was on display as they swept the top-two spots in the varsity four event with respective times of 6:55.6 and 7:00.8. The second Navy entry finished 2.2 seconds ahead of Columbia's V4 crew and over 34 seconds ahead of Hobart's crew.
Navy showcased another one of its lower boats in the final race of the day as the Mids' fifth varsity eight cruised to a 40.9-second margin of victory over George Washington's novice crew. Navy's 5V registered a final time of 6:12.4 versus a 6:53.3 for George Washington's entry.
"It was a good day of racing," remarked
Rob Friedrich the Tom & Candy Knudson Director of Navy Rowing. "We are very proud of how all of our boats raced. We are now focused on gaining speed for the Eastern Sprints."
Sunday's sweep concludes the Mids' regular season. Next up for Navy will be the Eastern Sprints in two weeks on Sunday, May 15 in Worcester, Mass. That will be the first of two postseason competitions for the Mids as the IRA National Championship is scheduled for June 3-5 in West Windsor, N.J.
Race Results
First Varsity 8
Navy – 5:53.2
Columbia – 5:56.4
George Washington – 6:00.4
Hobart – 6:10.6
Second Varsity 8
Navy – 6:01.9
Navy 3V – 6:07.4
George Washington – 6:14.1
Columbia – 6:14.3
Hobart – 6:26.8
Varsity Four
Navy B – 6:55.6
Navy A – 7:00.8
Columbia – 7:03.0
Hobart – 7:35.0
Fifth Varsity/Novice Eight
Navy 5V – 6:12.4
George Washington Novice – 6:53.3
Boat Lineups
