Indiana University Athletics
Seven Boats Advance to Finals (4-12-03)
4/12/2003 12:00:00 AM | Women's Rowing
Camden, N.J. -The Indiana rowing team had a successful day on the water despite horrible weather conditions, advancing four boats to the Grand Finals and three boats to the Petite Finals.
"The team as a whole did an excellent job," head coach Mark Wilson said. "We are really happy with how the team performed today. We are looking forward to good races tomorrow."
The Grand Finals of the Pairs competition took place today. Indiana Pairs A (Stephanie Mast and Emily Rumschlag) and B (Erin Koers and Danielle Bird) both advanced to the Grand Finals, finishing third and fifth, respectively.
"We started off the day with the Varsity Pairs. Both the Pairs made it to the Grand Finals and did a really nice job, especially since they have only rowed together a couple of times this year. Emily (Rumschlag) and Stephanie (Mast) finished third overall and Danielle (Bird) and Erin (Koers) finished fifth. We are all very pleased with their performances."
The Quad boat of Line Espedal, Margaret Clark, Kelly Schuiling and Ashley Quinn advanced to the Grand Finals, which will take place Sunday at 8:00 a.m.
The Lightweight 4 boat of Laura Wharen, Sarah Meyer, Stephanie Weert, Becky England and Kristin Storer will also advance to the Grand Finals. The event will take place at 9:10 a.m.
Indiana also advanced three boats to the Petite Finals of Sunday's competition. Representing Indiana in the Varsity 4 boat is Rebekha Archibald, Annie Lawson, Amanda Walker, Casey Schoenhoft and Christine Taylor. The Novice 4, which will race at 7:40 a.m., consists of Maria Hernandez, Erin Keuhn, Elisabeth Benoit, Ashley Sylla and Jamy Stech. The final boat to compete in the Petite finals for IU is the Novice 8. Coxswain Laura Wharen will lead her boat of Lauren Anderson, Katie Peiss, Ashley Airis, Amy Hoffman, Leslie Schaffer, Katie Slavik, Laura Lazaridis and Carly Schilling tomorrow at 11:20 a.m.
"The Lightweight Varsity 4 qualified out of its heat," Wilson said. "Honestly, we were a little surprised, but it was a pleasant surprise. They did a wonderful job and will be racing in the Grand Finals tomorrow. The Novice 8 had a rough start in their first race but pulled it together in their second race and are guaranteed to be in the Petite Finals."
The Varsity 8 advanced to today's semi-final round but would not qualify for the Petite or Grand Finals on Sunday.
"The Varsity 8 had a good first row," said Wilson. "They were second behind West Virginia which we were very happy about. In the semi-final race they started off a little slow but half way through they took a move into third place but unfortunately could not respond to the tough competition in the last 500 meters and finished last. They are now done for the weekend but they had a good row and learned a lot from the experience."
The Hoosiers continue their trip in Camden, N.J., Sunday, with conclusion of the Knecht Cup Regatta. The first event that Indiana competes in is the Lightweight Varsity 4 event that begins at 7:00 a.m. EST.
