May 1, 2004
IOWA CITY, IA – The University of Iowa women’s rowing team finished sixth at the Big Ten Championships with 42 points. Michigan was crowned Big Ten Champion for the second year in a row with 128 points.
“I’m grateful that the regatta went down without any hitches,” said head coach Mandi Kowal. “The weather was cooperative and the fans got to see some exciting races.”
Facing tough competition, the Hawkeye First Varsity Eight took second in the Petite Final, and sixth overall, with a time of 7:01.5. Michigan’s 10th ranked Varsity Eight crew upset top-ranked Ohio State, taking first with a time of 6:48.4. Ohio State finished second with a time of 6:50.4.
Iowa’s Second Varsity Eight, First Varsity Four and Second Varsity Four all finished second in the Petite Final and sixth overall. The Second Varsity Eight timed a 7:14.5 to finish behind first-place Minnesota (7:07.3). The First Varsity Four took second with a time of 8:08, while the Second Varsity Four timed an 8:35.4.
In the First Novice Eight race, Iowa’s crew took second in the Petite Final, and sixth overall, with a time of 7:24.1. Ohio State won the Petite Final (7:21.6), while Minnesota took first in the Grand Final (7:00.8).
“Obviously, we don’t like finishing in sixth place, but we definitely made some improvements,” said Kowal. “We have a young team; we’ll continue to work hard and we look forward to Centrals.”
Senior Megan Manijak (Lincoln, NE) was named to the first team all-Big Ten team, while junior Michelle Trannel (East Dubuque, IL) received second team all-Big Ten honors.
The Hawkeyes compete next at the Central Sprints in Oakridge, TN May 15-16.