March 21, 2008
Austin, TX-
The University of Iowa rowing team opened its spring season at the Texas Longhorn Invitational Friday. Both novice and varsity teams competed in day one of competition against Texas. Iowa boats placed second in each of the five races.
“This weekend we are racing the fastest field to date at the Longhorn Invitational,” said Hawkeye Head Coach Mandi Kowal. “In these series of races it is imperative that we take what we learned about our crews and apply it to the next racing opportunity. Having 4 races within a 40 hour time period provides that type of opportunity.”
The Hawkeyes came close in the opening 2N8+ race, finishing just behind Texas with a time of 7:52.8. The V4+ and V8+ proved to be the other close races of the day for Iowa.
“Today we were disappointed with our losses but it was apparent we were rough around the edges with some of our lineups, due to lack of water time,” said Coach Kowal. “With some of our other Iowa Crews we did see improvement in technique and speed from the fall season.”
The most notable race of the day for the Hawkeyes proved to be the Varsity 8+, when Iowa’s number three seat lost her seat on the first stroke of the race.
“The seat came off completely which made it hard for her to use her legs,” said Coach Kowal. “I thought this crew handled the situation well and needless to say, they are very excited to race again tomorrow.”
The Hawkeyes return to the water Saturday at approximately 10 a.m. to face off against Central Florida, Duke and Kansas State.
Day One Results
V8+
1. Texas 7.02.0
2. IOWA 7.07.0
2V8+
1. Texas 7.25.2
2. IOWA 7.37.0
V4+
1. Texas 8.13.0
2. IOWA 8.18.1
N8+
1. Texas 7.36.8
2. IOWA 7.48.7
2N8+
1. Texas 7.50.0
2. IOWA 7.52.8