Clemson Rowers Open Spring Season with Strong Performance Against Michigan State

March 5, 2008

GALLERY (courtesy of Mark Crammer)

Clemson, SC – The Clemson rowing team began their spring season on Wednesday morning with a strong showing against Michigan State on Lake Hartwell. Clemson raced the Spartans in three 1500 meter pieces, with each piece having a stroke rating cap of 32 SPM.

“I think we rowed well today for this time of year against a strong NCAA-caliber program,” said Clemson Head Coach Richard Ruggieri. “It’s only the start and we look forward to finding more speed weekly. We have to continue to improve to meet our goals that we have set for this season. I thought the Varsity 8 did very well today.”

Clemson’s varsity 8+ crew, coxed by Elyse Roenick, finished first in each 1500 meter piece with times of 4:50.2, 5:00.4, and 5:02.2. Michigan State’s varsity 8+ crew crossed the finish line second in each piece, while their second varsity 8+ finished in third place in the first and third pieces. The Tiger’s second varsity 8+ crew, coxed by Abbey Fernandez, finished in third place in the second piece with a time of 5:14.1.

In the varsity 4+ pieces, Michigan State’s varsity 4+ crew won each piece with times of 5:41.0, 5:39.7, and 5:42.9. The Tiger’s top boat finished second in the first piece with a time of 5:48.7.

Clemson’s novice 8+ crew also had a successful morning, finishing first in each of their pieces with times of 5:22.2, 5:26.5, and 5:29.5. The Spartan’s top novice boat was a close second in each piece with times of 5:25.1, 5:34.7, and 5:30.2.

The Tigers return to action at 9:00 AM on Saturday with a scrimmage against Boston College on Lake Hartwell.