Clemson Rowing Has Solid Orange Performance Against Miami

March 21, 2004

Clemson rowing returned to the water today in a Solid Orange…One Clemson event on Lake Hartwell against future ACC rival Miami. Rowing in blustery conditions against a strong headwind, the Tigers brought home first place finishes in three of the six events, including the Varsity 8+, Novice 8+, and Varsity 4+.

“The fan support was exciting,” said head coach Susie Lueck. “Lots of family, friends, and community members came out to cheer the Tigers on. Despite the windy conditions, it was a festive atmosphere.”

The regatta kicked off with a boat dedication. The newest member of the Tiger Rowing family was christened by Senior Associate Athletic Director, Katie Hill. Hill has become one of Clemson Rowing’s biggest fans and is the only Clemson administrator to join the Tigers at practice and get in boat and row. Because of her support of the team, the rowing Tigers were excited to have her dedicate their newest boat, “SOLID ORANGE.” The name of this boat is in honor of the principle of unity, spirit and oneness within the Clemson family that the Solid Orange…One Clemson campaign promotes.

Racing began with the 1st Varsity 8+ where, Miami had an early lead and controlled it until 750 meters. At 1,000 meters Clemson and Miami were dead even, but by 1500 meters Clemson made its move and had a full bow to stern over Miami to finish 5.5 seconds ahead of Miami with a time of 7:22.8.

Coming in almost dead even were Clemson and Miami’s 2nd Varsity 8+s. The two crews reversed the lead all the way down the course fighting for the win. Clemson pulled ahead early to take the lead during the first 500 meters and Miami answered with a strong second 500. At the 1,000 meter mark both crews were even and Clemson fought back one more time to take a 5 seat lead. In the last 500 meters the Hurricanes attacked and gained about a meter to finish six tenths of a second ahead of the Tigers in 7:46.9. The Tigers 3rd Varsity 8+ racing in this event took third in 8:18.3.

With each team racing their 1st Varsity 8+ in 4+’s, the 1st Varsity 4+ event took way. In a very competitive race, the Clemson A boat won after maintaining a lead over the rest of the pack for the entire 2,000 meters. In an awesome battle for second place, the Clemson B crew fought Miami’s boats down the course. Moving from 4th place into 2nd, at the last 500 meters, the Miami A four fought back to claim second by 1.2 seconds. Clemson B finished third in 8:37.7 over Miami B who crossed the finish line in 8:50.4.

In an additional Varsity 4+ race, Miami took first pulling open water in a 9:14.5 finish over Clemson. The Tigers finished with a time of 9:39.6.

In the final race of the day, the Tigers 2nd Varsity 4+ placed second behind Miami. Both boats had a good start and Clemson led until 500 meters when Miami gained the lead. With a strong middle 1,000 meters, Miami increased their margins and finished 11 seconds ahead of Clemson.

“I was proud of the Varsity 8+ for their ability to come back against a strong opponent and finish with open water,” said Lueck. “The 2nd Varsity 8+ fought a tough race and learned a lot from the experience.”

“The Novice stepped up to the conditions with a solid orange performance and great racing,” said novice coach Kelly Lynch. “We are looking forward to the next week of training as we prepare to race Michigan, Notre Dame, Eastern Michigan and Michigan State.”

Clemson rowing will travel to Ann Arbor, MI next weekend to face top competition from Notre Dame, Michigan, as well as a few others.