Clemson’s Varsity Eight Named ACC Crew of the Week

March 25, 2009

GREENSBORO, N.C. – Clemson’s nationally-ranked first varsity eight crew was honored Tuesday as the Atlantic Coast Conference’s 2009 Crew of the Week for the week of March 24.

The Tigers first varsity eight boat, ranked 13th nationally by the Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association (CRCA) pre-season poll, is composed of Meg Bendik (Marietta, Ga.), Liz Robb (Roswell, Ga.), Sarah Daanen (Hayden, Ida.), Stefanie Kozuszek (Pickneyville, Ill.), Hilary Cumbest (Nashville, Tenn.), Brittany Cummings (Virginia Beach, Va.), Andrea Belbusti (Ridgeville, S.C.).

Clemson defeated three opponents last week, downing Indiana, Purdue and Marist in each of three pieces in the first varsity 8+ competition at Lake Hartwell in Clemson.

The Tigers captured the first piece with a time of 5:17.63 outdistancing Purdue (5:31.08), Indiana (5:32.10) and Marist (5:49.25). Clemson then posted a 5:21.5 in the second piece to place first ahead of Purdue (5:34.7), Indiana (5:35.55) and Marist (5:59.14), then completed the sweep with a time of 5:18.9 in the third piece, again ahead of 2nd-place Purdue (5:37.4), Indiana (5:36.8) and Marist (5:55.88).

Clemson is coached by Richard Ruggieri, now in his 2nd year as the head rowing coach for the Tigers.

The Tigers edged out the first varsity boat of 6th-ranked Virginia this week, as the Cavaliers swept Bucknell in a meet at the Rivanna Reservoir in Charlottesville, Va. on March 20.