Tigers Make History

Oct. 5, 2003

Clemson rowing made history yesterday as the Novice 8+ beat the University of Virginia at the first annual Head of the Mon in Morgantown, WV. This is the first time a Clemson 8+ finished ahead of the nationally ranked Virginia Cavaliers. Also competing on the 3.4 mile head race course were Duke, Louisville and West Virginia.

The Tigers won the Novice 8+ event with at time of 21:20.47, 33 seconds ahead of Virginia(21:53.91). Clemson’s B Novice 8+ took fourth in 23:04.43 to defeat ACC rival Duke (24:13.42) and both West Virginia teams (28:05.95 and 28:39.36).

In the Varsity 8+ race, the Tigers’, rowing through the wake of a barge, took second. Defeating Clemson rowing was the Virginia crew who placed fourth at nationals in the spring. Finishing with a time of 20:07.71 Clemson’s Varsity 8+ defeated Duke, West Virginia and Louisville. The Tigers also took eighth (21:14.88) and 11th (21:36.72) in the race against 15 crews.

Rowing through challenging conditions of the rainy, windy day, the Novice 4+ finished strongly taking first (23:07.45) and second (24:07.8) to West Virginia. Also competing for the Tigers were four Varsity 4+ boats competing against 18 other crews. The first Clemson boat took third (22:23.08) behind two Cavalier boats. The following Clemson crews took sixth (22:49.56), eighth (23:03.64), and15th (24:15.49).

“It was an exciting day to make history for the rowing program,” said Head Coach Susie Lueck. “Beating Virginia is an important milestone in our journey to being nationally competitive. The Novice did a great job racing and we are proud of what they have accomplished in the first six week. It was a great way for the Varsity to kick off the season with convincing wins over Duke, West Virginia, and Louisville.”

The Tigers return to action next weekend as they travel to Boston, MA to participate in the 35th annual Head of the Charles.

Results

Varsity 8+ – Clemson A (2nd – 20:07.71), Clemson B (8th – 21:14.88), Clemson C (11th – 21:36.72)

Novice 8+ – Clemson A (1st – 21:20.47), Clemson B (4th – 23:04.43)

Varsity 4+ – Clemson A (3rd – 22:23.08), Clemson B (6th – 22:49.56), Clemson C (23:03.64), Clemson D (15th – 24:15.49)

Novice 4+ – Clemson A (1st – 23:07.45), Clemson B (2nd – 24:07.80)