Washington, DC -April 8, 2006: The Men’s Crew of the University of Southern California took part in the 2006 George Washington Invitational Crew Classic on the Potomac River today. The popular regatta is an official event of the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival® celebrates the 95th Anniversary of the gift of the cherry blossom trees and the enduring friendship between the citizens of the United States and Japan.

Competing in the regatta for the first time, the unranked Trojan Navy joined competition from hosts George Washington University, 6th ranked U.S. Naval Academy, 19th ranked Virginia, 20th ranked Georgetown, 22nd ranked Temple, 24th ranked Marietta and the University of Cincinnati.



Cold and rainy conditions did nothing to deter the spirits of the oarsmen and coxswains and the US Naval Academy won the men's varsity eight for the fourth straight year by outracing Georgetown to the line by just over a second. The Midshipmen completed the 2,000-meter course in 5:53.6.

Men’s Varsity Eights
Grand Final:
1. Navy 5:53.6
2. Georgetown 5:54.9
3. Marietta 6:00
4. Virginia 6:03

Petite Final:
5. George Washington 5:57
6. St. Joseph’s University 6:03
7. Cincinnati 6:08
8. Southern California 6:14

In spite of the disappointing result for the Trojans, the team was happy with the experience of racing in Washington DC and, in particular, on the historic Potomac River. “These were some very fast programs we raced this weekend. We have no excuses for our poor performance,” said varsity oarsman Adam Fish. “We were loaned some really good equipment by Georgetown University, St. Albans HS, and Wilson HS, which we were very grateful for. We learned some of the challenges of crossing the country to compete successfully and we will be better prepared next time.”

The Trojan Novice squad also traveled to Washington DC over the weekend, taking part in the 1st and 2nd Freshman Eights events.

FULL RESULTS:
Men’s 1st Freshman Eights:
Grand Final:
1. Georgetown 6:05.2
2. Navy 6:05.8
3. George Washington 6:15
4. St. Joseph’s 6:17

Petite Final:
1. Virginia 6:15
2. Southern California 6:30
3. Cincinnatri 6:33

Men’s 2nd Freshman Eights
Grand Final*:
1. Navy 6:27
2. Georgetown 6:34
3. George Washington 6:41
4. Southern California 7:04

*Cincinnati did not qualify.

This weekend was a terrific bonding experience for the team, said frosh captain Luke Monroe. “We know we still have much to learn about the sport and we will continue to strive to be faster.”

The Trojan Navy would like to thank crew parents Les and Burneice Starck for housing and feeding the novice team over the weekend and also the USC alumni Club of the Nations Capital for hosting a Welcome Reception for the team on Friday evening. “We would also like to thank all those who supported our student ergathon, which raised the money to fund the tour,” said team captain Bryan Barrett.

The team also thanks the George Washington University for the invitation to participate in the regatta and the GW alumni & volunteers for installing a magnificent buoyed racecourse on the Potomac River