Port of Los Angeles, Calif, – April 21 –
The USC Men’s Crew returned to good form to successfully defend
the George Gordon Cup in convincing fashion at the USC Invitational
Regatta on Saturday. The Trojan Navy also brought home victory in the
Collegiate Men’s Novice Eights event.
USC won the men’s varsity eights race by almost two boat lengths
ahead of Loyola Marymount, Sacramento State, and UC Santa Barbara.
“LMU and Sacramento State seriously pushed us early,” said
Trojan coxswain Emily Chin. “We really did not establish a rhythm
until almost 600 meters into the race and then the crew lifted.”
With USC moving over a length out in front of the pack, the race was
on for second with LMU just nipping Sacramento State in the final sprint.
USC varsity coach Joe Richards said his crew could still improve more.
“Watching this race I am convinced we have more to deliver.”
Varsity Eights for the George Gordon Cup:
1. USC ‘A’ 6:07.03
2. LMU 6:12.79
3. Sac State 6:13.03
4. UCSB 6:18.56
5. USC ‘B’ 6:43.75
Four crews contested the novice event for first-year collegiate rowers
and it was an intensely close affair after 400 meters of racing. USC
increased its power at the 500-meter mark and began moving away from
the pack. The race soon became a procession for the Trojans who went
on to win by seven boat lengths.
“It felt good to win some shirts again,” said novice stroke
Collin Evans. “Our start was not as clean as we have worked on
in practice but we were able to sustain some good boat speed in the
body of the race.”
USC novice captain Ryan Moore said the crew had knuckled down and worked
hard on the ergs during the week. “Most of us improved our 2000m
erg scores dramatically last week and we are looking to get everyone’s
erg score under 6:40 this week.”
Earlier in the day LMU contested UCSB in varsity fours:
Varsity Fours:
1. UCSB 7:15.25
2. LMU 7:21.23
Next up for the Trojan Navy is the annual duel with UCLA for the Hillen
Cup on Ballona Creek (Marina del Rey) on Saturday, April 28. Races begin
at 8AM and conclude at 9:30AM.
