Trojans set new course record to defend Norris Cup.

November 5, 2005 – Port of Los Angeles, CA – In sunny Southern California conditions, USC set a new course record to retain the Norris Cup, awarded to the winner of the National Collegiate Club Championships, raced from San Pedro to Wilmington on Saturday. The UC Berkeley lightweight crew finished second, Long Beach State third and San Diego State was fourth.


Port of Los Angeles

Crews were aligned at 11:00am for a racing start. USC quickly pushed to an early lead of the 3 mile race and was immediately challenged by Long Beach State at the outset. However, USC’s Emily Chin got the better of Long Beach in the coxswain’s battle, steering her sixty foot shell directly at the first bend and taking the shortest route to the finish flag.

With Long Beach slightly off course and pushing San Diego State wide along with them, the Cal Lightweights quickly moved into second position, which it held for the remainder of the race. As crews raced under Vincent Thomas Bridge, approximately half-way down the course, the battle commenced between Long Beach State and San Diego State for the bronze medal position.

Long Beach’s coxswain appeared plagued with difficulties. With the coxbox not functioning, the coxswain communicated with her crew using hand signals, which were enough to help her crew finish third.

RESULTS: National Collegiate Club Championships
Winners awarded the Kenneth Norris Cup
1. USC
2. UC Berkeley L/ws
3. Long Beach St
4. San Diego St.

The USC Trojans were especially pleased with the win to honor their new varsity coach Joe Richards.


Norris Cup

The USC Trojans
National Collegiate Club Champions
Cox Emily Chin
Stroke Bryan Barrett
7. Kevin Lorell
6. Alan Thesenvitz
5. Sterliong Brisbin
4. Adam Fish
3. Taylor Coats
2. Zach Franklin
bow Lee McAuliffe
Coach Joe Richards

After a brief period in which the rowers will be allowed to hold on to the Norris Cup, it will go on display at the offices of the Norris Foundation in Long Beach, CA.

USC is now looking forward to hosting the National Collegiate Club Championships again in 2006 and anticipates drawing crews from across the country. “We will be sending special invitations for next year’s race to the University of Viginia, Boston College, Purdue and UMASS,” said USC Head Coach and race organizer Gene Kininmonth. “In conjunction with the Newport Autumn Rowing Festival, it really makes for a great weekend of racing for any visiting team.”

USC will offer shells and accommodations and pay NARF entry fees to crews visiting from the East Coast.