Dave Specca

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The Rutgers Crew capped off the fall season with a competitive workout with Bucknell at home on the Raritan. Bucknell travelled with 3 Varsity 8s and 2 Freshman/Novice 8s. The 3 Varsity 8s raced against the Rutgers 1V 2V and 3V between the turnpike bridge and Route 1. The 2 Bucknell Freshman boats raced against the 3 Rutgers Freshman 8s. All boats were competitive with the highlight being 2 Rutgers Freshman Boats beating all of the Bucknell boats on many of the pieces. Always exciting to have Freshman Boats going fast in the fall! The Varsity was able to keep their bow in front of the Bucknell Varsity for 5 of 7 pieces and the 2V & 3V were competitive with the Bucknell boats although Bucknell 2V may have had slightly more speed. Overall it was a breeze but bright and successful day for the Red Team!

The team now has 3 weeks on the water where they will mix lineups and compete in the famous "points system". Lineups are drawn each day, at random. For the workout the fastest boat gets 7, next boat receives 5 and slowest boat receives 3. After 3 weeks of random lineups the better boat movers will have more points. Bragging rights are on the line!

While the Varsity boats duel it out the Freshman will be taking a step back and using the last few weeks to try and cement in proper boat technique as well as working on intensity on the water. The Freshman class is showing good promise and the coaches look forward to a successful spring for the Frosh 8, if they continue on their current path. The Freshman groups is still about 30 oarsman and 3 coxswains, which is a great size group for this late in the Fall.

The Final water practice will be Saturday 11/23 where the freshman will test their boat speed against the Varsity boats with 6 8s across. Its is sure to be an exciting day!