Dave Specca

​

The Crew traveled for Philadelphia this weekend to race in the Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta. Rutgers raced in the Novice 8, Varsity Pair and Varsity 8 events this weekend against some tough competition from all over the Country.

The Varsity pair started the Regatta for Rutgers and started it with a bang. They finished 1st in their heat advancing to the Grand Final on Saturday. In the Grand Final Rutgers was able to get ahead of most of the pack but battled Merchant Marine Academy from wire to wire. Merchant Marine was able to stay just ahead of the Rutgers Pair but that still landed Rutgers on the Medal dock for the first time since the Varsity 8 won the event in 1944. Congratulations to Seniors Gavin and Clayton for an awesome performance and a great 4 years as oarsmen on the Banks.

The Novice 8 drew the fastest heat of the day and even with a well rowed race was edged out of 2nd place in the heat by West Point who finished just 0.5 seconds ahead of the Rutgers boat. The Novices raced again on Saturday in the Petite Final and were able to win that even by 15 seconds. While winning the petite was bitter sweet the Novices rowed well and we look forward to what they can accomplish in the years to come!

The Varsity 8 also had a tough heat Friday morning. They placed 4th which sent them to the Repachage on Friday Afternoon. After being frustrated with their performance in the Heat Rutgers came out swigging and was able to win the Repachage and advance into the Semi-finals on Saturday. The Semi-final was a fast race and despite being tired from the day before Rutgers was able to advance to the Petite final. In the Final Rutgers put on a very strong showing, getting into their rhythm early in the race and inching every crew on the river all the way down the course. Rutgers finished 3rd with closed water to Marietta who took second behind Jacksonville. The Varsity gave it their all after a long weekend of Racing and looks forward to ACRAs where they hope for another strong performance.

UPSTREAM RED TEAM!