Rutgers raced into the Grand Finals for both the Varsity 8 and 2nd Varsity 8 events at the Dad Vail Regatta held on the Cooper River in Camden, NJ.

Reaching the Grand Final in both the Varsity 8 and 2nd Varsity 8 demonstrates exceptional progress and program depth as Rutgers was the only non-varsity/non-scholarship program strong enough to achieve this result.

The Varsity 8 finished 7th in the time trial, earning a spot in the semi-finals. The semi final was won by eventual Grand Final winner Drexel, less than a length in front of the fight for the last spot between Rutgers and perennial Grand Finalist Colgate. Only a bow ball separated the two crews as Rutgers finished in front, becoming the only non-varsity, non-scholarship crew to make the final. In the final Rutgers finished 6th, 4 seconds behind 4th place Western Ontario and 5th place St. Joseph’s.

The Rutgers 2nd Varsity finished a disappointing 9th in their time trial, but came back in the semi-finals to finish 3rd and earn a spot in the Grand Final. Temple won the Grand Final with Rutgers 6th.

The Rutgers Third Varsity entry finished 4th in their Grand Final, while the Rutgers entry in the Novice 4+ event finished 6th in the Grand Final.