Varsity Eights Win in Alabama

April 3, 2010

TUSCALOOSA, Ala.—The University of Oklahoma rowing team won races on the Black Warrior River Saturday. OU faced against Alabama and Old Dominion in five races.

The first varsity eight carried its momentum from the San Diego Crew Classic to place first in its race. Oklahoma posted a time of six minutes, 37.5 seconds to finish ahead of Alabama (6:41.6) and Old Dominion (6:57.7).

The Sooners grabbed a second varsity victory with the second varsity eight. OU won by three seconds with a time of 7:05.0 to Alabama's 7:08.4. ODU placed third at 7:12.3.

"I'm extremely proud of how we raced today, especially in the varsity and second varsity eights,” Head Coach Leeanne Crain said. “This was the first time this season where we stayed committed to the race plan and didn't let up the intensity at any point in the race.

In the closest race of the day, Oklahoma's first novice eight who was coming off of a third place finish at the Crew Classic, finished behind Alabama by one second. The Sooners crossed the line at 7:02.1 behind Alabama at 7:01.0.

The second novice eight was also able to get back on the water Saturday, finishing behind Alabama, 7:40.9-to-7:34.4.

"The first novice eight suffered a heartbreaking loss in the final stretch,” said Crain. “Both novice eights are racing well considering we've pulled some of the top freshmen into our varsity program. Coach Derrick is doing a really good job with the development of our novice class."

Oklahoma's first varsity four raced for the first time in two weeks to finish third in the four team race. Alabama “A” was first (7:58.5), Alabama “B” second (8:03.2), Oklahoma (8:07.9) and ODU (8:26.8).

“We had a great week of training leading into the weekend which allowed us to approach the race with a little more confidence and belief in ourselves,” said Crain. "It was also a special day for Coach Traub, who left her post at
Alabama last summer to join our staff at OU. She's been working alongside me with the varsity boats and has definitely helped us get faster."

Oklahoma has next weekend off before heading to Oak Ridge, Tenn. for the SIRA Championships.

Results

First Varsity Eight	Second Varsity Eight	Varsity Four
1) Oklahoma 6:37.5	1) Oklahoma 7:05.5	1) Alabama "A" 7:58.5
2) Alabama 6:46.1	2) Alabama 7:08.4	2) Alabama "B" 8:03.2
3) Old Dominion 6:57.5	3) Old Dominion 7:12.3	3) Oklahoma 8:07.9
		4) Old Dominion 8:26.8

First Novice Eight	Second Novice Eight
1) Alabama 7:01.0	1) Alabama 7:34.4
2) Oklahoma 7:02.1	2) Oklahoma 7:40.9

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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