Members of the Lions Rowing Club just returned from the prestigious Head of the Charles Regatta in Boston, MA as the fastest Women's "Club" 8+, having placed second to the University of Tennessee in the Women's Club Eights race on Saturday.
The Lions blew off the starting line at a solid rate 32, rapidly gaining on the second place starters from Ireland, the University of Ireland Galway. To avoid having to pass them before the Boston University Bridge, (against the rules of the race course) the Lion crew had to power down for approximately 20 strokes and then overtake the Irish after the bridge. "It was tough to bring down the pressure because the clock had already started," said 7-seat Sara-Mai Conway, "but something unexpected always happens at the Charles, and you just have to do your best."
The Lions powered through the remaining stretch of the course, hoping to gain ground on first place starters, the University of Tennessee. Although they closed the gap, the Lions fell less than 2 seconds short at the finish line. "It's still a finish to be proud of," claimed head coach Guillermo Lemus, "we can still say that we were the fastest club out there - Tennessee is a top Division I collegiate team who trains at least 6 times a week, so we're happy to have finished so close."
Although the Lions were pushing for first, it was a boost to the squad to have stayed on top of fellow club rivals, Lake Washington and Austin Rowing Club, both of whom have been great competitors for the Lions throughout the summer sprint racing. The icing on the cake includes an automatic entry for next year's Charles, which rowers and coaching staff alike are already clamoring to fill. Selection will be wide open since members of this year's crew will now have to race in the Championship category in 2007. "It's great for the club," said Conway, "our goal is to have a perpetual entry in this event that can place in the top 5% every year. This is an excellent start for us."
Members of the silver medal winning crew included Coxswain Emina Ong (UCLA '05), 8 seat Shelle Orem (Cal '04), 7 seat Sara-Mai Conway (Tufts '98), 6 seat Ivelina Boteva (USC '03), 5 seat Andria Shook (USC '04), 4 seat Natalie Beglau (USC '05), 3 seat Becky Hudson (LionsRC), 2 seat Susie Kloet (Michigan State '04) and Bow Seat Larissa Zavarzina (Russia '80). Several members of the eight will travel to Lake Natoma on October 28th to race at the Head of the American in sculling events. The boat is looking to compete as an eight again at Newport Autumn Rowing Festival on November 12th.
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