The Lions Rowing Club traveled south on Sunday to compete in the Long Beach Spring Regatta, their first competition of the 2007 season. The club competed in both 2000 and 1000 meter races in eights and quads and for the first time ever, every single entry came home with a medal.
In the 2000m Women's Open Eight, LionsRC raced the 2k course in 6:45.0, finishing 4 seconds ahead of Loyola Marymount University's varsity women. The Open Eight was coxed by Emina Ong and the line-up of rowers included Shelle Orem, Andria Shook, Iva Boteva, Cassandra Plas, Kathy Hein, Sara-Mai Conway, Ashley Peterson and Larissa Zavarzina.
In the 2000m Women's Masters Eight, the LionsRC "A" boat raced to cross the finish line first, but were edged out of first place after the handicapping by an older San Diego Rowing Club boat. The A boat line-up, coxed by Ilana Ostrin, included Megan Biging, Sarah Lombardo, Natalie Beglau, Judy Schaper, Sam Dillsi, Denise Cusano, Erika Anderson and AnnMarie Cody. The LionsRC "B" entry placed third, nearly 30 seconds ahead of Newport Aquatic Center. In the B boat, coxswain Liz Greenberger lead Karin Conroy, Kersten Valentine-Rothenberg, Ondine Jarl, Dianne Jones, Kathryn Riccio, Patricia Gushikuma, Susan Carle, and Laurie Groehler.
All crews competing in the 2000 meter races were excited about their results and look forward to improving upon the details over the next two weeks as they get ready for the San Diego Crew Classic.
In the 1000m events, LionsRC was again matched up with LMU's varsity women in the Open Eight. This time it was a closer battle, with LMU sprinting through the Lions in the last 10 strokes to pull off a 1.3 second win. The Lions placed second in the field of four.
In the Master's Eight, LionsRC "A" raced LionsRC "B" in a very tight race. Although the A boat crossed the line first, 3.6 seconds ahead, the B boat picked up the gold medals after the 6 second handicap was applied. Coach Sara-Mai Conway said "this was perhaps the most exciting race of the day. It was great to see that we can put two fast eights on the water and have it be anyone's race. (This race) really showcased the depth of the club."
In the Women's Master's Quads, LionsRC fared well against the masters quads from Long Beach and Newport Aquatic Center. The Lions crossed the line in first and third, but picked up Gold and Silver medals after the handicaps were applied. The first place quad was stroked by Ondine Jarl and included Karin Conroy, Denise Cusano and Patricia Gushikuma. In the second place quad were Dianne Jones, Liz Greenberger, Laurie Groehler and Betty Shimotsuka.
Full results from the day can be found at www.LongBeachRowing.org. The Lions Rowing Club will race next March 31st and April 1st at the San Diego Crew Classic. For schedules and race information, go to www.CrewClassic.org
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