University of Louisville
at Head of the Chattahoochee
Rowing Ends Fall Season on a Strong Note
November 03, 2002 | Rowing
Nov. 3, 2002
GAINESVILLE, Ga. - The University of Louisville rowing team proved to itself that it could compete with the region's elite programs as the Cardinals wrapped up their fall season over the weekend in Gainesville, Ga.
On Saturday at the Head of the Chattahoochee Regatta, Louisville overcame interference from another crew and still managed to finish eighth overall in the Championship 8+ race. The Cardinals' three-mile time of 19:03.2 was the sixth fastest time among collegiate teams, with Tennessee recording the fastest time of 18:25.0. The Canadian National Team won the 21-boat race in 17:48.5.
In the Club 4+ race, the Cardinals placed fourth out of 39 boats with a time of 21:19.5. Tennessee won the race in 20:30.7, while Duke (21:04.1) was second and Clemson (21:16.6) third.
U of L finished the day with a third-place finish in the Championship 4+ competition with a time of 20:36.9. Tennessee won the 26-boat race with a time of 20:26.1, while Duke was second in 20:33.3.
On Sunday, Louisville competed at the Chattahoochee Chase and came away with a third-place finish in the Varsity 8+ race. The Cardinals' time of 15:53 was tops among collegiate crews, with the Canadian National Team's top two crews the only boats with better times.
"With the exception of the interference in Saturday's race, we had a great weekend," said head coach Richard Ruggieri. "We are definitely getting closer to competing with the top teams in the Southern Region. Overall, we responded well and I am extremely pleased with our efforts this fall."
The Cardinals concluded their successful fall campaign with six gold-medal performances. U of L placed among the top three in 16 of 20 races, including a stellar third-place finish at the Head of the Charles Regatta, the world's largest two-day rowing event.
