Cardinals to Host Kentucky State Rowing Championship Sunday
April 25, 2003 | Rowing
April 25, 2003
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - For the second consecutive year, the Kentuckiana area will be able to witness two of the region's top collegiate rowing programs as the University of Louisville will play host to the Kentucky State Rowing Championship Sunday morning. The sold-out event is part of the Derby Festival this year.
The Cards, who were ranked 29th in the CRCA/US Rowing national poll two weeks ago, will compete in six races against Murray State on the Ohio River near Six Mile Island.
The Second Novice 8+ squads will open the competition with a 2000-meter race starting at 9:30 a.m. The First Novice 8+ teams will race at 9:40, followed by the Varsity 8+ competition at 9:50. Three 500-meter sprints involving the same six boats, although with slightly different lineups, will begin at 9:55 and will be spaced five minutes apart.
"This is a great opportunity to see how far the sport of rowing has grown in Louisville," said U of L head coach Richard Ruggieri. "The amount of interest and support is evident as over 800 fans will join us on the Belle of Louisville. This is truly an event for all to enjoy."
Last year, 350 fans were able to watch aboard the Spirit of Jefferson as the Cardinals narrowly defeated the Racers in the Novice 8+ race before unrowable waters canceled the remaining three events.
Due to the increase in support, spectators this year will be able to enjoy a morning cruise on the Belle of Louisville as it travels to the race venue at Six Mile Island. From there, fans will be able to cheer the teams through the finish line. All 800 boarding tickets have been sold for the event.
While on the Belle, fans will be treated to a breakfast and will also be eligible to win many door prizes. Several other activities are planned, such as racing against other fans on the erg machines, and a live band will provide musical entertainment.
"Louisville Rowing will be honoring its athletes all weekend with an awards banquet and boat dedications," said Ruggieri. "The novice team will complete a very successful season under Coach (Laurie) Featherstone and prepare for varsity competition. The varsity will continue on to the NCAA Regionals in hope of breaking the top 25 and earning an invite to the nationals. The level of speed for all continues to increase and a sense of excitement is clearly visible."
Louisville and Murray State are the only two schools in Kentucky that sponsor NCAA Division I rowing.
