University of Minnesota Athletics
Gopher Rowing Heads South for Aramark Sprints
5/10/2006 12:00:00 AM | Rowing
The University of Minnesota rowing team heads to Oak Ridge, Tenn. to compete in the Aramark South/Central Sprints, May 13-14. Minnesota’s First Varsity Eight, Second Varsity Eight and First Varsity Four will all compete in the sprints. Minnesota is one of 21 teams competing at the sprints. Of the 21 teams, six First Varsity Eight boats are ranked in Ohio State (No. 4), Michigan (No. 6), Notre Dame (No. 13), Michigan State (No. 14), Virginia (No. 15) and Central Florida (No. 19). Tennessee, the host of the sprints is receiving votes.
Order of Events
The Maroon and Gold will compete in three races in the First Varsity Fours, First Varsity Eights and Second Varsity Eights. Each Minnesota team will compete in the morning heats as well as semifinals on Saturday. The finals will conclude the sprints on Sunday.
Race
1st Varsity Fours:
Heats: 10:00, 10:10, 10:20
Finals: 9:40, 10:50, 11:00
2nd Varsity Eights:
Heats: 10:30, 10:40, 11:00
Finals: 9, 9:50, 11:10, 11:20
1st Varsity Eights:
Heats:11:10,11:20,11:30, 11:40
Finals: 9:10, 10, 11:30, 11:40
Gophers in the Rankings
After an impressive second-place finish at the Big Ten Conference championship, the University of Minnesota First Varsity Eight boat moved up from No. 17 in the nation to a No. 9 ranking, announced by Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association and USRowing. It is the highest ranking for the Golden Gopher rowing program.
The Golden Gophers were ranked for the first time in school history last year and were ranked as high as No. 15. The Maroon and Gold finished third in the First Varsity Eight Grand Final behind Big Ten Champion Ohio State and Michigan. During the Big Ten Championships, Minnesota competed in all six Grand Finals and won three events.
Sprint Seedings
All three Golden Gopher boats are seeded in the top three in the sprints this weekend. Minnesota’s First Varsity Eight is seeded No. 3 behind Big Ten powerhouses Ohio State and Michigan. Both finished first and second in the Big Ten and are ranked in the top six in the nation. Minnesota’s Second Varsity Eight is seeded fourth behind Ohio State, Virginia and Michigan State. Tennessee, Wisconsin and Notre Dame hold the No. 5, 6 and 7 seeds in the 2V8. Big Ten Champion Minnesota’s First Varsity Four holds the top seed in their respective race.
