Men's Rowing | June 2, 2024

WEST WINDSOR, N.J. - The La Salle University men's rowing team closed the championship season strong on Sunday at IRA National Championships. The varsity eight set a new program mark by finishing 17th overall, as the Explorers had all three of their boats that competed close in the Top 20 nationally.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• The second varsity eight took part in the D final and immediately moved into third place through 500 meters, nearly four-tenths of a second behind third-place UC San Diego.
• The Explorers had a strong middle portion of the race, gaining nearly a full second on first-place Wisconsin and sprinting past UC San Diego, Jacksonville, and Santa Clara.
• Down the stretch, the Explorers held their pace relatively well but could not close the gap with the Badgers.
• Wisconsin and La Salle dominated the rest of the field for clear first and second places, as the Explorers fell by just 2.6 seconds.
• The finish for the 2V8 secured the 20th spot nationally, which outdid its seed of 22nd coming into the event.
• La Salle concluded its participation at IRA's with the Varsity Eight C Final, and the crew got off to a strong start.
• Through 1,000 meters, the Explorers held a strong third position behind just Cornell and Columbia, and ahead of Navy and Drexel.
• La Salle still held a nearly one-second lead over the Dragons at the 1,500-meter mark, but could not hang on and finished 5th in the final and 17th overall in the event.
• The 17th-place showing also beat the seed of 19 that the Explorers came into IRA's with, and edges last season's 18th-place finish at IRA's as the program's top mark.

RACE RESULTS
Second Varsity Eight - D Final
1. Wisconsin - 5:55.259
2. La Salle - 5:57.873
3. UC San Diego - 6:07.236

Varsity Eight - C Final
3. Navy - 5:47.556
4. Drexel - 5:49.049
5. La Salle - 5:50.049
6. Georgetown - 5:51.026

UP NEXT

• The Explorers set their sights on international competition and the program's first-ever appearance at Henley Royal Regatta. 
• The event, which will take place in Henley-on-Thames, England, will take place on July 2-7.
• To contribute to the fundraising effort for the team's trip, please click on this link to make your donation today.