May 8, 2005

WORCESTER, Mass.—The 2005 ECAC National Invitational Rowing Championships were not completed over the weekend due to 20-mile hour winds in the first day of competition. The William Smith College varsity eight boat was the only Heron crew to hit the water, placing fourth in its heat.

After postponing all Saturday racing until Sunday, severe wind conditions enabled the regatta organizers to run only a handful of events. Of the three boats William Smith entered, only the varsity eight was able to compete.

Finishing fourth in their heat with a time of 7:06, the Herons progressed to the fourth semi-final, which was eventually cancelled by race officials. Top three finishers in their heat were Trinity (6:43), Holy Cross (6:53) and Mt. Holyoke (6:57). The Herons bested Mary Washington College (7:09) and Virginia Tech. scratched from the event.

“It is incredibly disappointing to be unable to race this weekend,” Head Coach Sandra Chu said. The Second Varsity Eight had excellent chances of a top-five finish and the varsity eight would have done well in their semi-final. The varsity four overcame some incredible challenges last weekend just to be at this event.”

“I want to acknowledge the team’s efforts this year. Even though we did not get to race our qualifier we have been a viable crew and having the opportunity to prove that was what we were hoping to have this weekend. The team deserves a lot of praise for handling the chaos of the weekend well and for being able to put together a strong season that has the team in a great position for next year.”

The Herons close out their season ranked second as both a varsity eight and a team in New York.

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