Lakers turn in respectable performance at Vails
The 2010 Aberdeen Dad Vail Regatta and the Laker Navy saw plenty of hard racing, great expectations, high winds and the gamut of emotions. GVSU’s 2010 Dad Vail fleet consisted of the two flagships, the Men and Women’s Varsity Eights, Women’s DII Varsity Eight, Men’s Varsity Four, Women’s DII/DIII Varsity Four, Men’s Pair, Men and Women’s Frosh/Novice Eights, and Men’s Frosh/Novice Four.
Of the nine boats entered, eight went on to race in the semi-finals on Saturday. All four women’s entries made it to the Grand Finals. Every member of the Women’s Varsity team and 11 of the 15 member women’s novice squad raced in a Dad Vail Grand Final. The Men’s Varsity Four sprinted under the wire in their Grand Final to the sound of “GV-SU” and then rowed away from the awards dock with the coveted Dad Vail Gold and cheers echoing after them.
In a Grand Final full of unisuits and Varsity DI programs, the Novice Women’s Eight placed 4th wearing their blue T-shirts just ahead of Delaware and 11 seconds ahead of their club counter-part, Purdue. After an impressive semi-final photo finish and regatta delays, the Women’s DII/III Varsity Four placed 6th out of 27 schools. The DII Women’s Varsity Eight and Women’s Open Varsity Eight both battled hard but came up short of the goals they set for themselves earlier in the year, finishing 5th out of 11 and 5th out of 36, respectively. Much frustration was felt amongst those two boats but that frustration will only turn into motivation over the next few weeks leading up to ACRA and the Women’s Henley Royal Regatta.
On the men’s side, both Novice boats earned valuable racing experience and got a taste of Dad Vail racing which will only intensify their already incredible work ethic and drive. The men’s pair gave it their all but was unable to make it out of the semi-final. After three close races the Men’s Varsity Eight placed second in the petite final. A result that will only add more fuel to the fire they have been building. They will have another chance to the light the match at the ACRA Championship Regatta May 22, 2010 in Oklahoma City.
