Gonzaga University
WIRA Championships
Zags Win Two Golds; Qualify For The National Championships
5/3/2009 12:00:00 AM | Men's Crew
May 3, 2009
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - It was perfect ending to a successful weekend for the men's rowing team as the Varsity 8+ and Junior Varsity 8+ won gold and the Novice 8+ captured silver as the 2009 WIRA Championships came to a close on Sunday. With the wins, the Varsity 8+ and Junior Varsity 8+ both earned automatic berths to the IRA National Championships set for June 4-6.
"We had an extremely successful day and a fantastic weekend overall," stated head coach Dan Gehn. "Our team came into the championships with a goal and they achieved that goal today, having two boats earn berths into the national championships. I couldn't be happier with the outcome."
Gehn's Varsity 8+ boat put together a gutsy performance to edge out UC San Diego for the marquee win. The Zags were leading the race until UCSD overcame them at the 1,200-meter mark. The Bulldogs never faltered though, keeping their composure and rowing through the Tritons for the one second victory.
Gonzaga had a time nearly identically to its heat race finish on Saturday, clocking in at 5:59.3. GU finished yesterday's heat race with a 5:59.2 mark. UC San Diego tool silver at 6:00.3 and the University of San Diego rounded out the top three with a mark of 6:06.3. All three squads advance to the IRA National Championships.
The Bulldogs Junior Varsity 8+ easily captured their victory, winning their race by nearly five seconds at 6:21.0. UC San Diego again placed second to the Zags, crossing the finish line at 6:26.9. UC Davis earned the bronze at 6:31.7.
The Novice 8+ put together a strong race but could not overcome Orange Coast College who captured the victory in a time of 6:03.9. Gonzaga held off Washington State University for the silver with a finish of 6:08.6. WSU claimed third at 6:11.1.
Gonzaga earned the Junior Varsity 8+ automatic qualifier by taking first on Sunday. Despite a great weekend, the Zag Novice 8+ will now have to wait until May 18th to see if it garners an at-large bid for the IRA's.
Pat Swihart, Brendan McCarthy and Greg Malman all garnered All-WIRA first team accolades, while Brian Franceschi was tabbed for the All-WIRA second team.
WIRA CHAMPIONSHIPS - DAY 2 RESULTS (Grand Finals)
Varsity 8+
1. Gonzaga, 5:59.3
2. UC San Diego, 6:00.3
3. San Diego, 6:06.3
4. Sacramento State, 6:10.0
5. UC Davis, 6:11.5
6. Santa Clara, 6:14.7
Junior Varsity 8+
1. Gonzaga, 6:21.0
2. UC San Diego, 6:26.9
3. UC Davis, 6:31.7
4. UC Irvine, 6:34.2
5. Orange Coast, 6:35.0
6. Colorado, 6:48.2
Novice 8+
1. Orange Coast, 6:03.9
2. Gonzaga, 6:08.6
3. Washington State, 6:11.1
4. San Diego, 6:13.6
5. UC Davis, 6:23.1
6. UC Santa Barbara, 6:23.7
Lineups for WIRA's:
Varsity 8+: Alex Chalk, Greg Malman, Brendan McCarthy, Andrew Krug, Pat Swihart, Benjamin Schwarz, Matt White, Mike Anderson, Connor Wege.
Junior Varsity 8+: Sean Finerty, Neil Coppinger, Pat Moran, Julian Stefanski, Will Griffith, Brian Franceschi, KC Anderson, Nick Willard, Sean Ryan.
Novice 8+: Chris Light, Connor Murphy, Jeremy Lazzara, Colt Kesselring, Marc Bales, Sam Freedgood, Jake Avella, Tyler Mendiola, Scott Selfridge.
