May 16, 2009

Finals Heat Sheets
Semifinal Results
Preliminary Results

OAK RIDGE, Tenn. - The third-ranked Michigan State rowing program qualified both its varsity eight and second varsity eight crews for tomorrow's Grand Finals at the Aramark South/Central Regional Sprints on Saturday (May 16) at Melton Hill Lake, keeping them in contention to defend their Central Region title from a season ago. Both crews will race for the Sprints title tomorrow, starting with the second varsity eight race at 11:30 a.m. The Spartans' varsity four and second varsity four, along with the novice eight crew, all qualified for tomorrow's Petite Finals, giving each crew a chance to place as high as seventh at the event.

"I think we need to come out with a little bit more passion tomorrow; it seemed like our team was just punching the time clock and not racing with a competitive edge," head coach Matt Weise said. "I think that if we can get the team focused, we will have a much better competition in the finals tomorrow."

The Spartans began the day with the preliminary heats in each of the races. MSU's three NCAA boats - the varsity eight, the second varsity eight and varsity four - all won their preliminary heats. The Big Ten Champion varsity eight crew won its heat by nearly seven seconds over second-place Minnesota after it clocked in at 6:25.80, advancing the crew to semifinal competition.

The second varsity eight followed suit by dominating its heat after clocking in at 6:28.00, 7.12 seconds ahead of the their next closest competitor in heat, Tennessee. The second varsity eight's time was the best amongst 2V8 crews in the preliminary heats as their time was better than all 19 opponents in the morning session.

The varsity four, which was looking to rebound from a disappointing fifth-place finish at the Big Ten Championships, won its heat with a time of 7:10.01, just ahead of Wisconsin, a crew that had topped the varsity four at Big Tens. In fact, of the 19 teams in the preliminary heats of the varsity four race, the Spartan crew finished with the second-best time.

Both the novice eight and second varsity four each finished third in their heats with times of 6:46.33 and 7:19.02, respectively.

The varsity eight entered the afternoon semifinals in the fastest of the groupings, pitting them against Virginia, Ohio State, Louisville, Iowa and Kansas State. The Spartans clocked in at 6:09.50, 14 seconds faster than its time in the preliminary heats, but still finished third in the heat behind both Virginia and Ohio State. Despite the third-place nod, the crew still qualifies for tomorrow's Grand Final in the event, scheduled for 11:50 a.m.

The only other crew to advance to tomorrow's Grand Finals was the second varsity eight. After winning its heat in the preliminary races, the second varsity eight placed second in its semifinal race with a time of 6:09.03, trailing only Virginia. That time advances the Spartans to tomorrow's Grand Final, slated to begin at 11:30 a.m.

The remaining three crews - the novice eight, the second varsity four and the varsity four - all qualified for the Petite Final in their respective races. The three will compete for a chance to finish anywhere from seventh to 12th in their respective races.

The varsity four placed fourth in its semifinal heat with a time of 7:00.20, finishing behind Virginia, Clemson and Notre Dame. The second varsity four was fifth in its heat with a time of 7:23.57 while the novice eight also finished fifth with a time of 6:40.50.

The action for the Spartans will resume tomorrow morning at 10:20 a.m. with Petite Final of the second varsity four race. For a complete recap of tomorrow's races, check back with www.msuspartans.com .