Nov. 15, 2009

Columbus, Ohio - Michigan State wrapped up its fall rowing schedule on Sunday afternoon in Columbus with Indiana and Dayton in addition to host Ohio State. The Spartans raced well, earning high praise from their head coach and winning all but one race among their top three boats. The format of Sunday racing was a series of set pieces for each of the varsity boats and novice eight. Dayton sent just a varsity eight and novice eight, while the Big Ten institutions all raced three eights and a novice eight.

"Today was a great way to wrap up our fall racing," said head coach Matt Weise. "I thought our athletes were a lot better today from the last time we raced two weeks ago. A good fall will hopefully give us a good foundation for what we'd like to accomplish in our spring season."

The varsity eight won all of its races, the smallest margin coming by a length of open water. Weise was impressed by the boat sticking to the race plan and achieving their goal of being aggressive. The 2V8, Weise thought came out too aggressive in its early race, but ended up winning five of six overall on the day. The third varsity eight improved with every piece, and also completed the day without being beaten by the OSU or Indiana crews. In addition to the varsity boats, the novice eight got work in against three other novice crews.

Now that the fall non-traditional competition season is completed, the Spartans turn to winter training and looking forward to the start of the 2010 season. Michigan State is the two-time defending Big Ten Champion (2008, 2009), and will host the Big Ten Championship regatta this May.