Oct. 12, 1997

Spartans Claim Third in Open Eight Competition

EAST LANSING, Mich. -- All four Michigan State boats finished in the top nine in their respective races today in the first competition as a varsity sport in the Head of the Rock regatta in Rockford, Ill.

The competition was highlighted by a third-place finish in the open eight competition. The top Spartan boaty completed the approximate three-mile course in 18 minutes, 58.9 seconds, trailing only two Wisconsin boats. In addition, five of the eight rowers in the MSU boat had already been through a race earlier in the day.

Michigan State had a second eight finish seventh in that race, which included 14 boats.

In the open four competition, which included 25 boats, Michigan State placed boats in fourth and seventh place.

"Today was completely successful for us," said head coach Bebe Bryans of her crew's debut. "We were able to accomplish everything we set out to do, mainly to gain experience and see where we stood with our competition."

Michigan State returns to action next Saturday, Oct. 18, at the Head of the Eagle in Indianapolis.

TOP NINE OPEN EIGHT FINISHERS (OF 14)
1.  Wisconsin           18:25.4
2.  Wisconsin II        18:54.4
3.  Michigan State      18:58.9
4.  Iowa                19:24.9
5.  Grand Valley State  19:48.6
6.  Marquette           20:05.7
7.  Indiana             20:06.9
8.  Iowa II             20:24.4
9.  Michigan State II   20:27.9
TOP SEVEN OPEN FOUR FINISHERS (OF 25)
1.  Wisconsin           18:32.6
2.  Iowa                18:35.5
3.  Iowa II             18:54.2
4.  Michigan State      19:04.8
5.  Iowa III            19:25.7
6.  Wisconsin II        19:40.9
7.  Michigan State II   19:57.1

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