April 5, 2011

East Lansing, Mich. - The Michigan State first varsity eight boat claimed Big Ten Boat of the Week honors on April 5, with the recognition coming after defeating Boston University, Indiana and Gonzaga to win the Dale England Cup last weekend on Lake Lemon in Bloomington, Ind.

The Spartan boat of Laura Cowal, Bree Walkowiak, Michelle Neuder, Kellie LaPointe, Michelle Sosa, Bree Ann Breton, Stephanie Bochenek, Alex Maibusch and coxswain Amanda McGeachie swept its competition and helped MSU sweep all races in the two-day Dale England Cup at Indiana last weekend. No MSU boat failed to claim victory this weekend, but the varsity eight had some of the largest margins, including a 30-second victory over Gonzaga, 28-seconds over Boston University, and 3/4 of a length against host and Big Ten rival Indiana. MSU captured the Dale England Cup for the second time in three seasons after not competing in the race last year.

This is the first weekly honor for the Spartans this season, who have two weekends of racing beneath their belts as they prepare to host Minnesota and Wisconsin this weekend at Lake Ovid. Racing begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday morning

2011 Big Ten Boats of the Week

March 22: Minnesota Second Varsity Eight
March 29: Indiana First Varsity Eight
April 5: Michigan State First Varsity Eight