Alabama
Eastern Michigan
Alabama Rowing Sweeps Eastern Michigan on Senior Day
3/4/2023 2:24:00 PM | Rowing
The Crimson Tide finished first in every race and concluded the day celebrating its senior class
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Alabama rowing hit its home water on the Black Warrior River Saturday morning, sweeping Eastern Michigan in its first and only home race of the spring season.
In the first race of the day, Alabama's 4V8+ held off Eastern Michigan's 3V8+ as the Crimson Tide crew secured the victory over the Eagles. The Crimson Tide swept the 4s race, with its 1V4+ boat leading the pack and Alabama's 2V4+ crew following behind as Eastern Michigan came through last.
UA's 3V8+ squad crossed ahead of Eastern Michigan's 2V8+ boat, before the Tide's 2V8+ and 1V8+ rowed first-second, respectively, past the Golden Eagles' 1V8+ crew to conclude the morning of racing, as well as solidify the dual race sweep.
Saturday's events also featured the senior day ceremony as the Crimson Tide honored its six seniors and graduate students: Saskia Dammersmith, Emma Ewell, Blythe Markel, Gianna Rucki, Kristen Rupinen and Rachel Tullis.
From Head Coach Glenn Putyrae
"We have an amazing venue and when the weather is cooperating and the sun is shining, there's not a better place to be. I thought today was a great day on the Black Warrior River. I think our team did a good job of doing what they do every day, which is one of the things we, as a staff, have been working with them on – whether it's practice or race day, your approach shouldn't be different, and I think they did a great job of that today. The more we can be consistent in what we do, and the longer we can keep that consistency, the better off we'll be later in the season. This is the class that had their first season cut short (due to Covid cancellations), the same class that had their second season be very challenging and the same class that has faced a ton of resiliency when it comes to external things that they can't control. For them to have made it to this point and to now be seeing and having success in their senior year is really awesome. I think this senior class's greatest gift will be how they demonstrated, endured and overcame that resiliency."
Results
All times were impacted by the Black Warrior River's strong current on Saturday morning.
- 8s Race (2,000 meters)
- 1st - Alabama 4V8: 9:12
- 2nd - Eastern Michigan 3V8: 9:55
- 4s Race (2,000 meters)
- 1st – Alabama 1V4: 9:34.85
- 2nd – Alabama 2V4: 9:42.38
- 3rd – Eastern Michigan 1V4: 12:01.34
- 8s Race (2,000 meters)
- 1st – Alabama 3V8: 8:48.70
- 2nd – Eastern Michigan 2V8: 9:38.70
- 8s Race (2,000 meters)
- 1st – Alabama 2V8: 8:10.63
- 2nd – Alabama 1V8: 8:15.99
- 3rd – Eastern Michigan 1V8: 9:02.68
Alabama Boat Lineups
- 1V8: Rachel Tullis, Kelsey Matsen, Jillian O'Meara, Lizzie Hall, Ryan Hendrzak, Ellie Alexopoulous, Hannah Bennett, Dani French, Emma Ewell (cox)
- 2V8: Ella Kemna, Emma Burnley, Brooke Barlow, Lauren Lowe, Blythe Markel, Halye, Mary Czaja, Gianna Rucki, Ashley Sizelove (cox)
- 3V8: Peyton Hulsewe, Victoria Laub, Rachel Fuller, Ava Almerico, Kristina Noje, Taylor Vander Horn, Lauren Hall, Jayden Grisaffe, Riley Minor (cox)
- 4V8: Kendall Hamm, Abigail Tanner, Olivia Lestelle, Reagan Lennon, Emily Holcombe, Ella Koors, Jenna Marie Brames, Katy Kennefick, Reagan Labiak (cox)
- 1V4: Emma Shenkenberg (cox), Kristen Rupinen, Michala Struble, Raegan Beightol, Sophie Coutant
- 2V4: Lauren Schneiderman (cox), Emma Voelkerding, Abby Pesansky, Shelby Schoeman, Mandy Moran
Up Next
- Alabama will take a weekend off before traveling to Oak Ridge, Tenn., for the Cardinal Invitational, March 18-19
For the latest information on the team, follow @AlabamaRow on Twitter and Instagram and Alabama Rowing on Facebook. General athletic news can also be found at UA_Athletics on Twitter and Instagram and AlabamaAthletics on Facebook.
Players Mentioned
