Oct. 12, 2009

Looking to build on a solid opening performance this fall, the UMass Lowell rowing team went on the road Saturday and came back with a boatful of medals.

Again lead by senior Dan Brooks, who notched back to back victories in the open single and crushed the field by a full 36 seconds, the River Hawks took a total of three gold medals and one silver at the New Hampshire State Championships in Pembroke, NH Saturday.

Almost as impressive as Brooks in the single were the performances of the novice boats. Consisting largely of freshmen and novice second-semester rowers, the new River Hawks won gold in the Women’s Novice Four, gold in the Men’s Novice Eight, and silver in the Women’s Novice Eight.

“Only a month ago most of these rowers had never touched an oar let alone raced in a team boat representing their school,” said Novice Coach Ed Moran. “In just the second race of their lives they left the regatta wearing medals and smiles.”

The rookie River Hawks’ results were backed by strong performances in the Varsity Men’s and Women’s boats. In a tough field of seventeen Open Fours, the River Hawk men finished sixth overall, followed by a twelfth-place finish by the Women’s Four.

“The best part about today was the successes across the board. We had great showings in all the events, and that really evidences the depth of the program we’re trying to build," said head coach Veronika Platzer. "It was definitely a treat to hear medals clinking around the River Hawks’ necks this afternoon.”

The River Hawks will travel to Boston next weekend to compete Saturday in the prestigious Head of the Charles Regatta. For more information and race times visit www.hocr.org.