IN BELLEVILLE, MI On Saturday, April 6, at Belleville Lake, the University of Michigan rowing program, rated ninth, welcomed Michigan State for a series of races. In every one of the seven events, U-M prevailed.
As the activities got underway, the weather was over 40 degrees and the seas were calm, making it an ideal morning for racing. The sun came out to warm the participants and spectators, laying the groundwork for an amazing day. Midway through the races, the winds started to kick up, although they never produced a discernible chop.
All together, the races of the day were a Maize and Blue display. With Michigan boats leading up and down the course, the winning tone was established early on and maintained throughout the varsity eight races. The Wolverines were relieved to not only win, but also do so more quickly and cleanly.
The top boat of the Spartans was trailed by over 15 seconds by U-M’s 1V8, who took the lead immediately out of the blocks. Before reaching the 500-meter mark, the second eight exposed MSU to open water. With a winning time of 6:44.0, the boat put forth a great effort and led from start to finish. A third varsity eight from U-M participated in the 1N event as well. In one of the day’s most contested events, Wolverine boats emerged victorious, finishing first and second with a margin of less than six seconds.
The fours from Michigan performed admirably as well, winning the 1V4 and 3V4 events by sizable scores. The first four set a quick early pace and maintained it throughout the competition. The first competition of the morning was the 3V4, which included a third-place finish for the U-M novice four (N4).
The Spartans trailed the Wolverines by only 4.10 seconds in the 2V4 race, which was closer. In the first quarter of the race, MSU led, but the Maize and Blue rallied, regaining the lead one seat at a time until it was close to the 1,250-meter mark.
In other competitions, the Wolverines also competed in two novice eight races. Though Michigan won both races handily, the 3V8/1N heat was the faster of the two.
Viewers who were not there at the races today can view a video featuring Big Ten Champion and U-M alum Perry Bower’s commentary on the team’s Instagram account.
