Rowing: Irish boats claim top 3 spots from Kansas
By: CHRISTINE ARMSTRONG
Sports Writer
After an impressive finish last weekend in the Milwaukee River Challenge, the Irish rowed into the top three spots over Kansas in this weekend's races on the St. Joseph River.
Cassie Markstahler (cox), Natalie Ladine, Ashlee Warren, Elizabeth Specht, Alice Bartek, Becky Luckett, Erica Drennen, Kerri Murphy and Kathleen Welsh led the Notre Dame A boat to a first-place finish in 13 minutes, 39.35 seconds.
The varsity B crew of Kathryn Long (cox), Kati Sedun, Ann Marie Dillhoff, Casey Buckstaff, Meghan Boyle, Diane Price, Meredith Thornburgh, Katie Chenowith and Sarah Keefer finished with a second-place time of 13:51.91.
The Notre Dame C boat of Maureen Gibbons (cox), Kristin Mizzi, Shannon Mohan, Melissa Felker, Christy Donnelly, Danielle Stealy, Jenna Froberg, Sarah Palandech and Megan Sanders secured third place with a time of 14:04.08, just 17 seconds ahead of the Kansas A boat.
The Kansas B boat took fifth place with a 14:33.07 finish and the Notre Dame D boat of Caitlin Rackish (cox), Katie O'Hara, Alicia Garcia, Katherine McCalden, Kristin Henkel, Antoinette Duck, Fallon Shields, Rachel Polinski and Devon Hegeman finished with a sixth-place time of 14:48.78.
Finally, the Notre Dame E members, Becky Campbell (cox), Ann Mulligan, Tricia David, Andrea Amoni, Tori Blainey, Corrine Roman, Jennifer Connelly, Kristen Wright and Beth Franzosa pulled in a time of 15:14.52
The team attributes some of its success this weekend to the home fans' enthusiasm and support.
"It was a lot of fun for us to race on our home course and to actually have a crowd there to cheer us on," Ladine said.
The team, which had been practicing in smaller boats, usually pairs, used this race against Kansas to strengthen its unity.
"I think we continue to get better with each race," first varsity eight rower Drennen said. "Our goal is to raise the level of intensity each week this fall, and we definitely brought it up a notch for this race. Also, to have three eights beat Kansas's first boat is a testament to the depth on our team this year."
The rowers are satisfied with their performances so far, but will continue to push themselves more with each upcoming race, especially when the team races in Pittsburgh next weekend.
"The competition this weekend was not nearly as tough as what we will be up against next weekend in Pittsburgh," Ladine said. "This weekend gave us the additional racing experience and heightened level of intensity which will help us tremendously at the Head of the Ohio next weekend."
The team will compete in the Head of the Ohio Saturday in Pittsburgh.
All Sports Stories for Monday, September 30, 2002
