April 12, 2010

One year ago, the UMass Lowell rowing team was rising from the past and aiming for the future.

Without any experienced rowers on the women's side and only a few among the men, they were not yet ready to be competitive.

But under the guidance of then newly appointed head rowing coach, Veronika Platzer, they started down a rebuilding path with a return to varsity NCAA status the target on the horizon.

Saturday, against three-established and accomplished programs, Platzer's River Hawks showed that they are ready for the University's return to the NCAA, expected to take place this fall.

Racing against the United States Coast Guard Academy, Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Colby College, and Roger Williams University, in the first of a three-race home series, the River Hawks finished first and second in the women's novice four, first in the women's varsity four, second in the women's novice eight, and first in the men's novice eight.

"It's always fun to see your crews win but, more importantly, I'm pleased with the dramatic improvements from our new rowers and anticipate a fully competitive squad in two weeks time when we line up against a very competitive Amherst College and Franklin Pierce," said Platzer.

Saturday's racing was the first of a scheduled four-week series called the River Hawks Racing Series. The first event was canceled due to flooding.

The water level of the Merrimack River had subsided enough to allow the series to begin Saturday, but conditions remained challenging due to the fast current and strong winds that made the 2000-meter course seem like the ocean in spots.

But the racing went on and stayed on schedule, allowing the UMass Lowell athletes to demonstrate the dramatic improvement in the program.

"I couldn't be more pleased to see the River Hawks race competitively and aggressively in such challenging conditions," Platzer said.

The series will resume this weekend but only the women will see action as Hobart and William Smith, will come in Saturday afternoon for a match race.

"The women will have their hands full," Platzer said. "Hobart and William Smith is a competitive Division III squad that ranks among the top at NCAA's."

Race time for the Saturday's dual begins at 3:00 and will conclude at 4:00.

The full squad resumes racing the following Saturday with the final installment of the River Hawk Racing Series, when UMass Lowell hosts Amherst and Franklin Pierce.