More Racing This Weekend

Windermere and Knecht Cup aren't the only races this weekend, although they'll get the lion's share of the attention.

One of the more interesting matchups pits MIT against UMass. I don't recall seeing a UMass light eight race yet this spring, but the program doesn't put out "just-for-the-heck-of-it" boats. Given the lack of water time MIT had before the Princeton/UCF race, I don't think their results there were a fair indication of their speed. They'll have a chance to prove me right on Sunday. By the same token, if UMass intends to race a lightweight boat more frequently this season, now is the time to make an impression.

In Dublin, Ohio, Ohio State is sponsoring the Ohio Cup. A light four event will be contested among OSU, Miami University, and Cleveland State. To retain its status as a potentially dangerous crew, OSU needs to win this race. The heavy eight event will include OSU's lights, entered as the B boat, racing against their own heavies, as well as those from Xavier, John Carroll, Denison, and Case.

On Saturday Chapman hosts U.C. Santa Barbara, U.C. Irvine, and Long Beach State. These schools have boated lightweights in the past, so I wouldn't be surprised to see a light eight or four here. Long Beach State came within 3.5 seconds of LMU while Chapman beat ASU at the Crew Classic. UCSB won Dad Vails a few years ago (but hasn't been heard from since) and it would be nice to see them back in the lightweight fold. This could be a good light eight race.

On American Lake in Washington, Puget Sound takes on Pacific Lutheran at the Meyer Lamberth Cup. PLU has boated a light eight, although I'm not sure about SPU. Hopefully we'll see a lightweight race at some point in the day.

On Sunday on Carter Lake in Omaha, Creighton hosts the Upper Midwest Collegiate Sprints. A light eight and a light four are on the schedule, although no word on entries. Creighton has raced a light four this season, finishing only 5.5 seconds back from Tulsa.