Lightweight Rowing Gears Up for IRA National Championship Regatta in Cherry Hill
BOSTON – The excitement is palpable as the Boston University Lightweight Rowing Program gears up for the 122nd Intercollegiate Rowing Association (IRA) National Championship Regatta. Taking place from Saturday, May 31 to Sunday, June 1 on the scenic Cooper River in Cherry Hill, N.J., BU is ready to showcase their talent and determination on a national stage.
BU’s Entries: Aiming for Glory
With a stellar lineup featuring three entries – the Lightweight 8+, Lightweight 4+, and Double – the Terriers are poised to make a significant impact. Saturday’s racing kicks off at 8 a.m., and fans can catch all the action with live streaming available on Overnght.com and real-time results updated on Regatta Timing. For those planning to attend the championship in person, vital information is available on the IRA’s official website.
Racing Schedule for Saturday, May 31
8:00 a.m. – Lightweight 2x (Heat 1)
- Competing Against: Stanford, Georgetown, Gordon
8:16 a.m. – Lightweight 4+ Heat
- Competing Against: Stanford, Wisconsin, Princeton, Harvard-Radcliffe, Georgetown, MIT
- 8:24 a.m. – Lightweight 8+ Heat
- Competing Against: Stanford, Princeton, Harvard-Radcliffe, Georgetown, Wisconsin
Insights from the Polling Station
- The latest Pocock CRCA Lightweight Poll, released on May 20, places BU’s Lightweight 8+ and 4+ each in a strong third position, trailing only behind formidable teams like Princeton and Radcliffe while outpacing Georgetown and Wisconsin.
- Notably, the Terrier 2x proudly holds onto the first place with a four-point lead over Princeton and an impressive eight points ahead of Wisconsin.
Last Time Out: A Strong Performance
In their most recent showing at the Eastern Sprints on May 4, BU had an impressive outing:
- The team finished second overall to Princeton.
- The Terriers collected three gold medals through their two Double crews and the Lightweight 4+ "B" entry.
- Their top Lightweight 4+ and Lightweight 8+ entries secured bronze medals, showcasing the depth of talent within the squad.
A Glorious Past at the IRA Championship
Reflecting on past performances, BU’s Lightweight Double clinched its fourth national title in program history during the last IRA Championship. Furthermore, the Lightweight 4+ has reached the podium for an impressive fifth consecutive year, contributing to the program’s tally of three silver medals. The Lightweight 8+ achieved a solid fourth place, assisting BU in securing third place overall as a team.
Since all lightweight crews began competing for the team trophy, BU has consistently earned a top three finish in every championship, highlighting their status as a perennial powerhouse.
Looking Ahead: Finals on the Horizon
The finals kick off at 8 a.m. on Sunday, June 1, with much anticipation surrounding the Doubles races. Here’s the finals schedule:
- 8:00 a.m. – Lightweight Double Final
- 8:30 a.m. – Lightweight 4+ Final
- 10:20 a.m. – Lightweight 8+ Final
As BU’s lightweight rowers prepare to battle against some of the best in the nation, the excitement is building. Will the Terriers rise to the occasion? Keep your eyes on the water as they aim for glory at the IRA National Championship Regatta! For more details on the championship, check the IRA’s website here.
Join the Conversation!
Are you following the Lightweight Rowing Championships? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below. Let’s support our Terriers as they race toward victory!
