Terriers Triumph: Retaining the Lusins Cup at Lake Morey Invite
FAIRLEE, Vt. – In a thrilling showcase of talent and teamwork, the Boston University men’s rowing program excelled during the Lake Morey Invite, clinching the coveted Lusins Cup in a series of high-stakes races held over the weekend of April 26-27. Faced with fierce competition, the Terriers proved their mettle, outperforming Columbia to continue their impressive legacy in the sport.
A Weekend of Competitive Spirit
The Terriers fielded four talented crews against a challenging lineup that included top-20 Varsity 8+ crews from powerhouse programs like Wisconsin, Georgetown, Dartmouth, and Syracuse. Racing conditions varied, offering both trials and tribulations. On Saturday, teams dealt with flat waters and light rain during the morning, followed by a building headwind that tested endurance in the afternoon. By Sunday, however, the atmosphere shifted to a supportive tailwind, particularly aiding the Third and Fourth Varsity 8+ races.
Highlights of the Races
Varsity 8+ Dominance
Leading the charge was BU’s Varsity 8+, expertly coxed by Emily Slawin and driven by the power of Hurst Thompson. Despite a minor setback in their battle for the Jablonic Cup against Wisconsin, where they finished with a commendable time of 5:48.6, BU bounced back fiercely. Their victory over Columbia in the Lusins Cup was a statement win, clocking in at an impressive 5:47.3, leaving the Lions behind by over seven seconds. BU’s remarkable streak now stands at 10 consecutive Lusins Cups, dating back to 2011.
However, their journey didn’t end there as they faced Syracuse in the Conlan Cup, once again showcasing their speed, although finishing slightly behind at 5:47.3.
Second Varsity 8+ Resilience
The Second Varsity 8+, coxed by James Smith and stroked by Jan Koska, delivered a stellar performance with two remarkable wins. Their nail-biting race against Wisconsin culminated in a heart-pounding finish, taking first place at 5:54.3, a mere 1.7 seconds ahead. Further solidifying their prowess, they sailed past Columbia, finishing nearly 13 seconds ahead with a time of 5:54.5.
Unfortunately, their top time of 5:52.6 against Syracuse didn’t quite match the Orange’s speed, who took the win at 5:47.1.
Thriving in the Third and Fourth Varsity 8+ Races
The Third Varsity 8+, helmed by Hannah Noguchi and stroked by George Kreidler, kicked off their competition with a solid victory over Wisconsin and Georgetown, finishing ahead at 5:57.6. Their Sunday race against Syracuse brought them in second at 5:52.4, marking their fastest performance of the weekend.
The Fourth Varsity 8+, coxed by Luke Stroh and stroked by Nixon Murray, faced intense competition, including a nail-biting finish against Dartmouth that saw them just miss winning by 0.5 seconds. This crew showcased undeniable grit, finishing strong despite challenging circumstances.
Looking Ahead: Eastern Sprints on the Horizon
With the Lake Morey Invite behind them, the Terriers are gearing up for their next challenge—the Eastern Sprints to be held on May 18 at scenic Lake Quinsigamond in Worcester, Mass. The anticipation builds as they seek to continue their legacy in collegiate rowing.
Race Results Summary
Varsity 8+
- Vs. Wisconsin (Jablonic Cup) – April 26
- Wisconsin – 5:44.8
- BU – 5:48.6
- Vs. Columbia (Lusins Cup) – April 26
- BU – 5:47.3
- Columbia – 5:54.6
- Vs. Syracuse (Conlan Cup) – April 27
- Syracuse – 5:44.4
- BU – 5:47.3
Second Varsity 8+
- Vs. Wisconsin – April 26
- BU – 5:54.3
- Wisconsin – 5:56.0
- Vs. Columbia – April 26
- BU – 5:54.5
- Columbia – 6:07.4
- Vs. Syracuse – April 27
- Syracuse – 5:47.1
- BU – 5:52.6
Third Varsity 8+
- Vs. Wisconsin & Georgetown – April 26
- BU – 5:57.6
- Wisconsin – 6:02.4 | Georgetown – 6:16.0
- Vs. Syracuse & Georgetown – April 26
- Syracuse – 5:52.3
- BU – 5:55.0 | Georgetown – 6:10.1
- Vs. Syracuse – April 27
- Syracuse – 5:48.7
- BU – 5:52.4
Fourth Varsity 8+
- Vs. Dartmouth (5V) – April 26
- Dartmouth – 6:05.7
- BU – 6:06.2
- Vs. Dartmouth – April 26
- Dartmouth – 5:56.8
- BU – 6:04.1
- Vs. Syracuse – April 27
- Syracuse – 5:52.9
- BU – 6:02.6
As the Terriers prepare for the next series of challenges, fans and supporters alike are eager to see what this talented crew will achieve. Stay tuned for more updates on their journey through the competitive rowing season!
