Lightweight rowers glide to victory

By Rachel Luberda

It was the longest morning of my life. Having woken up at sunrise on a Sunday morning last spring, I trekked over to Payne Whitney with my suitemates to catch a bus to Derby, Conn. Why was I going to a city some 20 minutes away from Yale so bright and early? For some odd reason, my friends on the men's lightweight crew team had convinced me to attend one of their races. So being the loyal friend that I am, I made my way to the Gilder Boathouse— after first taking the wrong bus—to watch the Bulldogs hit the water.

DAVID RAMENOFSKY/YH

It took only one race for my obsession with lightweight crew to begin. Yale was truly unstoppable, as the freshman, junior varsity, and varsity boats all soundly edged out their opponents. Yale, the defending 2000 national and Henley Regatta champion, continued its dominance with a strong showing during the spring 2001 season. In addition to finishing with a 9-0 record, the Eli rowers captured the League title at the EARC sprints.

Even into the Fall 2001 season, the Yale lightweights captured title after title, including the Housatonic, Stonehurst, Charles, and Three-Mile Chase. A tradition of rowing excellence has taken form at Yale, as the lightweight crew team has become one of the University's most talented athletic programs. With a veteran roster and a rising sophomore class, the Bulldogs look to remain as a formidable competitor in the near future. I can't wait until the spring.

Back to Sports...