Solid Opening for #14 Men's Rowing

Saturday, April 11

Ithaca, N.Y.

Syracuse University

#11 Wisconsin

4/11/2015 12:01:00 PM | Men's Rowing

Wisconsin takes two of three races in Orange's opener

ITHACA, N.Y. – The No. 14 Syracuse University men's rowing team opened its spring season on Saturday morning against No. 11 Wisconsin at the Cayuga Lake Inlet. The second varsity boat was the highlight of the day, defeating Wisconsin by three seconds.

Due to inclement conditions at the Onondaga Lake Outlet in Liverpool, N.Y., the race was moved to the home course of Cornell University. The Orange and Badgers shared the course with the Cornell and Princeton lightweight rowing teams on Saturday morning.

"There is a lot of ice up at Syracuse," head coach Dave Reischman said. "Cornell, we have a good relationship with them. We are thankful that they were able to work us into their schedule at their race course down here. I know for Wisconsin and us, getting the full 2K in early in the season is really important."

Syracuse and Wisconsin faced off in three races on Saturday morning, with the Badgers taking two of three events. The Orange rowed against Cornell in the fourth varsity competition. The Big Red also came out on top in that race.

In the first race of the morning, the Syracuse first varsity eight crew matched up against Wisconsin. The Orange trailed throughout, but was able to close on the Badgers in the final 500 meters. Ultimately, Wisconsin took the race, winning with a time of 5:59.9. Syracuse covered the 2K course in 6:02.1.

Following the first race, Syracuse defeated Wisconsin in the second varsity eight competition. The Orange covered the course in 6:13.9, while the Badgers finished in 6:17.4.

"I thought it was a good opening effort for us," commented Reischman. "Wisconsin is traditionally a very strong crew. They are ranked three ahead of us in the national rankings. To be within two seconds of them in the varsity and I thought the JV had an excellent go down the race course. It looked like our execution was spot on. It was a good effort for our guys for their first time out."

Syracuse will return to the water on Saturday, April 18 when it hosts the Goes Trophy race against Cornell and Navy at the James E. Ten Eyck Memorial Boathouse. Racing will begin at 8 a.m. Following the trophy presentation at 9:30 a.m., two boats will be dedicated, honoring Rob and Sue Edson.