Top Rowers Compete in Lubbers Regatta

Grand Valley State University rowers will face off in against teams from the University of Michigan, Michigan State and Notre Dame, among others on Saturday.

On March 31, GVSU Rowing hosts the annual Lubbers Cup Regatta in downtown Grand Rapids at Riverfront Park. The races run from 9 a.m. until the closing ceremony at 4:15 p.m. Crews in competition come from MSU, Northern Michigan University, Notre Dame, University of Michigan, University of Western Ontario, and Western Michigan University.

The regatta will be an opportunity to witness some first-class rowing. The University of Michigan men are ranked in the top 20 of Division I and have three team members who have rowed internationally. The team’s head coach -- Grand Valley alumnus Gregg Hartsuff -- is optimistic of his team’s chances.

"This is my fastest crew ever. I believe we are in contention for a top 10 ranking" Hartsuff said.

While U-M will perhaps be the team to watch, Grand Valley hopes to put up a fight.

"I know Michigan will be a tough team to beat,” said Laker coach John Bancheri. “They are, after all, a top-20 squad and have a lot of international experience in that boat. They will be fast and anyone who gives them a good race will be considered a fast crew also. Our goal is to stay in contact and close the gap from last years Lubbers Cup."