GVSU crew finishes season in England

Grand Valley State University's rowing team capped its most successful season ever with an appearance in the prestigious Henley Royal Regatta in Henley-On-Thames, England. The Grand Valley men’s eight advanced to the quarterfinals before falling to Trinity College, of Hartford, Conn. by 2/3 length (40 feet).

The defeat was the final race for senior coxswain Lisa Malloure. “As heartbreaking as the loss was, I am very proud of our performance. I think it was our best race of the year even though it ended in defeat. Competing at the Henley Royal Regatta was a great way to end my four years rowing at Grand Valley.”

Coach John Bancheri said Trinity was a formidable foe. “Trinity College’s coach Lawrence Gluckman is one of my mentors, and, in my opinion, one of the best coaches in the country. It was a privilege for Grand Valley to match up with Trinity. I’m proud of our performance.”

The Henley Royal Regatta is a storied race, first staged in 1839 and held annually ever since, except during the two World Wars. Grand Valley previously raced in the Henley in 1996, 1998, 2002 and 2004. Bancheri said it was an experience of a lifetime for the team.

“The highlights of the trip were rowing in worlds oldest regatta, seeing both our men's and women's eights make it to the field of eight and our athletes having the opportunity to meet, socialize and develop relationships with people involved in rowing from all over the world. Our students rose above their abilities and beyond their comfort zones. They performed beyond our expectations and they had the opportunity to expand their worldview as well as represent our university on the international stage.”

This event marks the end of Grand Valley’s most successful rowing season. The team won the point championship at the American College Rowing Association Championship Regatta in Oklahoma this spring and took second place in points at the Dad Vail Regatta in Philadelphia. The team also finished in the grand final at the Southern Intercolegiate Rowing Association championship in April.

In  an earlier event, the women's eight competed in the Women's Henley Regatta held June 20-22. The women won two match races in the senior eight event against Auriol Kensington of England and the National University of Ireland respectively to advance to the quarterfinals. In the quarterfinals, the varsity eight fell to Thames Rowing Club of England. Sophomore Sam Morgan said about the race, "They took us off the start and we never fell back into rhythm. We fought hard, but we were fighting from behind. It was a great effort but we fell a bit short."
 
For more information, visit www.grandvalleyrowing.com .