Weather played it's part with strong winds and the constant threat of storms forcing a 2-hour delay before the Men were able to strut their stuff in the Heats. A top-3 finish was needed to progress to the ABC Semi-finals. #1 seed Florida Tech came out to a strong start with the STARS out quick and in 2nd place at the 500m mark. (11) Marietta forced their way past OCU at the 1000m mark and OCU comfortably held 3rd place progressing though to the afternoon Semi-Finals.
It was a daunting challenge in the afternoon. The 5-boat field boasted (2) Virginia, (5) UCSD and (8) Delaware. After a huge learning experience in the Heat the young Stars were determined to prove themselves as worthy contenders. After another strong start OCU was in 3rd place after 500m. By the 1000m mark Delaware and Michigan State had closed the gap and there was only half a length between 3rd and 5th place. The Stars put up a fight but weren't able to match the intensity of the other crews, the Stars time of 5:57 was 1.5 seconds behind Michigan State and narrowly missed the petite final. The depth of the field was evident with all 15 crews in the A,B,C Semi-Final only separated by 10 seconds.
In a development year for the OCU 8+, the weekend was a tough experience but priceless. With 4 Freshman and a Sophmore in the lineup, posting such fast times and competing next to some of the strongest programs in the country, the future looks bright.
The OCU Stars now focus on the Dad Vail Championship regatta and US Rowing Collegiate Championships in May, to improve on and complete what has already been a very successful season!
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