After much anticipation OCU has completed it's first trip to the San Diego Crew Classic with a strong showing in the Cal Cup. After a coaches poll ranked OCU as the 3rd seed the Stars were optimistically confident of their first big competition in the 8+. The heats were on Saturday and a top-2 finish was needed to progress to the Grand Final. Drexel University jumped to an early lead while OCU fought off challenges from Washington State and University of San Diego. After a strong sprint, OCU comfortably took 2nd to progress to the Final on Sunday. Less than 2 months after beginning serious work in the 8+ this was a significant achievement in itself.
Sunday brought with it the Grand Final and the Canadian, British Columbia crew lived up to their strong heat by leading the race from start to finish. The Stars fought hard though the middle of the race and after rowing through California, Irvine were in 4th place with 500m to go. Drexel University and Notre Dame battled for the minor medals. The OCU 8+ was able to hold their position and finished in 4th place.
It is a promising start for the Oklahoma City crew, with a very young crew and strong signs for the future as they will continue to attend big regattas in the 8-man boat throughout the season and beyond.
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