May 19, 2006

The George Mason rowers had four boats entered in the 68th edition of the Dad Vail Regatta last weekend, which is the largest collegiate regatta in the United States. The competition was tough with the field of 118 colleges, universities and service academies competing in 163 races on a 2,000-meter course.

The varsity 4 boat finished fourth in their heat and didn't advance because just two boats advance to the semi-final heats. Although, the boat did post the 25th fastest time out of 54 boats entered. "The varsity 4 raced hard all the way to the finish but came up short," said Head Coach Geoff Dillard.

The varsity 8 boat advanced out of their heat and went onto reps. "We knew it would be very difficult to finish in the top two and advance directly to the semi-final, so we raced a very controlled race in the heat and made sure we finished 3rd," said Dillard. In the rep, which was a four boat race, with only first place advancing to the semi-finals, the Patriots finished third. "It was just not our day, and could not put a top race together to advance," added Dillard.

The novice 8 had a little more success, advancing to the semi-finals. They finished 2nd in the heat to Purdue, who later went on to win the grand final. In the semi-final they needed top two out of six to advance to the grand final. Mason finished just 2.5 seconds out of 2nd place and advancing to the grand finals.

Grand Valley won the semi-final and St. Joe's got second, who went on to take the bronze in the grand final. The novice 8 had the 5th fastest heat time, and again the 5th fastest semi time. "They just got stuck in a tough semi to make the grand final," said Dillard. "They had a great year!" The Patriots novice 4, who did not have much practice in a four all year, advanced the furthest of the four boats, and made grand finals. It was the first time in school history that a novice boat made grand finals at Dad Vails. Again in a tough field, they needed top two in their heat to advance. They finished first in their heat.

Once again in the semi they needed top two to make grand finals, and they accomplished that, finishing second. In the grand finals they finished 6th. "I think the true accomplishment was making it to grand finals, and we were very proud of them," said Dillard.

The following student-athletes participated in their last collegiate rowing event. "We will miss our seniors and wish them the best," said coach Dillard.

Kelly Bryan
Amanda Cole
Nicole Pierce
Sibley Slinkard
Lydia Wheeler
Jessica Barnes