FAIRFAX, Va. – The George Mason University rowing team will make its final preparations for the A-10 Championship Sunday when the Patriots host George Washington in the annual George Cup.
 
Racing on the Occoquan will begin with the Varsity 8+ at 8 a.m. The Second Varsity 8+ will follow at 8:20 a.m., followed by the Varsity 4+ at 8:40 a.m.
 
"While we're disappointed that we won't be able to race against our friends from Georgetown tomorrow, we're also excited to be renewing the Revolutionary Rivalry with GW," head coach Joseph Richards said. "It's a big race for us every year and this year is no different. GW is one of the top teams in the conference so it will be a fun challenge and a good measuring stick heading into A-10's in a couple weeks."
 
The Patriots last raced at the Mason Invite this past Saturday (April 24). Mason's Varsity 8+ put together a solid time of 7:04.80 in the opening heat vs. Duquesne, Dayton and Saint Joseph's, then followed up that performance with a 7:06.20 showing in the petite final against Delaware and West Virginia. That showed marked improvement from the Patriots' last race in Philly, when Mason completed the course in 7:21.64.
 
Mason also made significant gains in speed within the Second Varsity 8+ and Varsity 4+ boats. The Second Varsity 8+'s time of 7:09.30 in its opening heat marked a season-best time for the crew.
 
After Sunday, Mason will compete in the Atlantic 10 Championship on Saturday, May 15, in Pennsauken, N.J.