Miami Heads to Pacific Northwest for Opening Day Regatta
May 1, 2009
Coral Gables, Fla. – After more than a week away from the course, the University of Miami rowing team heads to the Pacific Northwest Saturday, May 2, as they take part in the 23rd Annual Windermer Cup/Opening Day Regatta in Seattle, Wash.
The Opening Day regatta has been a part of the opening day of boating season since 1970. In 1987, the race’s sponsorship by Windermere Real Estate, Inc. started the Windermere Cup Regatta. Since 1987, teams from China, Australia, Russia, South Africa, and the Czech Republic, among others, have come to race against the men’s and women’s rowing teams from the University of Washington on the Montlake Cut.
This year, the University of Miami rowing team is joining the event for the first time, participating against the University of Washington, Oregon State and the Brazilian Rowing Federation.
“We are excited to be racing here at Opening Day in Seattle,” said Boban Rankovic, interim head coach for the Hurricanes. “It is a unique experience, and we would like to thank our hosts–the University of Washington and Windermere for this opportunity. Our team is looking to gain speed this weekend as we race Brazil and the Huskies.”
Miami will field two crews in this weekend’s race, including the Varsity Eight with All-ACC members Emily Wingrove (bow) and two-time performer Laura Cordner (seven-seat). Cordner was also present on the 2008 Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association (CRCA) Division I Pocock All-America Second Team.
The day’s action begins promptly at 10:20am [PST], while the Hurricanes compete in their first race as part of the Women’s Open 8+ set to begin at 10:41 [PST].
“The First Varsity 8+ has had some great practices this past week in Miami and we’d love to build off our success at ACCs,” admits Rankovic, whose first interim responsibility was coaching the Hurricanes at the San Diego Crew Classic in early April. “The second Varsity 8+ has made technical improvements each practice that we expect to result in a stronger middle of the race. Getting out on the water to practice today was a great chance to see the course and prepare for the controlled chaos that we expect tomorrow to be. Today was sunny with clear skies and calm water, which made for nice row with the mountains in the background. We feel prepared to race in whatever mother nature presents tomorrow.”
The `Canes last took to the waters on Apr. 20, pulling in a third place performance at the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Championships in Oak Ridge, Tenn.
The Hurricanes finished third in the Varsity Eight, completing a time of 7:00.01, coming in three seconds ahead of Boston College (7:03.60). Aiding the 1V8+ crew for UM was fellow All-ACC member sophomore Emily Wingrove. Wingrove collected her first All-ACC honor this season after being named to the All-Academic team a year ago.
Miami rowed the team of Monika Sajincic, Marleena Eyre, Emily Wingrove, Sarah Medland, Rachael Sporko, Laura Cordner, Frida Schneider, Camilla Espana and Shira Kharrazi in the event.
The races are in conjunction with the Opening Day of Boating Season and are followed by the Opening Day Boat Parade. Nearly 500 rowers compete in this prestigious event, which culminates with the women’s and men’s Windermere Cup races.
Following the races, fans are invited to join the regatta champions for the awards ceremony and presentation of the Windermere Cup Trophy at the Conibear Shellhouse.
Admission to the event is free and can be seen by land or boat.
For more information on the Windermere Cup/Opening Day Regatta, please click here for the Windermere Cup will be available with play-by-play action provided by Jenni Hogan and Al Erickson.
Miami Lineups at Opening Day Regatta…
1st Varsity 8
Bow: Emily Wingrove
2: Marleena Eyre
3: Frida Schneider
4: Sarah Medland
5: Monika Sajincic
6: Rachael Sporko
7: Laura Cordner
Stroke: Camilla Espana
Coxswain: Shira Kharrazi
2nd Varsity 8
Bow: Lizzy Elner
2: Alexa McCanick
3: Karalyn Van Aken
4: Nic Saner
5: Isabelle Prosser
6: Molly Thornton
7: Kate Rickers
Stroke: Stephanie Parrish
Coxswain: Christina Crocco
