Men's Varsity Eight Namd Top Boat in the Southeast

Nov. 19, 1999

Coral Gables, FL – The University of Miami men’s varsity eight received its first major postseason honor since 1994 with the 1999 Southeast Regional Head Race Series Trophy, which is awarded to the Southeast Region’s top varsity eight upon completion of the fall racing season.

The Southeast Regional Head Race Series was made up of six regattas, including UM’s Head of the Creek, First Coast Head Race, Head of the Chattahoochee, Head of the South, Head of the Tennessee and Chattanooga Head Race.

The UM men’s varsity eight, consisting of coxswain Rob Bowman, Jas Grocholski, Michael Hayes, Rich Gustin, Holt Haynesworth, Chris Manti, Alex Meillat, Albert Parlade and James Riley, rowed to Gold Medals at the Head of the Creek and First Coast Head Race and claimed the Bronze Medal at the Head of the Chattanooga Regatta.

“To win this trophy while entering just three of the six races says a lot about the direction of our men’s rowing program,” said Head Crew Coach Joe O’Connor. “Hats off to our men’s coach Jim Mitchell and the guys for an impressive fall season.”