UM Rowers Trek to California for San Diego Crew Classic
April 3, 2009
Coral Gables, Fla. – Interim head coach Boban Rankovic makes his debut this weekend as the University of Miami rowing team takes part in the San Diego Crew Classic on Saturday and Sunday happening at the Crew Point Shores on Mission Bay in San Diego, Calif.
Miami is participating in the first meet since Mar. 12 when they defeated the University of Connecticut in Miami Beach, Fla. The Hurricanes and Boban Rankovic are eager to get back to the water for live racing, as well as a shot at some of the nation’s best programs.
“It’s been a very positive and strong growing experience at practice the past few weeks,” stated Rankovic. “Day in and day out, the coaches and I have noticed a difference in boat speed and it’s given us a confidence coming into San Diego. It makes us very competitive, and thirsty for success.”
This is the 36th running of the San Diego Crew Classic, while UM will take part in the Women’s Collegiate Varsity Invitational “B” Jessop-Whittier Cup portion of this year’s event for the First Varsity Eight. The Hurricanes will also participate in the Women’s Collegiate JV competition for the Ann Stitt Hungness Trophy [Second Varsity Eight], as well as the Women’s Collegiate Novice for the Laurel V. Korholz Perpetual Trophy in preliminary heat “A”.
UM is scheduled to race in three heats on Saturday. The `Canes begin their first race at noon [EST].
“The level of competition out here is tremendous,” expressed Rankovic, who was appointed interim head coach upon the resignation of Robbie Tenenbaum just over two weeks ago. “If we can accomplish what we have put ahead us, as far as our goals and mission out here, then it’ll be a great honor for the University of Miami Hurricanes Rowing program.”
UM is participating for the sixth time in the San Diego Crew Classic and has won three trophies during that span. The Hurricanes did not compete in the annual Crew Classic last year, but the JV 8 team won first place in the Women’s JV petite race in 2007.
Miami will be participating against a handful of teams in the three heats. The `Canes will join a host of top-level competitors on the west coast, including USC, UCLA, Ohio State, UC-Irvine, Sacramento State, Washington State, Kansas State, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Sonoma.
“Our goal as a team is to have a strong and positive showing this weekend in the first 500-meters, and hopefully show just who the University of Miami is on the national stage,” concluded Rankovic. “I think we are ready to prove we belong on the national scene, and this team is ready to prove they belong in a major way.”
The Crew Classic and all races for the event will be streamed live at http://www.crewclassic.org/video/ over the two days. ESPNU will also broadcast the 2009 Crew Classic Highlights seven times, starting on May 7 at 7 p.m. [EST].
Line ups for race San Diego Crew Classic (Day One)…
1st Varsity 8
Bow: Monika Sajincic
2: Nic Saner
3: Rachael Sporko
4: Emily Wingrove
5: Laura Cordner
6: Sarah Medland
7: Frida Schneider
Stroke: Camilla Espana
Coxswain: Shira Kharrazi
2nd Varsity 8
Bow: Lizzy Elner
2: Alexa McCanick
3: Karalyn Van Aken
4: Marleena Eyre
5: Isabelle Prosser
6: Molly Thornton
7: Kate Rickers
Stroke: Stephanie Parrish
Coxswain: Christina Crocco
Novice 8
Bow: Julie Creamer
2: Morgan Visalli
3: Natalie Snyder
4: Kate Hall
5: Victoria Uribe
6: Christina Mena
7: Maria Siemann
Stroke: Theresa Recicar
Coxswain: Tiara Brown
