Lehigh University Athletics
Lehigh opens season with two impressive victories
3/15/2004 12:00:00 AM | Men's Rowing, Women's Rowing
Lehigh’s men’s varsity eight defeated LaSalle University and the University of Delaware’s heavyweight eights and Delaware’s highly ranked lightweight eight in a four boat race this past Saturday. Delaware had six of eight rowers returning from last year’s light weight eight that placed 6th in the nation. Lehigh’s lineup consisted of Dave Highhill-coxswain, Justin Yurchak-Stroke seat, Erik Wright-7seat,Marcus Bateman-6 seat, Aaron Czysz-5 seat, Jon Winter-4 seat, Matt Galuska-3 seat, Mike Flannagan-2 seat, Mike Villano-bow. It was a blustery day, with the winds picking up and changing direction every twenty minutes or so, making for tough racing conditions. Lehigh fared well, however, with a strong start to their spring racing season. The varsity women had a solid race, beating Delaware’s top boat but were surprised by a fast LaSalle crew and had to settle for second by just over a half length to LaSalle. The Lehigh novice women had a strong showing. The first novice women’s eight beat Delaware’s first boat, with a quick start and a strong sprint to the finish line. Lehigh’s second novice eight also defeated Delaware’s second novice boat by three seats, after dueling back and forth down the course. Lehigh’s novice men’s four also won their race. After a tight side by side race with Delaware for 1500 meters, Lehigh sprinted away in the last 500 Overall it was a strong start to the season. All Lehigh boats are looking poised to have a great spring, and everyone is excited to race St. Joe’s this Sunday on the Schuylkill.
