Second-Ranked U-M Headed to NCAA Championships
5/15/2001 12:00:00 AM | Rowing
Michigan captured its second consecutive Big Ten Conference championship and third consecutive Central Region championship by dominating the competition this season, and for the last four weeks U-M has been ranked second in the nation, the highest ranking in the history of the program. Over the course of the season, the Wolverines' top three boats (first varsity eight, second varsity eight and varsity four) won all 28 of their races, the only program in the NCAA Championship field to accomplish that feat.
The championship consists of 10 varsity teams which are required to bring their first varsity eight, second varsity eight and varsity four boats. The top-ranked team from each of the five regions received an automatic bid, while the remaining five teams were selected at-large. In addition, nine institutions not already selected were invited to bring their first varsity eight boat and compete in the championships. Of those nine programs, four spots are allocated to Division II and III schools.
The nine other teams invited to the 2001 NCAA Championships are Boston University, Brown, California, Harvard, Iowa, Ohio State, Princeton, Virginia and Washington. The first varsity eight boats of Ithaca, Rutgers, Southern California, Syracuse, Wesleyan (Conn.), Western Washington, Williams College and Yale also received bids.
Notable selections include Brown, the two-time defending national champion and No. 1-ranked team all season. Big Ten rivals Iowa and Ohio State are also in the field. This is the first trip to the national championships for the Hawkeyes, while the Buckeyes are making their second consecutive appearance. This is the third consecutive season in which three Big Ten teams have been selected to the NCAA Championships, a reflection of the strength of the programs in the conference.
The Wolverines are looking to move up and out of the fifth-place spot in which they have finished in each of their three previous appearances. Last season, Michigan was fifth in the team standings after the first varsity eight finished fifth, the second varsity eight finished fourth and the varsity four was ninth.
The Lake Lanier Rowing Club and the University of Central Florida are the co-hosts for the championships. For ticket information, call 407-823-4653.
Additional information is available on the NCAA's official championships Website at www.ncaachampionships.com.
Contact: Jason Gerdom (734) 763-4423
