Third place can be a tough place to finish, but when competing against some of the toughest squads in the region, third place could be viewed as somewhat of a victory.
The Women's varsity eight team did just that. The Bulls took third place in a field of nearly thirty teams. Taking first place was an elite team from Harvard University while always-tough Syracuse registered a time just faster than the UB women's rowers.
"No question the varsity eight had a great race," said UB head coach Rudy Wieler. "Probably the best race of their lives."
Competing on the varsity eight team were: Sandra Kisil, Kali Spoto, Natalie Pugliese, Kasey Hansen, Michelle Schwach, Deanna Knighton, Corinne Blum, Tara Celestini, and Sher Briggs in the coxswain seat.
The third place finish for the UB rowers came as a result of their hard work in practice and as a result, they were ready to compete in this event containing several high caliber squads.
"I think we prepared different mentally for this race, we were a lot more focused," said Schwach. "We really came together much better than we have in the past and raised the bar to go up against Harvard and Syracuse."
The UB women also placed ahead of several tough Canadian teams, including Queen's University from Kingston, Ontario.
"There were a couple tough squads from Canada," said Schwach. "We have lost to Queen's University in the past, and today was the first time that we have beat them."
UB had three other boats competing at the regatta, another entry in the same section as the third place varsity eight team (JV Eight), the lightweight eight and the varsity four.
The varsity four finished fifth in a tough field of more than twenty teams, while the lightweight eight captured a second place finish.
"The lightweight eight squad got second, out of two boats," said coach Wieler. "They were racing against a tough crew from Canada, and they really had their hands full."
The JV eight team finished in the middle of the pack. They rowed well, considering the team was put together just a few days ago.
"We had only rowed together for a few days," said UB rower Joanne Olsen. "I just don't think we were quite used to each other yet."
The day's weather was pleasant compared to the weather that the women have rowed in thus far this season, and according to Wieler, this allows for a very fair competition.
"It was cold, but the water was calm," said Wieler. "But when you race twice in one day, the cold weather doesn't bother the athletes as much."
The UB women's team will be in action again on Oct. 23 and 24 when they head to Boston to face more of the same tough competition at the Head of The Charles. The UB women look forward to this challenge as they did this past Sunday.
"We're not really that intimidated by the Harvard and Syracuse teams," said Joanne Olsen. "We have raced against crews at the same level and won, we just want to be considered equal with them, and we have to race against them for that to happen."
