University of Wisconsin Women’s Rowing Team Shines at 2024 Cardinal Invitational: A Glimpse into a Promising Season Ahead

The University of Wisconsin women’s rowing team kicked off their 2024 season with a strong showing at the Cardinal Invitational in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. The regatta provided a platform for the team to showcase their skills and set the tone for the upcoming season.

One of the standout performances came from the second varsity four, who displayed resilience and determination throughout the competition. Despite placing second in the morning and afternoon races on the first day, the crew showed consistent improvement and ultimately secured a second-place finish in the final race, shaving off an impressive 21 seconds from their afternoon race time.

The third varsity four also delivered a standout performance, dominating their competition from Notre Dame and securing a first-place finish by nearly 25 seconds. This crew’s cohesion and strength set a high standard for future competitions.

The second varsity eight and third varsity eight boats also showed commendable progress, with both crews improving their race times from day one. The second varsity eight trimmed their afternoon race time by seven seconds, while the third varsity eight achieved an improvement of 15 seconds, highlighting the team’s commitment to continuous improvement.

Head coach Vicky Opitz praised the team for their adaptability and willingness to experiment with different lineup combinations, which contributed to their success. Looking ahead to the Big Ten Invitational in Sarasota, Florida, Opitz expressed optimism about the team’s trajectory and emphasized the importance of incorporating lessons learned from the regatta into future training sessions.

As the Badgers continue their season, they are poised to make their mark on the collegiate rowing landscape. Additionally, two UW alumni, Maddie Wanamaker and Sophia Vitas, are set to represent the USA at the 2024 Olympics in Paris. Wanamaker, a seasoned international rower, and Vitas, a rising star in the sport, will carry the hopes and dreams of Badger nation as they compete on the world stage. Their achievements serve as a testament to the university’s commitment to fostering athletic talent and producing champions.