Old Dominion Rowing Team Competes at George Washington Invitational

The Old Dominion rowing team faced challenging conditions at the George Washington Invitational this past weekend, with windy weather impacting the competition on the Potomac River. Despite the obstacles, the Monarchs managed to showcase their skills and determination in the limited races that were able to take place.

In a thrilling matchup against Drexel, the Monarchs’ 2V8+ race encountered a setback when their rudder broke just 300 meters into the race. Undeterred, they regrouped in a new boat and put up a strong fight, ultimately falling to Drexel by just six seconds. The Varsity 8+ also delivered an impressive performance, finishing 4.1 seconds ahead of Drexel in deteriorating water conditions.

Unfortunately, the weather conditions worsened on Saturday, making it difficult for the Monarchs to find their rhythm against Temple and West Virginia. Despite the challenges, the team continued to push themselves, with the Varsity 8+ finishing in 6:29.3 and the Second Varsity 8+ encountering a minor issue but still finishing strong.

Head Coach Brian Conley praised his team’s resilience and composure throughout the weekend, highlighting their determination to overcome obstacles and push themselves to their limits. Looking ahead to their next competition at the Kerr Cup in Philadelphia, Conley expressed confidence in the team’s ability to continue improving and finding their speed before the conference championships.

Overall, the George Washington Invitational provided valuable lessons and experiences for the Old Dominion rowing team, showcasing their strength and determination in the face of adversity. With one more weekend of racing before the conference championships, the Monarchs are poised to continue their pursuit of excellence on the water.