SMU rowing’s NCAA boats achieved three first-place finishes on April 25 during the second day of the Lake Wheeler Invitational in Raleigh, North Carolina.
The event marked a significant performance for SMU, as the team showed improvement across multiple races and secured top placements against several conference opponents. The results included victories in the 1v4, 2v8, and 1v8 races, each finishing ahead of Louisville and other competing schools.
“The team raced really well this weekend, I was really pleased to see them improve each race,” said Head Coach. “We had some lineup changes throughout the week and the team responded well. Winning the 3 NCAA events on the final day is always good and what we strive for. There is more speed to find and our focus will be on that as we hit the ground running on Monday.”
A senior member of the team said, “As a whole, the regatta went well for the team and it was a great opportunity for us to really put ourselves in the conversation of being a competitive team. On and off the water, I am proud of how the team conducted themselves. We have grown so much in our discipline, and while we still have work to do, I loved to be able to see the work we’ve done be rewarded with results.” Another senior added: “As a senior…I just feel so much pride in my team. These girls mean the world to me…I am so excited to get to race at conference with this team and continue to grow together.” A graduate senior also commented: “This weekend was a fun one for the team…It has been repeatedly shown that ACC is a dominant rowing conference…We are never satisfied and that’s what these next three weeks will be about. This weekend was just part of the work. I love this team and look forward to grinding it out with them these next few weeks preparing to put out best foot forward at ACCs”
In addition to their wins in key events on Day Two—such as third place in 3v8 (7:00.570) ahead of Louisville and Georgetown—the Mustangs posted strong performances throughout both days of competition against teams including Boston College, Tulsa, Georgetown, Old Dominion, North Carolina, Miami, Clemson, Duke among others.
Looking ahead, SMU will return to Raleigh for their next major challenge at ACC Championships scheduled from May 15-16.
