MC pair advances to finals of 2005 IRA National Championships

June 2 , 2005
CAMDEN, NJ – Marietta College’s bid to win gold in the men’s pair at the Intercollegiate Rowing Association (IRA) National Championships got off to a great start Thursday, as seniors Chuck Gowdy (Atlantic City, NJ/Holy Spirit) and Rob Johnson (Margate, NJ/Atlantic City) teamed up to secure a place in Saturday’s (June 4) Grand Final by winning its opening heat on the Copper River.

Gowdy and Johnson, both key members of this spring’s Dad Vails bronze medalist Varsity Eight boat, put together the fastest time of any shell en route to the victory. The duo crossed the line in 7:25.81, ahead of Rochester (7:28.33), Grand Valley (7:35.59), Colgate (7:46.02), Holy Cross (8:07. 55) and Loyola (8:30.45).

Joining Marietta in the Grand Finals will be Princeton and Cornell, who won their heats with times of 7:33.59 and 7:28.44, respectively.  The other three competitors will advance from the repechage, which will be held Friday (June 3) afternoon.