Pioneer Navy's Varsity Eight takes second place at Indianapolis Invitational
Marietta has two weeks before defending its Dad Vail gold

Apr. 28, 2007
INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana — The Pioneer Navy traveled to Eagle Creek Saturday (Apr. 28) for the Indianapolis Invitational, the final tune up before the crew has to defend its Dad Vail Championship on May 11-12 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Marietta's Varsity Eight, which featured senior Zach Stimart (McLean, Va.) at bow with sophomore Mitch Paskawych (Marietta) in seat two, senior Chase Graham (Mineral Wells, W.Va./Parkersburg South) in seat three, senior Jon Carlon (Winter Park, Fla.) in seat four, sophomore Andrew Norris (Dublin/Dublin Scioto) in seat five, senior Mike Ross (Fairport, N.Y.) in seat six, senior Eric Dowler (Washington, W.Va./Parkersburg South) in seat seven, senior Chuck Geyer (Springfield, Va./West Springfield) at stroke and sophomore Lydia Easterling (Tallmadge) at coxswain, competed twice at the event, which included rival Purdue as well as No. 13 Michigan.

The shell had the fastest time of the morning heats, winning by one second over the Boilermakers. Marietta finished the race in 5:59, while Purdue crossed the line in 6:00. Michigan took first in the second heat with a time of 6:01.

In the Grand Final, Marietta took the early lead off the line. Michigan was out in front and Purdue in second with 800 meters remaining. The Pioneers, who trailed by four-seats at that mark, made their move and walked right through the Boilermakers down the stretch to cross the line with a half-boat of open water and capture second place. Michigan won the race with a time of 5:57.5. Marietta had a time of 6:02.9, and Purdue finished in 6:08.9. Grand Valley, Notre Dame and Ohio State rounded out fourth through sixth, respectively.

"The crew rowed two great races today," said Head Coach Chris Pucella. "After a smooth morning, the water became really rough in the afternoon, but the men didn't flinch. The boat is really hitting its rate. It was a pleasure to see them walk through Purdue twice today."

The Junior Varsity Eight, which featured freshman Mike Cress (Ventnor, N.J./Holy Spirit) at bow, sophomore Craig Ripski (Claymont, DE/Concord) in seat two, freshman Steven Little (Seattle, Wash./Bishop Blanchet) in seat three, freshman John Porter (Potomac, Md./Walk Whitman) in seat four, freshman Kevin Wessler (Port Republic, N.J./Holy Spirit) in seat five, freshman Andrew Hazelrigg (Orlando, Fla./Olympia) in seat six, freshman Mike Flanagan (Absecan, N.J./Holy Spirit) in seat seven, sophomore Austin McIntire (Parkersburg, W. Va./South) at stroke and freshman Rita McCoy (Lansdowne, Pa./Archbishop Prendergast) at coxswain, also rowed two races on Saturday. The shell overcame a rough morning heat to win the Petite final and place seventh overall.

In the morning, Marietta struggled to find its rhythm and finished sixth with a time of 6:33.3. Michigan won the race in 6:01. Its 3rd Varsity Eight (6:19.5) took second, while Minnesota (6:20.2), Notre Dame (6:21.0) and Purdue (6:23.9) rounded out third through fifth, respectively.

The Pioneers' sixth place finish sent them to the Petite Final, where they defeated a pair of Purdue boats. Marietta won the race with a time of 6:34.9. Purdue (6:35.5) was second, while its Lightweight shell (6:36.0) was third.

Michigan (6:12.2) won the Grand Final with Notre Dame (6:19.6) taking second and Grand Valley (6:20.7) placing third.

"It was night and day for the JV Eight today," said Assistant Coach JP Sekulich. "Our inexperienced showed as we didn't come out prepared to race in the morning. Frustrated with their performance, the men rebounded with a solid race in the final. It is a learning process with such a young boat, but the shell now realizes the difference between giving an honest effort and going through the motions. We will continue to work at it, and I see good things ahead for this boat."

Marietta will not compete next weekend, as it prepares for Dad Vails. This spring marks the 40th anniversary of the 1967 crew, which achieved the goal that the 2007 team will attempt to accomplish, when the crew successfully defended its 1966 gold medal at Dad Vails. Members of the 1967 shell will be on hand in Philadelphia May 11-12 to cheer on the team.