The cold and rain in Columbus couldn't keep the Michigan's women's crew team from putting on an impressive showing Saturday, as the Wolverines competed in both the novice and open eight in the Jack Speakman Regatta.
The three Michigan boats that were entered in the novice eight fared well as they took second, fourth and 13th. The second-place boat finished 17 seconds behind Ohio State.
In the open eight, Michigan entered three boats. It took first, second and seventh place out of the 20 boats that were entered. The first two boats finished neck-and-neck with times of 16:45 and 16:46. The third-place Buckeyes finished in a distant 17:01.
Ohio State's crew team went varsity a few years before Michigan's did, so this victory gives testimony to the Wolverines' quick development into a competitive varsity squad.
Even more impressive is the fact that Michigan performed as well as they did with mixed boats. Michigan's coaches spread their talent across all three boats while Ohio State's third-place finisher was compiled of the Buckeyes' best rowers.
"We are really pleased with the results," Michigan assistant coach Pam Carroll said. "We usually don't put much stock in (the fall season), but to be 15 seconds ahead of Ohio State with mixed boats is pleasing."
The only schools with varsity programs in the Big Ten are Wisconsin, Iowa, Ohio State and Michigan. Wisconsin is expected to win the conference because it is the conference's only established power, having been a varsity sport decades longer then the others.
The Wolverines are heading into the home stretch of their fall schedule. They will compete at the Head of the Elk, in Elkhart, Ind., on Nov. 2 and at the Ohio State Duel in Columbus on the Nov. 23. These competitions are seen as tuneups for the spring season.
"The focus now is on improvement," Michigan coach Mark Rothstein said.