Rowing set for nationals

Just two summers ago, the best rowers in the world gathered at Lake Lanier in Gainesville, Ga., for a little competition.

The prize? An Olympic gold medal.

This weekend, the best collegiate rowers in the country will gather at Lake Lanier for a little competition.

The prize? The national championship.

And the Michigan rowing team has its eyes set on the prize.

"We're going to go after winning it," Michigan coach Mark Rothstein said. "We're in the position of the underdogs, but the preparations have gone very well, and the kids are not just satisfied with getting there."

Michigan is one of eight teams invited on a team basis with a shot at the national title. Four of the other seven are Ivy League schools, while Massachusetts and Virginia are on the east coast and Washington is on the west coast, leaving Michigan as the lone midwest representative.

"Until three years ago, there weren't any competitive crews in the midwest, except Wisconsin," Rothstein said. "In the future, that will change, though."

The Wolverines are seeded third, behind Washington and Brown.

"Washington and Brown are the teams to beat," Rothstein said. "Those two are going to be tough."

The meet, which takes place Friday through Sunday, consists of three races - the varsity eight, the second-varsity eight and the varsity four. Michigan will have boats competing in each of the three events.

The site is part of the charm of the event. The race will be held in Lake Lanier, the site of the 1996 Summer Olympics.

"It's a great venue and a great course," Rothstein said. "It's always exciting to row where the Olympics were held."

05-26-98