Rowing tackles margin of victories

Forty-degree temperatures, rain and wind. It's not exactly the stuff rower's dreams are made of. But while midwestern weather is unpredictable, the Michigan rowing team has proven to be anything but.

For the second consecutive weekend, the Wolverines faced wicked weather and still dominated their competition, this time blowing away Ohio State and Notre Dame last Saturday at the Griggs Reservoir in Columbus.

Michigan's first and second varsity eight boats won both of their races, taking the lead just 500 meters into the race. The Wolverines took second in the varsity four race and both novice races.

"We did our job and we did it well," senior Heather Uhring said. "We gave Notre Dame and Ohio State our best possible race."

The Wolverines early lead was key to their success, giving them a mental edge over their competitors.

"When you get that far ahead, it's mentally devastating to the teams behind," Uhring said. "Even if they have the physical power to catch up, they don't think they can do it."

In the first NCAA Central Region rankings of the year, the Wolverines were ranked No. 2 behind Virginia. Each varsity boat placed in the top four of its class.

Virginia's clinching of the No. 1 seed in the region guarantees them a spot at nationals. As NCAAs approach, the Wolverines' margin of victory becomes an important statistic.

Margins of victory, unlike time, which is subjective to weather conditions, is likely to catch the eye of the national championship selection committee.

With their schedule free until May 1, the Wolverines will be using their time to prepare for the Midwest Rowing Championships in Madison, where they will see teams such as Wisconsin, Ohio State, and Michigan State - all of whom they have already beaten this season.

The Wolverines made a major splash at the championships last year, when they upset perennial champion Wisconsin.

04-19-99