ATHENS, OH (May 9, 2006) – For the second consecutive year, the women’s varsity four-person boat won their event at the Mid-America Collegiate Rowing Association (MACRA) Championship regatta this past weekend in Athens, Ohio. Viking rowers bested 11 other boats to claim the title, and defeated crews from Ohio State, Mercyhurst, Michigan State, and Ohio University in the finals.<\/p>\n
With 600 meters to go in the race, the second-place boat from Ohio State made its move, but a well-timed sprint called by North Park coxswain Erikka Treatch propelled the Vikings to a five-second victory.<\/p>\n
“This was a big win for us,” commented head coach Tim Grant. “It’s tough to know how you will respond when you are challenged, but we were up to the task today. It’s been a tough year, so this win is especially rewarding for us.”<\/p>\n
Members of the women’s varsity crew include Annika Safstrom, Heidi Rosasen, Kari Anderson, Alli Koubsky, and coxswain Erikka Treatch.<\/p>\n
The day wasn’t done for the Viking rowers, however. In one of the final events of the day, the women’s varsity eight-person crew earned the bronze medal in their event behind crews from Grand Valley State and Ohio State University. The crew finished the third of 10 crews, ahead of teams from Mercyhurst and Michigan State in the finals.<\/p>\n
Members of the women’s varsity eight include Annika Safstrom, Alli Koubsky, Kari Anderson, Heidi Rosasen, Amanda Donnelly, Kelly Burke, Britta Haussman, Kristen Engebretson, and coxswain Erikka Treatch.<\/p>\n
The women’s varsity four-person crew will compete this weekend at the Dad Vail National Regatta in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.<\/p>\n