Illinois Collegiate Rowing Invitational 2018

On April 21st, we hosted the Illinois Collegiate Rowing Invitational (ICRI). Friday morning we had practice as usual but instead of derigging and loading boats onto the trailer, we began the process of setting up for the weekend. Throughout the day, groups of rowers made their way back to the lake in order to set up stake boats, fix lane lines, and otherwise prepare for the party on Saturday.Saturday started off with the coaches and coxswains meeting at 7:15, the day of racing began. With flat water and relatively warm weather in comparison to the rest of the week, the day began on a high note. The first race started at 8:30 with the Men’s Varsity 4+ taking second in their heat, less than a second in front of Wheaton College. As the day continued, the wind picked up but that did not stop the men from competing. The JV8+ took second, MV4+ took fourth, MN8+ placed third, just behind Milwaukee School of Engineering, and the MV8+ finished just behind University of Kansas and University of Chicago. The WN8+ took first in the grand final by over 30 seconds. Lindsey took out the single and crushed both Kansas boats. The WJV8+ put up a tough fight against Drake and the WV4+ also came just behind Drake. As the day progressed, winds and waves got stronger. By the end of the day, trying to find the point was near impossible for coxswains. The WV8+ race, the last of the day, ended with waves crashing over the Odyssey’s gunnel, making it unrowable.  Thank you to all the family, friends, and alumni who came out to help and show their support. We appreciate it so much and would not be here without you!  We also hosted Illinois Junior Rowing Invitational on Sunday. Thank you to Crystal Lake Rowing Club, Indianapolis Rowing Center, Lincoln Park Boat Club, Louisville Collegiate High School, Rochester Rowing Club, Saint Charles Rowing Club, Saint Ignatius Chicago Rowing, and Y Quad Cities Rowing!