GREENBRAE, Calif., March 3, 2008 – Marin Rowing Association’s high school crews kicked off the spring rowing season in true MRA style by placing first in all 12 events entered on Sunday, March 2 at the Redwood Shores Varsity Round Robin 2K, where top crews squared off under sunny skies and windy conditions. Northern California crews from Marin, Los Gatos, Pacific, Stanford, Capital and Humboldt competed against Southern California teams including Long Beach, San Diego Rowing Club, Marina Aquatic Center, Newport Aquatic Center in the event.

“This was an absolutely outstanding start to our season,” comments Sandy Armstrong, director of Marin Rowing Association and head coach of the Varsity Women. “All of our squads rowed technically well, and we can feel satisfaction that we are moving the boats well. In our first race of the day, our Women’s Varsity 8+ bested the 2007 national champions (Long Beach) by a 20-second margin – what a sweet beginning!”

On Saturday, March 1, Marin Rowing crews competed at the Lake Merced Novice Regatta in the morning, before it was ultimately cancelled due to high winds. Marin’s Freshmen Women 8+ bested six other crews for a gold medal, while MRA’s Novice Men 8B+ placed second in their final, and the Novice Men 4A+ placed third in a tight race of 12 crews.

Marin Rowing’s junior crews will next compete in the Battle of the Bay this Saturday, March 8, at the Oakland Estuary, where they will meet teams from Saint Ignatius, Oakland and Berkeley. The following weekend on March 15, Marin will again compete in Oakland, where they will race the Oakland Strokes, Pacific and Los Gatos.

For Complete Results http://www.marinrowing.org/docs/pdfs/2008VRR.pdf