October 11, 2009

Six Boats Take Medals At Head Of Genesee Regatta

ROCHESTER, NY – The University at Buffalo rowing team went to the Head of the Genesee Regatta and came home with six medals as 50 of the 59 athletes at the event medaled. The Bulls took first place in three events, including the Open Eight race.

In the Open Eight, UB's Varsity Eight "A" boat finished in 31:54.10 defeating Western Ontario as the Bulls claimed first place in the race for the first time in school history. The boat that consisted of coxswain Alison Sheehan, Rosa Kemp, Cathleen Streicher, Sasha Bailey, Danielle Carlino, Ashley Hanhurst, Shannon David, Tara Rudkowski and Brittany Ronald was the only boat to finish in under 32 minutes. UB's "C" boat finished in third place, while the "B" boat finished in fourth place among Open competitors.

UB's Varsity Four boat also took a first-place finish as the boat of coxswain Kate Evely, Megan Bayley, Sydney Gilchrist, Francisca Strange and Samantha Masuccifinished in 36:02.08. In the Novice race, the Bulls took first and second place as the Novice "B" squad of coxswain Kara Buchheit, Kylie Lewis, Elizabeth Murphy, Lauren Benz, Melissa James, Katelynn Hentz, Tessa Fiscella, Janine Bruno and Rachel Cerchiara finished in 18:38.16. UB's Novice "A" boat finished in 19:30.75. Also medaling was the Lightweight Eight team, which finished in second place to Western Ontario.

"I was proud of the fact that 50 kids came home with medals," said head coach Rudy Wieler. "Anytime you win the top event, which was a first for us, is exciting. This victory was a long time coming for us."

The Bulls are back in action on October 25 as they race at the Head of the Fish Regatta in Saratoga Springs, NY.