NSU Varsity 4 Wins at NCAA Division II Rowing Championships

NSU’s Varsity 4 celebrates after claiming NSU’s first ever win in an event at the NCAA Division II Championships.

The Nova Southeastern University rowing team’s Varsity 4 got out to a quick start and never relinquished the lead to win the Varsity 4 title at the 2009 NCAA Division II Championships on May 31. It is the first time the Sharks have won an event at the NCAA Division II Championships.

"It was a great day," said head coach John Gartin. "The Varsity 4 finally broke through that glass ceiling. In the past, they had been looking up towards (five-time champion) Western Washington. This year, to finally break through and walk away with some hardware, is a big step forward."

The boat of freshman coxswain Heather Clayton, senior Lauren McElhenny, freshman Claire Kurlychek, sophomore Ashley Lofria and freshman Jessica Sutter crossed the finish line in a race-winning time of 7:53.04. Western Washington edged out Mercyhurst for second place, finishing in a time of 7:57.34. Mercyhurst completed the course in a time of 7:57.70.

Clayton, McElhenny, Kurlychek, Lofria and Sutter took charge from early on in the race, having almost a full boat's length on Western Washington and Mercyhurst through the first 500 meters. The boat held a two-second lead at the 1,000-meter mark, but opened it up in the final half of the race.

NSU’s Varsity 8 competed in the Petite Final and finished behind Dowling with a time of 7:16.56. In the team standings, NSU took third with 11 points.

"We worked hard this season," said Gartin. "To see both boats at the NCAA Division II National Championships is a testament to the whole team. All worked hard and I couldn't be prouder of the squad."

For more information, visit http://nsuathletics.nova.edu/.