Huskies edge California in tuneup for IRA crew showdown

CHERRY HILL, N.J. — It was another great day for racing Friday afternoon on the Cooper River, and the top-ranked men's crews of Washington and California didn't disappoint.

The Huskies and Bears faced off in the first varsity-eight semifinal at the 108th Intercollegiate Rowing Association Championships. Washington, ranked No. 1 in the nation, and No. 2 Cal battled stroke for stroke, with the Huskies winning the 2,000-meter race by four seats.

The Huskies remained unbeaten this season by finishing in 5 minutes, 32.362 seconds. Cal's time was 5:33.617.

"I think they handled the very intense race today well," Washington coach Michael Callahan said of the varsity-eight victory. "One thing about today is I think it was a testament to the sport. The first semifinal race had two eights grinding out an entire race, and it came down to inches."

The prevalent tailwind from one day earlier turned into a headwind Friday, but the water remained hot after a daytime high of 90 degrees.

"The water here in New Jersey has been really warm, and that's added to the racing," Washington junior Ty Otto said. "You look at the races today and you could see everything was tighter across the board. It was a great day of racing."

Of course, the most important race of this event and season will take place in the final Saturday when Washington will look to repeat as IRA champions for the first time since 1940-41.

"Everyone has been focused on one thing all season long, and it's (Saturday's) race," Otto said. "We're not going to let the emotion of the day get to us."

The Huskies' second varsity eight, freshman eight and varsity four each won their heats Friday, and the open four finished second to Cornell. All UW crews will race in finals Saturday.

The Huskies appear to be on a roll, and after a full season, even their relative youth is not a concern. Washington features only one senior in its lineup and that's in the bow, with Max Lang. Seats two through seven are filled by junior Max Struzyna, Otto, sophomore Conlin McCabe, junior Anthony Jacob, junior Hannes Heppner and sophomore Tom Lehmann. Add in stroke Mathis Jessen, a sophomore, and junior coxswain Michelle Darby, and it's easy to see that this team — while focused on this season — will be just as dangerous in 2011.

Through two days, there has been little left to the imagination, as both Washington and California have dominated the varsity-eight racing. One day after the Huskies and Bears posted remarkable times of 5:30.944 and 5:31.459, respectively, in heat races, the two boats again posted the best times of the day.

"It's a game of fitness and mentality," said Callahan, whose varsity-eight squad has three wins over Cal this season. "You have to believe in everyone in the boat."