US Collegiate Rowing – Week Two Race Preview

Bringing an end to the first month of spring, the collegiate scene in the United States is serving up a treat, with seven of the men’s top ten and nine of the women’s top ten programmes in action this weekend – largely against each other. With so much racing going on, it’s almost overwhelming, but here are my choices of three can’t-miss showdowns taking place this weekend.

San Diego Crew Classic

While a number of open, collegiate and youth events are getting the full JRN preview treatment, I would highlight in particular the Jessop-Whittier Collegiate Invitational where two of the biggest names in the sport will face off, with #1 Texas and #3 Washington face off in a stacked field of west coast schools. The new powerhouse of Texas will measure their mettle against a Washington squad who ‘won’ the offseason through recruiting and phenomenal speed on the head of the Chales. A measure of talent and potential under the direction of the two winningest coaches on the NCAA circuit, all eyes will be on Mission Bay to start the largest narrative of the 2025 season.

Don’t overlook the rest of the field behind them either as #6 California will not be left behind while USC, Washington State, Notre Dame and others will be looking to stake a claim to an at-large bid for the national championships at the end of May.

Sarasota Invitational

With a similarly stacked field, the men’s national title conversation will be ignited in Sarasota, Florida as #2 Washington, #3 Harvard, #5 Yale, #6 Brown and #9 Northeastern line up on the world class course. As number one and number two last year, Washington and Harvard will steal the show as they race on both Friday and Saturday, the full five-wide racing will be indicative as to how productive the winters have been for all five programmes. Brown and Northeastern opened their campaigns next weekend but face tougher tests in Lake Benderson, while Yale will be hoping to start year two under Mike Gennaro with a strong showing.

Tennessee vs Stanford

With a number of tough races taking place across the duals and invitationals this week, my final pick is a show down between number two and number three from NCAAs last year. #7 Tennessee begin their home stand with tough opposition as #2 Stanford have finished in the top two at each of the last four NCAA championships but make the trip to Oak Ridge to meet the Vols this weekend. Tennessee on the other hand, came out of nowhere last year under new head coach Kim Cupini to finish in third but with just 0.35 seconds separating their top eights last year, this is guaranteed to be a great show.

About The Author

Fraser Innes

Fraser joined the JRN team in September 2022 and regularly writes about domestic and international rowing with particular specialisation on US Collegiate Rowing having launched JRN’s coverage and being a staple on the End of the Island’s series on the topic. He has been involved with the sport since 2016 at George Heriot’s School and the Universities of Glasgow and Wisconsin.

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