Men's Varsity 8 Breaks Into Top-15
Corvallis, Ore. – The Oregon State men’s rowing team moves up the national rankings to No. 14, following a win over No. 12 Wisconsin for the first time since 2005.
The Beavers, ranked No. 16 at the time, were the underdogs entering the race. After starting slow in the morning race against No. 1 California, Oregon State’s Varsity 8 refocused and came prepared for the afternoon session, topping the Badgers by over seven seconds.
Oregon State has been recognized nationally all season, finding themselves in the top-20 after wins over Gonzaga, No. 19 Drexel, and No. 12 Wisconsin. The Beavers were also nominated for row2k’s “Crew of the Week” following the Wisconsin upset, and was voted into the runner-up position.
The Varsity 8 boat is largely made up of upperclassmen, bringing experience and leadership to the rest of the team:
V8 Roster
C Eric Sumner, Jr. (Yreka, Calif.)
8 Bobby Vernazza, So. (Redwood City, Calif.)
7 Martin Forde, Jr. (Mill Creek, Wash.)
6 Ross Ellingwood, Sr. (Kirkland, Wash.)
5 Josh West, So. (Los Gatos, Calif.)
4 Clark Fisher, Jr. (Arcadia, Calif.)
3 Kyle Wilkins, Jr. (Central Point, Ore.)
2 Henry Prosser, Jr. (Portland, Ore.)
1 Chase Hooper, Sr. (Pleasanton, Calif.)
The Varsity 8 will not be competing at the Opening Day Regatta in Seattle this weekend, and will next race at the Pac-12 Rowing Championships in Gold River, Calif. on Sunday, May 18.
Rankings: US Rwoing.