In one of the longest-running American traditions in rowing, crews from across the country will descend on Mission Bay the first weekend of April for the annual San Diego Crew Classic. From novice high schoolers, to elite college heavyweights to feisty and spry masters, all rowers come to San Diego with something to prove. Some want to show their success in the fall was no aberration.
Some want to show they spent the winter clocking meters, and some want to show they have what it takes to win a high-stakes regatta. With passions running hot and egos on the line, there’s no doubt this year’s Crew Classic will be filled with hotly contested victories.
On the Collegiate Women’s side, the Jessop-Whittier Cup boasts a lineup of well-oiled rowing machines. A bruising matchup is expected between USC, Cal and Texas. Texas coach Dave O’Neill continues to chart a promising course for the Longhorns and looks to hasten their ascension with a strong showing. Al Acosta is equally ambitious to parlay his success at Stanford and show his Berkeley Bears aren’t to be trifled with. Both coaches and their rowers will have to empty the tanks to derail the defending champion Trojans. USC has worn the crown the last five years straight and is unlikely to abdicate the throne without a fight.
On the Collegiate Men’s side, the Copley Cup draws on the roots of the regatta and moves it forward with a new matchup. When the Crew Classic began in 1973, the crews of Washington and the Naval Academy relished the opportunity to face off at a neutral location early in the racing season, a battle of East vs. West Coast programs. This April, Yale and Cal continue that bi-coastal rivalry. By all accounts, Yale is the team to beat. Steve Gladstone has to prove his Bulldogs have staying power after their Henley and Head of the Charles victories. Cal narrowly missed victory at Head of the Charles but has won Crew Classic the last three years running. While New Haven hasn’t been socked in by the usual harsh winter, Yale hasn’t enjoyed the water time Cal has these last few months. Both crews will be looking to solidify their status and generate momentum at the spring season opener.
All events are deep with talented crews, and those onshore in the brunch tent and beyond are sure to be treated to a stellar regatta. Visit crewclassic.org for more information.
