WSU’s Junior Varsity Eight Wins Crew Title

The Washington State University women’s junior varsity eight crew team won the national title Saturday at the National Collegiate Rowing Championship Regatta on Lake Harsha, Ohio, near Cincinnati.

WSU won its first national rowing championship. The college program began five years ago.

The Cougars led the start of the 2,000-meter race, but Princeton took the advantage midway through. Rowing with a strong tail wind, WSU moved into contention with 500 meters left, then stroked to a winning time of 6 minutes, 23.6 seconds.

Princeton clocked 6:23.8. Washington was third at 6:25.9, followed by Wisconsin (6:31.1).

WSU’s boat was comprised of coxswain Ann Hoang, stroke Mykel Papke, seven seat Paula Curry of Pullman, six seat Nicole Bauer of Spokane, five seat Ann Rich, four seat Kelli Kamphouse, three seat Kelli Swanson, two seat Molly Jordan and bow Nicole Hepworth.

“The kids never doubted that they’d win, and neither did the coaches,” said WSU varsity coach Tammy Crawford. “We’re very proud of them, and very happy for them and for WSU.”

In the varsity eight race, Princeton won with a time of 6:11.9. UW was second in 6:12.6. WSU, rowing on the outside in Lane 7, placed sixth in the seven-boat field, with a time of 6:34.2.

Stanford finished last.

The Cougars’ varsity eight rowed twice Friday to advance to the championship race. Members of the WSU boat were coxswain Stefanie Magill, stroke Michelle Kistler of Spokane, seven seat Becky Arthur, six seat Nicola Harper, five seat Deanne Hatchett, four seat Emily French of Tekoa, Wash., three seat Kristi Hall, two seat Sarah Miller and bow Lisa Swayze.

“We had an excellent start but the front half of the field moved ahead quickly,” Crawford said. “At least we avenged our loss to Stanford at the (Pacific-10 Conference championships) last month, and that was one of our goals.”

College track

Jason Rowe, competing for Community Colleges of Spokane, won the men’s long jump at the National Junior College championships at Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville.

Rowe’s winning jump was 23 feet, 2 inches.

Randy Townsend of CCS took second in the 200-meter run, in 21.55 seconds. Townsend’s 10.8 in the 100 was good for third place.

CCS’ Ryan Karrer finished third in the 400 (50.33) and sixth in the 200 (22.21).

“Jason Rowe’s performance was a bit of a surprise,” said CCS assistant coach Claude DeFour. “I thought Ryan would do better, especially time-wise.”