April 27, 2012
STANFORD, Calif. - The men's and women's rowing teams of Stanford and California will do battle on the waters of Redwood Shores in The Big Row this Saturday morning.
Collegiate rowing action begins at 10 a.m. and will last until approximately 12 p.m. The men will compete in the I Eight, II Eight, and Frosh Eight classes, while the women will square off in the I Eight, II Eight, Four and Novice Eight classes.
This year's event will also feature the first Alumni race where Stanford and California alumni will square off in "Under-35" and "Masters" (over 35) categories. The first alumni race will get off at 9:15 a.m.
"Cal's varsity is filled global talent and will present an uphill battle for us," said Stanford men's rowing head coach Craig Amerkhanian. "We are team with high morale and are dedicated to racing to our optimum. Last weeks stroke for stroke battle with Wisconsin will give us a bit of confidence. It will be a day of great racing and celebration as we honor Jill Costello's (Cal '10) memory and all those who are fighting cancer."
"The Big Row is our final regular season race before the Pac-12 Championships and we couldn't have a better opponent," said Stanford women's rowing head coach Yasmin Farooq. "Cal is having another solid season and it will be a true test. Honoring Jill at this regatta reminds us that racing is always about giving your best, and that is how we are always going to remember her. This year marks the kick-off of alumni racing at The Big Row as well, so we'll see some of our best supporters getting back into boats and reliving the magic of racing at Redwood Shores. We'll be cheering just as loud for them as they have been for us all these years."
The Stanford crews will race in their traditional Big Row pink "Block S" tank tops with an aquamarine ribbon, honoring the late Jill Costello, a California coxswain who passed away of lung cancer in 2010.
Following the event, Stanford and California friend Dan Gordon will provide bratwurst and beverage service on site.
Directions to Competition Site
Redwood Shores Lagoon - Redwood City, Calif.
Directions from Stanford, Calif. via U.S. 101
-Take the Marine World Parkway Exit. Exit toward the bay
-Follow Marine World Parkway
To the launch site:
-At the second light turn right on Twin Dolphin Drive
-Turn left on: Lagoon Drive
-Turn Right into the first parking lot
To the viewing bridge:
-Follow Marine World Parkway
-Turn right on Bridge Parkway
-Turn right into the parking lot just before the bridge
-Walk up to the top