Bronze Four

WEST WINDSOR, N.J. – The Stanford men’s rowing varsity four captured a bronze medal at the IRA National Championships on Sunday.

After winning both the heat and semifinal races, the Cardinal four was rowing in the Grand Final for a shot at a national championship.

Everything looked goof for Stanford as they grabbed the lead early and held it more the majority of the race. The Cardinal was out in front with 500 meters to go, but Washington and Cal took advantage of an opportunity to move past the Stanford in the final 250 meters.

“We led the entire way and were in control of the race until about 30 seconds to go,” said head coach Craig Amerkhanian.

Washington walked through the Cardinal and won the race by three seconds. Cal nipped Stanford right at the end to finishing second by 0.2 seconds. The final time for the Cardinal was 6:19.858.

With a third place finish, the four earned a bronze medal. It marks the third time in Stanford history they have medaled in the varsity four event at the IRA National Championships.

The varsity eight raced in the C Final and ended up placing 18th in the regatta. The Cardinal posted a time of 5:56.014 for sixth in the race.

“Our varsity eight just never found rhythm or speed,” said Amerkhanian. “It was a rough regatta for those guys, but we are young and the future is bright looking at what our four was able to do this weekend.”

Stanford has placed in the top 20 of the varsity eight every year since the results go back to 1999.