San Diego Crew Classic

STANFORD, Calif. – Three-time defending Intercollegiate Rowing Association national champion Stanford women's lightweight rowing begins its season this weekend at the San Diego Crew Classic on Mission Bay.
 
The two-day regatta is annually regarded as one of the top events nationwide in the spring season. Racing begins on Saturday. Fans can follow the racing this weekend at the event's website for up-to-the-minute results.
 
The program enters year two of the Kate Bertko era. She was introduced as head coach on September 9, 2016. In her first season at the helm, Bertko guided the team to its third consecutive IRA national title.
 
THREE-PEAT
Stanford won its third consecutive IRA national championship in June. Under the direction of Bertko, the Cardinal won all three of its Grand Final races by open water at Lake Natoma to claim the 2017 IRA title. Stanford, which also won the IRA team title in 2015 and 2016 under Derek Byrnes, totaled 72 points to finish nine-points ahead of Boston University in the team standings at last year's national championship regatta.
 
Stanford's third consecutive title was its seventh all-time. The Cardinal owns the most women's lightweight rowing national championships in the history of the sport. Wisconsin is second with five.
 
NATIONAL COACH OF THE YEAR
Bertko was named the IRA and the Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association Lightweight Rowing National Coach of the Year last season. The Cardinal lightweight varsity eight was named the 2017 IRA Women's Lightweight Crew of the Year.
 
UP NEXT
Following this weekend's regatta, Stanford will open the season at its home course at Redwood Shores. The Cardinal will face Princeton in the Class of 2015 Cup on Saturday, March 31.