May 14, 2000

OAK RIDGE, Tenn.-The University of North Carolina rowing team wrapped up its 2000 season Sunday, competing in the finals of the Central Region Sprint Championships on Lake Melton. Racing in the grand final, the Tar Heel varsity eight finished sixth. Racing in petite finals, the UNC varsity four claimed second and the second varsity eight came in third. In the overall NCAA team standings, the Tar Heels finished seventh of nine teams.

"This weekend, we did some very good racing and had a good regatta overall," UNC coach Joel Furtek said. "I think we've provided great racing opportunities-both in number and in quality-for our athletes this season. We've extended ourselves to race some of the top crews in the country and we've learned valuable lessons."

On Sunday, the Tar Heel varsity four, made up of novice rowers, battled for first throughout its race. UNC led Iowa by as much as four seats, but fell behind at the finish to take second in the petite final, equal to eighth overall in the field. "It was a great race and a good finish for our young rowers," Furtek said. "I'm excited to have three more years with them, to develop their speed even further."

Racing in the varsity four were coxswain Sarah Ketchie, stroke Kara Kerscher, three seat Molly Benner, two seat Allison Wheaton and bow Lauren Yoder, all freshmen. Iowa's winning time was 7:39.4, followed by UNC in 7:42.4. After that, it was Duke in 7:57.5, Notre Dame in 8:04.1 and Tennessee in 8:25.4.

The second varsity eight finished third in its final, after a close duel with Notre Dame. The third-place finish in the petite final equaled ninth overall for UNC. Kansas won the race in 6:55.5, followed by Notre Dame in 7:02.3, UNC in 7:07.1 and Tulsa in 7:11.1.

Racing in the second varsity eight were coxswain Kristen Miller, stroke Kim Dilda, Meredith Acly, Stephanie Novak, Lindsey Rewerts, Jeanette Crets, Ann Crawford, Meredith Krull and bow Rachel Daniels.

The varsity eight, competing in the day's premier race, fell behind at the start and found itself battling against Texas for fifth place in the six-boat field. The Tar Heels, who earned a spot in the grand final with outstanding racing on Saturday, finished sixth. "For our varsity eight, yesterday was a better day," Furtek said. "Today we didn't have the speed in the first half of the race to be in the pack of teams competing for first." Racing in the varsity eight were coxswain Robin Yamakawa, stroke Erin Neppel, Dana Peirce, Heather Higgins, Layne Careyt, Holly Jones, Danae Ringelmann, Laura Fogt and bow Rachel Kolbinsky.

Michigan took first in the grand final in a time of 6:34.3, with Michigan State second in 6:38.3. Ohio State finished in 6:39.1, followed by Iowa in 6:45.3, Texas in 6:50.6 and UNC in 6:57.5.

Closing out their UNC rowing careers were six seniors: Crawford, Higgins, Jones, Kolbinsky, Miller and Ringelmann.