May 21, 2000

The University of North Carolina rowing team has finished the season ranked among the nation's top 25 teams for the first time in the three-year history of the varsity program.

The Tar Heels are tied for 23rd among Division I varsity eights in the final Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association/USRowing National Collegiate Coaches Poll of the 2000 season, released on May 17. Brown University tops the poll, which includes 20 spots and others receiving votes. UNC is tied at 23rd with Cornell and Texas.

"We're pleased to finish the season in the top 25 nationally," UNC coach Joel Furtek said. "In a season that saw us race our way through the spring, and across the country, our athletes showed the strong, consistent speed of a nationally competitive program. The fact that eight of the nine women in the first boat learned to row at Carolina makes us even more proud of their accomplishments. And while the ranking is for the varsity eight, we know that the hard work and dedication of all our athletes is reflected in that speed."