Rowing has a long tradition at Syracuse University and this year's teams look to establish themselves as strong competitors at the national level. The Syracuse Orange women are ranked 19th and they began their season two weeks ago at the Nordic Nine event in Ithaca. Weather played a factor in the event as some races were cancelled due to poor conditions, but SU was still able to win four races against Northeastern and Penn.
Coach Justin Moore's squad will look to rely on a strong Senior class as they look to return to the NCAA Championships for the 1st time since 2005. Part of that class is Australian transfer Chelsea Frawley, who was a key member of last year's Varsity 8 boat and is being expected to lead the Orange this season. Frawley draws some of her competitive drive from her father, who is a former Australian Rules Football player and coach. Syracuse will compete at Clemson this weekend as the Orange get a preview of the site of this year's ACC Championship course.
The Syracuse men had to move their first home competition to Ithaca on Saturday. Coach Dave Reischman's 14th ranked squad took on 11th ranked Wisconsin and ended up taking the 2nd Varsity 8 race against the Badgers. Men's rowing is not a NCAA-sanctioned sport so the Orange will be looking to qualify for the IRA Regatta in late May. Captain Patrick O'Shaughnessy-Hunter believes that this year's team can draw from the success of previous Orange crews and leave their own mark. Last year, Syracuse ended up finishing 16th in the Varsity 8 competition at the IRA.
The men will compete at home this Saturday morning as they face Navy and Cornell for the Goes Trophy at Onondaga Lake. The event will also feature the dedication of two boats in honor of Rob and Sue Edson