Despite a spring season that yielded the Grand Valley State University rowing club from using their nearby waters due to floods and inclement weather, the GVSU men and women rowing teams were able to have one of their most successful weekends in recent history.

“It was an outstanding weekend, I couldn’t have asked more out of our teams,” said head coach John Bancheri. “This season has been so difficult because of everything we have gone through with the weather. It was great to see them persevere and have the type of success they accomplished this weekend.”

The GVSU women stood head and shoulders above the competition at the 75th Aberdeen Dad Vail Regatta as the GVSU varsity took home gold in the Division I Eight competition.

“All the credit goes to our coaching staff,” said senior Carey Mankins. “Our success just reflects what they have taught us, and also all the work we have put in to get to this position.”

The GVSU second varsity team also took home gold in the novice competition, propelling the Laker women to the overall points trophy. This was the first time since 09’ that either of the two teams have won the gold.

“This is the pinnacle of our overall program in the past 33 years that I have been coaching,” Bancheri said. “They performed beyond expectations, and I couldn’t be more proud.”

The Laker men also faired well as the GVSU varsity missed out on a medal by one spot, finishing fourth in the Varsity Heavyweight Eight competition.

“I’m more than happy with how we performed,” said junior Robert DeWeerd. “It was a little disappointing that we came within one spot of bronze, but out off all the teams that competed, I think we should be proud of how we performed.”

The GVSU second varsity men’s team helped the Lakers cause by finishing sixth in the novice heavyweight eight competition, which ultimately led to the GVSU men finishing second in the overall points competition.

“Both our men and women’s programs represented GVSU well this past weekend,” Bancheri said. “To win the overall points in the women’s competition and to finish second in overall points on the men’s side is an outstanding accomplishment.”

Among the 125 colleges and universities that competed in the 75th Aberdeen Dan Vail Regatta, GVSU represented the only club teams to make it to the grand final.

“With the recent success that we have had, we now have huge targets on our backs,” Mankins said. “We will get right back to work and put our focus towards the club national championships.”

The GVSU men and women rowing teams will next take aim at the club rowing national championships in less than two weeks.

“All of our athletes in the program are determined and anxious to get right back out there,” Bancheri said. “I expect both of our men and women’s teams to do very well at the club national championships. Hopefully we can take home gold in both races.”

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