Tulsa Rowers Post Seven Wins Over Creighton

Golden Hurricane dedicates J. Bird Sr. Shell Nest

March 25, 2007

Tulsa, Okla. -

The University of Tulsa captured seven of eight first-place marks over Creighton in the Lawless Cup Regatta on Sunday morning at the J. Bird Sr. Shell Nest on the Verdigris River in Catoosa, Oklahoma. Due to high water levels, the course was shorted to 1,500-meters and went with the current.

"We couldn't quite get mother nature to work with us today, but we put together some good races," Head Coach Kevin Harris said. "The team showed the racing spirit that we have been looking for and overall I am very happy with today's outcome."

Tulsa captured today's trophy, the Lawless Cup, and fastest finish with a time of 4:39.41 in the Varsity 8+, a boat length of open water ahead of Creighton. In the Second Varsity 8+, the Golden Hurricane defeated the Bluejays by four-and-a-half seconds to claim a time of 4:41.22, while TU's Novice 8+ finished in a time of 5:07.07.

In the fours, Tulsa's Varsity 4+ `A', Varsity 4+ `B' and Lightweight 4+, all posted top marks, in times of 5:01.00, 5:14.16 and 5:20.19, respectively. In the Novice races, Creighton edged past the Golden Hurricane for their lone win in the Novice 4+ `A' in a time of 5:17.19, just 4.06 seconds faster than TU. Tulsa, however, claimed its seventh win of the day in the final race, the Novice 4+ `B', with a time of 5:24.28.

Following the regatta, the Golden Hurricane dedicated the new boathouse, the J. Bird Sr. Shell Nest, which is named in honor of Jim Bird, the Tulsa businessman and TU supporter who provided the singular gift for its construction. The "Bird Nest" as it has come to be called by the rowers, is a 5,000-square-foot facility that provides secure storage for up to 46 boats. It also gives the team access to one of the best waterways for rowing in the United States. The Verdigris River sports a natural setting of 18 miles distance for the TU women's rowing team to practice.

"We are so honored to have Jim Bird and his family supporting us," Harris said. "Their generosity will not only help the current team, but generations of rowers to come. He has helped this team get to where it is today, and I am so thankful to him and his family for that. Now, rather than focusing on when and where we can practice, I can focus on helping this team gain speed to become even more competitive."

Tulsa vs. Creighton Results

Varsity 8+ 1. Tulsa - 4:39.41 2. Creighton - 4:50.32

2nd Varsity 8+ 1. Tulsa - 4:41.22 2. Creighton - 4:45.05

Novice 8+ 1. Tulsa - 5:07.07 2. Creighton - 5:14.87

Varsity 4+ `A' 1. Tulsa - 5:01.00 2. Creighton - 5:06.46

Varsity 4+ `B' 1. Tulsa - 5:14.16 2. Creighton - 5:25.88

Lightweight 4+ 1. Tulsa - 5:20.19 2. Creighton - 5:25.72

Novice 4+ `A' 1. Creighton - 5:17.19 2. Tulsa - 5:21.25

Novice 4+ `B' 1. Tulsa - 5:24.28 2. Creighton - 5:30.75