SMU Rowing Wins Four Races at the Pumpkin Head of the Colorado Regatta

Nine of the Mustangs' 13 Boats Finished Fourth or Better

Oct. 27, 2007

AUSTIN, Texas (SMU)--The Mustang rowing squad took first place in the open four, novice four, open doubles and novice single scull events at the Pumpkin Head of the Colorado Saturday. Nine of the Mustangs' 13 boats placed fourth or higher in their respective races.

In the open four, Emily St. John coxed a boat consisting of Krystal Kulka, Brooke Reemsnyder, Caitlin Ludwig and Amanda DeGroff to a 24-plus second victory, finishing the race in 20:45.2. SMU's second boat, coxed by Ali Smith, placed third in the race, crossing the line at 21.23.3.

The Mustangs also took first in the novice four. Smith again led her crew to an open-water victory, as Lizzie Gregory, Reemsnyder, Bianca Medici and Katelyn Verner finished in 21:44.7, 39 seconds ahead of the first boat from University of Texas. Three Longhorn boats finished in a row before SMU's second entry could cross the line in fifth place with a time of 24:01.8.

SMU took first through fourth places in the open doubles, as DeGroff and Julie Pollard paced the competition, completing the course in 22:36.6, nearly five seconds ahead of SMU's second entry. Kulka and Meredith Walter placed second in 22:41.3, while Alex Austin and Kelly McKinley finished third in 23:05.5.

The Mustangs finished third in the open eight event, with coxswain Elizabeth Hagerty guiding Kulka, Walter, Gregory, Alexa Tuszynski, Austin, Reemsnyder, Pollard and DeGroff to a time of 17:47.9, less than two seconds behind event-winner, Austin Rowing Club.

SMU rowing is back in action Nov. 3 at the Head of the Hooch in Chattanooga, Tenn. For the complete schedule and results, log on to SMUMustangs.com.