Huskies Take Crew Classic

Washington swept the featured races at the 24th San Diego Crew Classic with its women winning for the sixth straight year and its men prevailing for the third consecutive time.

The two-day event is considered the first major regatta of the collegiate season. More than 3,000 athletes from 80 schools and clubs competed over a 2,000-meter course on Mission Bay.

Washington’s women claimed the Whittier Cup for the 11th time overall with a 10-second margin of victory. They led the whole way to finish with a time of 6 minutes, 59.91 seconds. Next was Virginia in 7:10.40 and Massachusetts in 7:12.41.

In the men’s Copley Cup race, the Huskies took their 12th championship by nearly 7 seconds in 6:06.98. California was second in 6:13.73, and Penn wound up third in 6:14.16.

In the California Cup, Gonzaga’s men won in 6:34.9 to qualify for next year’s Copley Cup. Gonzaga’s women squad placed fourth.

Washington State University’s women’s varsity eight and junior varsity eight crews placed fifth in the Grand Final races. The Cougars’ novice eight finished second in Saturday’s Petite Final.