Sep 7, 2009

Site: Ann Arbor, MI

Back to Back and Building

Coming back from their repeat at the ACRA National Championship Regatta, where the Michigan Men successfully defending their Team and Varsity 8 Titles from the regatta's inaugural championship by winning all four heavyweight 8 events, some might wonder-what is next? The team returns several members from the top boats and with a huge and talented sophomore class to compliment and challenge the upper classmen, a record breaking return to the varsity squad shows the guys are still hungry. Tryout week gives them their first shot to show their work over the summer has them in a good place to challenge for the top boats.

The long summer has been great to Michigan. Coach Hartsuff, in an unusually frank display of excitement, remarked recently, "You know, I am just ready to get started." Luckily, the guys are too. From coast to coast the wolverines have come back to Ann Arbor in good shape, and the boat traffic on Argo Pond has been heavy.

Practice officially begins Wednesday with first chance to see what the Wolverines have accomplished over the summer in the on water tryout. The opening 4k on the ergs will be Friday where several sophomores will begin to battle. Riley Hall's comment is a testament to the squadÕs disposition, "I hate losing!" Let the races begin.

Michigan Freshman came to the boathouse in buses this weekend in several open boathouse events. They will continue learning about the team this week as the recruiting events move to campus to help Coach Youngs building his squad and achieve even bigger things after his first year wins at the Dad Vail Regatta and ACRA National Championship. Coach Youngs is looking for another strong class to compete with the varsity squad. His passion and drive will certainly be assets as he continues to show the Michigan Freshman Coach is a great one to introduce the Young Wolverines to the sport.