April 14, 2001

Photo Gallery

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- One week after USC's thrilling victory at the San Diego Crew Classic, the Trojans' varsity and JV eights traveled to Columbus, Ohio, for the Buckeye Invitational. Held at the Griggs Reservoir on the Scioto River on Saturday, April 14, the race featured five ranked teams - USC (No. 2), Michigan (No. 5), Ohio State (No. 9), Iowa (No. 11), Clemson (No. 15) and Michigan State (No. 19). The regatta was split into two sessions.

The varsity eight struggled against the fifth-ranked Wolverines who finished first in the morning race (6:35.92), while USC followed in 6:40.32. The Trojans completed the course 11 seconds ahead of third-place Iowa (6:51.69).

The afternoon race ended in similar fashion. The Trojans shaved a second of their time (6:39.14) and completed the course four seconds behind Michigan (6:35.80). Michigan State and Ohio State trailed by 14 seconds to finish third (6:49.11) and fourth (6:49.55), respectively.

USC's JV eight boat had a disappointing outing in the morning session, finishing third in a time of 6:49.32. The Trojans completed the course nearly 11 seconds behind leader Michigan (6:38.45), and only two seconds behind second-place Iowa (6:47.32).

The team recovered for a much-improved performance in the afternoon race. USC finished second in the field of four and drastically narrowed the gap with the leading Wolverines. With a final margin of a little more than five seconds, Michigan posted a time of 6:32.10 to cross the line first, and USC followed in 6:37.74.

Buckeye Invitational
Griggs Reservoir - Columbus, Ohio
Saturday, April 14

Morning Session
JV Eight
1. Michigan - 6:38.45
2. Iowa - 6:47.32
3. USC - 6:49.32

Varsity Eight
1. Michigan - 6:35.92
2. USC - 6:40.32
3. Iowa - 6:51.69

Afternoon Session
JV Eight
1. Michigan - 6:32.10
2. USC - 6:37.74
3. Ohio State - 6:40.69
4. Michigan State - 6:43.70

Varsity Eight
1. Michigan - 6:35.80
2. USC - 6:39.14
3. Michigan State - 6:49.11
4. Ohio State - 6:49.55