June 26, 2008

PHILADELPHIA - The Saint Joseph's men's rowing team faced a rebuilding year in 2007-08, but still maintained the high level of rowing that has been associated with the Hawks' program. SJU entered the season with only four seniors and five juniors on the squad.

The Hawks upgraded their schedule and got an early taste of top-notch competition as they traveled to 12th-ranked Trinity College, but the nationally-ranked Bantams and the Connecticut River were too much for the Hawks. Despite the river being 17 feet above normal with a raging current, the two teams found a way to race, and Trinity won all three races, despite a strong push by SJU's Freshman 8.

Saint Joseph's followed that by joining a high-level field at the SIRA Regatta in Tennessee. The Hawks earned victories in the Second Varsity 8 and the Freshman 8, while the Varsity 8 placed fourth.

The Hawks' season hit the high point at the Bergen Cup, as Saint Joseph's turned in a dominating performance, winning four of five events. The Varsity 8 finally hit its stride and claimed the city title as it edged rival Temple by 0.7 seconds to capture the Bergen Cup for the first time in over 30 years. SJU won all four Eights and suffered its only loss in the Lightweight 4. Coupled with the success of the SJU women's crew, it marked the first time ever that both SJU Varsity 8 crews won their races in the same year. The Saint Joseph's crews combined to win eight of nine races on the day.

The performance of the Varsity 8 earned the Hawks national recognition as Saint Joseph's was named the Crew of the Week by row2k.com on April 20. The Hawks entered the Dad Vail Regatta with high seeds in the Varsity 8 (#3) and Second Varsity (#1) as well as high expectations. They had a great start to the regatta, as every SJU crew easily won its heat on the first day of racing. But the young Varsity 8 crew showed its inexperience and did not reach the finals. The Second Varsity 8 was more successful, earning a bronze medal at the prestigious event.

The Freshman 8 had a solid season and gave a glimpse of a promising future for Hawk rowing. The crew's effort was highlighted by its first-place finish at the Bergen Cup.

Seniors Kevin Jacobs and Marc Malott were recognized for their efforts in the classroom as both were named to the Philadelphia Inquirer Academic All-Area Men's Rowing Team. Sophomore Tim Strybuc was named the squad's Most Outstanding Performer.