The University of Michigan rowing team showed off their talent and tenacity in the Petite Finals races, concluding the 2024 NCAA Championships with an outstanding seventh-place finish.
Michigan’s rowers competed in the final regatta at Harsha Lake in East Fork State Park, showcasing remarkable talent and perseverance throughout. Their performances, which included victories in the first varsity four and second varsity eight competitions, were outstanding and cemented their place among the best programs in the country.
With 90 points overall, the Wolverines put up their best performance since 2021 and finished in the top 10 for the ninth time in the previous ten years. The first-varsity four and second-varsity eight boats both finished in seventh place overall, above their initial seeding and beyond expectations.
The weather was difficult for the Michigan rowers, with light morning rain and chilly temps, but they stayed calm and focused. They won their respective events handily, displaying exceptional technique and coordination against formidable opponents.
In the opening varsity four race, Michigan overcame formidable opponents like California and Brown by taking an early lead and holding it the entire way.
Similar to this, Michigan showed incredible tenacity in the second varsity eight event, overcoming obstacles from rival crews to finish first.
In the first varsity eight race, which pitted Michigan against elite teams like Yale and California, the Wolverines showed their competitive spirit by coming in third place, just behind California and Syracuse.
The way Michigan performed at the NCAA Championships highlights the program’s reputation as one of the strongest in collegiate rowing. Michigan’s achievement, as the top Big Ten program in the competition, is a testament to the skill and commitment of its student-athletes and coaching staff.