Oct. 28, 2007

PRINCETON, N.J. - The Navy lightweight crew team enjoyed a successful conclusion to its fall season of racing Sunday when the program's varsity boat won the Princeton Chase held on Lake Carnegie in Princeton, N.J.

Navy's top crew posted a time of 13:22.052 to win the head race by 1.6 seconds. Cornell placed second in the contest with a time of 13:23.693, while regatta-host Princeton finished in third place with a time of 13:23.926.

Additionally in the varsity eight race, Navy crews also placed 11th, 13th and 21st in the field of 29 entries.

"It is pretty exciting for our team," said Navy head coach Rob Friedrich of the victory. "This is the first time Navy has won the event, and to do so over all of our conference opponents except for Harvard (who did not compete) shows what a great accomplishment this is.

"The guys had a great row (to win the race). They paced themselves well and had a good finish. Rowing a complete race was something we were not able to do last week at the Head of the Charles."

The Mids also entered four boats into the foar-oared race, with their top boat finishing in third place with a time of 15:01.729. Princeton won the race with a clocking of 14:48.007, with Dartmouth placing second in a time of 14:58.099.

Navy crews also placed 11th, 14th and 18th in the race that featured 31 boats.

"We had some great rows in our fours, as well," said Friedrich.

"Overall, this was a wonderful showing for our program and will make for a great atmosphere of training over the next few months for our spring season."