No. 1 Rowing wins three grand finals to close out San Diego Crew Classic

Sunday, March 30

San Diego, Calif.

11:30 a.m. CT

University of Texas

San Diego Crew Classic

The Texas II Eight celebrates following their victory in the Jackie Ann Stitt Hungness Trophy final Sunday in San Diego.

No. 1 Rowing wins three grand finals to close out San Diego Crew Classic

03.30.2025 | Rowing

Results

Texas wrapped up a successful weekend in San Diego, snaring three victories and a runner-up finish in Sunday’s grand finals.

SAN DIEGO – No. 1 Texas Rowing concluded a successful weekend at the San Diego Crew Classic on the Fiesta Bay-Crown Point Shores of Mission Bay Park Sunday, winning three grand finals and finishing runner-up in a fourth. The Longhorns raced against a plethora of the top programs across the country, including No. 5 Washington, No. 8 California, No. 20 Notre Dame, No. 23 Southern California and No. 24 Washington State.

"We expected some hard-fought races and close margins today, and that's exactly what we got," Texas head coach Dave O'Neill said. "I'm really proud of the way our team has developed and stepped up this entire year. Our First Eight really showed they have some speed. There were indications they could be fast, but you never know how they'll respond when truly pushed. It was the first race at that level for seven of them, so they still have room to grow. Sue Holderness has turned herself into a very good stroke, and it's nice to have a six-seat like Marg Van der Wal behind her."

Texas' victories by the I Eight and II Eight mark the fourth-consecutive year the Horns won those events.

The Texas First Varsity Eight secured the first victory of the day in the Jessop-Whittier Cup Invitational, edging out Washington in 6:19.318. The Huskies finished runner-up in 6:20.139, followed by third-place Cal (6:24.993), fourth-place Washington State (6:36.751), fifth-place USC (6:38.748), sixth-place Notre Dame (6:41.951), seventh-place UCLA (6:44.915) and eighth-place UCSD (6:49.475).

The Texas Four followed with a runner-up finish in the Karen Plumleigh Cortney Cup, throwing down a final time of 7:07.209 in a tightly contested race with Washington. Washington narrowly won the race in 6:06.145. Cal (7:21.322) finished behind Texas in third followed by fourth-place UCLA (7:32.015).

"The Four fought hard but was edged by Washington. Credit to them on a well-deserved win. We'll learn from this and move forward for sure."

In the Jackie Ann Stitt Hungness Trophy final, the Texas II Eight earned UT's second win of the day after crossing the finish line in 6:29.739 to beat out runner-up Washington (6:31.341). Cal placed third in 6:36.839, followed by fourth-place USC (6:45.652).

"The Second Eight has come together in just the last few days, and it was good to see them perform so well. I think this was Rhiannon Luke's first race stroking and eight, and she set a calm, long and aggressive rhythm, which is exactly what we want."

Rounding out the weekend, the Texas III Eight dominated the Carley Copley Cup final and won it in 6:44.655. Washington finished runner-up in 6:48.141 followed by third-place Cal (6:50.353), fourth-place Notre Dame (7:11.751), fifth-place UCLA (7:16.341) and sixth-place UCSD (7:35.642).

"The Open Eight ended the day with a fantastic effort. There's a good mix of experience and youth in that boat, and I thought they rowed and raced very well."

Texas returns to Austin to host No. 10 Michigan on Saturday, April 12, on Lady Bird Lake.

"We know we have limited opportunities to line up and race 2,000 meters, so I'm glad we made the most of this weekend. We have plenty of work to do in the weeks ahead, so we're looking forward to getting back to work."

Lineups

I Eight: Amy Werner (Cox), Sue Holderness, IIva Boone, Marg Van der Wal, Allie Alton, Phoebe Wise, Abby Dawson, Lucy Searle and Imy Grey.

II Eight: Emma Williams (Cox), Rhiannon Luke, Paula Becher, Phoebe Robinson, Taryn Kooyers, Savvy Jerome, Amelia Gleed, Holly Davis and Anna Garrison.