Murray State University Athletics
Racers set for state title battle at the Derby Festival Regatta
4/29/2005 5:00:00 AM
The format will be the same as last year, the Racers and the Cardinals will square off in three 500-meter races with the winning team to be crowned as the Kentucky State Champion.
"The nice thing is that we get to race against the other in-state school," said MSU head coach Bill McLean. "The 500-meter distance makes it more exciting for the crowd, since they can see the whole race from start to finish, and that's exciting.
"Louisville always treats us right. They recognize our seniors, and I've known their coach for numerous years, since before we both came to Kentucky. I always enjoy going up to Louisville.
"Our varsity has been focusing more on the fours," McLean said. "That's what we're racing at Philadelphia at the college championships. Getting our eights is a challenge, but it has brought our team together."
"We look forward to showcasing our program to the community and to the opportunity to race in-state rival Murray State," said UL head coach Richard Ruggieri. "We have seen a great deal of success on and off the water over the last year. Being nationally recognized as well as bringing home two Southern Intercollegiate Rowing Association championships and a victory over Big East champion Notre Dame this year truly means a great deal to us. I am very proud of this team and hope to see the community learn more about our program and embrace some of the hardest working athletes in sports."
Admission to the event is free, and free parking will be available along River Road parallel to Waterfront Park and the Boathouse. Additional parking on a first-come basis will be available in Waterfront Park next to the Boathouse and the Children's Play Area (Phase II).
Fans are encouraged to arrive 30 minutes prior to the start of the regatta to allow time to walk from your parking spot to the Boathouse. Last year, more than 1,000 fans attended the event.
Following the Derby Festival Regatta, the Racer crew will take part in the Dad Vail Regatta at Philadelphia, Pa., on May 13-14. The NCAA Cantral Region Championships will take place the following week, May 20-21, at Oak Ridge, Tenn.
2005 Derby Festival Regatta Schedule
(Times given are Eastern Time.)
Saturday, April 30
4:00 p.m. Regatta begins
4:00 p.m. Racer Walk
4:10 p.m. Cardinal Walk
4:45 p.m. Races begin
5:30 p.m. Races end
5:35 p.m. Senior appreciation
6:15 p.m. Awards presentation
