Temple University Athletics
Men's JV 8 Earns Gold At Dad Vail Regatta
5.9.09 | Men's Crew
May 9, 2009
PHILADELPHIA - The junior varsity eight salvaged the day for the Temple Crew by winning the gold medal at the 71st Dad Vail Regatta Saturday afternoon. The Owls' freshman/novice four took home the bronze medal. The two medals helped offset the fact that the Owls' Varsity eight failed to qualify for the final for the first time in 27 years.
"I am really happy for these young men," said Temple head coach Gavin White, in his 30th year at the helm of the program. "They have worked hard and had a great year. To win gold at Dad Vails is a tremendous accomplishment."
The junior varsity eight, comprised of coxswain Thomas Goldner, stroke Stephen Brady, Joe Bellesheim (6-seat), Matthew Meyer (6-seat), Aaron Heyde (5-seat), Jeff Wunderlich (4-seat), Brian Reehill (3-seat), Scott Herring (2-seat), Mike VanAssche (bow), posted a winning time of 6:12.512. Jacksonville took silver in a time of 6:15.006 while Grand Valley State earned the bronze in a time of 6:17.774.
The varsity eight, comprised of coxswain Michael Berger, stroke James Barr, Scott Waters (7-seat), Patrick Curran (6-seat), Jason Cartwright (5-seat), Brendan Cunningham (4-seat), Joseph Welsh (3-seat), Thomas Masterson (2-seat) and John Masterson (bow), finished third in its 7:00 a.m. morning semifinal with just the top two boats qualifying. Michigan, who went on to win the Richard O'Brien Trophy as the Varsity eight champion, won the heat while Brock edged Temple out for second.
The freshman/novice four of coxswain Sam Scimeca, stroke Djordje Vilimanovic, Petar Ivacic (3-seat), Chris Roberts (2-seat), Brandon Joyce (bow) finished third in a time of 7:40.084 to earn its bronze medal. The Owls had placed second in its morning semifinal to Colgate, but defeated the Red Raiders in the final. Army won the gold in the event while Dayton earned the silver medal.
