The University of Michigan’s rowing team, ranked ninth in the nation, wrapped up the 2024 NCAA Championships with a commendable seventh-place finish. The Wolverines shone in the Petite Finals, securing victories in the first varsity four and second varsity eight races at Harsha Lake, East Fork State Park.
Michigan’s team amassed 90 points, achieving their best result since 2021 and marking their ninth top-10 finish in the past decade. Both the 1V4 and 2V8 boats finished seventh nationally, while the 1V8 placed ninth, outperforming their pre-championship seeds.
Despite a morning rain and temperatures in the low 60s, Michigan showcased impressive prowess. In the varsity four event, they quickly took the lead and maintained it, finishing 2.426 seconds ahead of Brown. The second varsity eight race saw Michigan take an early lead and fend off tough competition, ultimately winning by 1.78 seconds over Brown.
In the first varsity eight race, Michigan fought hard, finishing third in a close race, just 1.596 seconds behind the winner, California, and 0.45 seconds behind second-place Syracuse.
Michigan stood out as the top Big Ten team, outperforming Ohio State (12th), Rutgers (14th), and Indiana (15th).
Team Standings:
1. Texas – 130
2. Stanford – 127
3. Tennessee – 118
4. Princeton – 112
5. Washington – 106
6. Brown – 99
7. Michigan – 90
8. Yale – 88
9. California – 84
10. Pennsylvania – 77
First Varsity Eight (Petite Final, places 7-12 overall):
1. California – 6:19.238
2. Syracuse – 6:20.384
3. Michigan – 6:20.834
4. Pennsylvania – 6:21.446
5. Ohio State – 6:21.654
6. Yale – 6:26.438
Second Varsity Eight (Petite Final, places 7-12 overall):
1. Michigan – 6:31.327
2. Brown – 6:33.107
3. Virginia – 6:34.089
4. Pennsylvania – 6:35.449
5. Ohio State – 6:36.601
6. California – 6:36.601
First Varsity Four (Petite Final, places 7-12 overall):
1. Michigan – 7:13.916
2. Brown – 7:16.342
3. California – 7:17.558
4. Rutgers – 7:18.372
5. Pennsylvania – 7:23.156
6. Syracuse – 7:25.334