June 3, 2000

CAMDEN, N.J.--- On Saturday, June 3, the Villanova University varsity lightweight eight crew team competed in the Grand Final of the IRA Regatta at Cooper River Park in Camden, N.J. The Wildcats finished second in the Grand Final in a time of 7:07.49, just under four second behind first place Princeton (7:03.52).

On Friday, June 2, in Villanova's first day of competition, the Wildcats finished second in heat one of the preliminaries to Princeton University, crossing the finish line in 6:50.87. With one more chance remaining to earn a trip to Saturday's Grand Final, Villanova took to the river again competing in Rep 1, needing a first or second place finish to advance to the Grand Final. The Wildcats won Rep 1 in a time of 6:49.70, 2.30 seconds ahead of second place San Diego State to move on to the Varsity Leightweight Eight Grand Final.

Last season at the IRA Regatta, Villanova earned a second place finish in the Grand Final of the Varsity Lightweight Eight race.