COVENTRY, Conn. - The Trinity College second-varsity eight bested the Wesleyan University Cardinals by 1.3 seconds with a time of 6:24.9 in men's rowing action on a windy morning at Coventry Lake.  Trinity's varsity eight placed second among the first-place Cardinals, ranked No. 2 in the nation, the University of Connecticut Huskies, and the Connecticut College Camels in the annual Graf Cup, posting a time of 6:08.3.  The Bantam third-varsity eight came in third place against a pair of Cardinal crews with a time of 7:01.7.  The No. 4-ranked Bantams finish the dual racing season at 5-3 and will begin championship racing with the New England Rowing Championship (NERC) Regatta on Lake Quinsigamond on Saturday, May 6. Trinity's second-varsity eight was ranked No. 5 nationally and Wesleyan was No. 3 nationally entering the race.
 

"For the second week in a row, the second Varsity produced a fantastic performance and result on the race course.  They battled Wesleyan for the entire distance, holding a slim lead from the half-way point to the finish line.  It was a great boat race and I am very happy with the progress of this group," said Trinity Head Coach Kevin MacDermott.  "In the varsity race, Wesleyan jumped out to a lead relatively early in the race.  The crew fought for the entire distance, throwing moves and pushing Wesleyan hard to the line.  But, the ¾ length lead held up and they were not able to get back on even terms.  Congratulations to a fast and well-coached Wesleyan crew for winning the Graf Cup.  The third-varsity race followed a similar profile to the varsity.  Wesleyan jumped out to a lead and our crew fought hard and pushed for the entire distance.  But, the Wesleyan crew had the advantage, absorbed every move the crew threw, and crossed the line first."