The Washington State University women’s rowing team opened their season versus Gonzaga today, October 10 at the Head of the Snake matchup, racing eights and fours and having the fastest times in both events.
The Cougs hosted the Zags at Wawawai Landing, which is 20 miles from Pullman in the Snake River Canyon.
Before the races, non competing Cougs on crew were excited for their teammates. Junior Kennedy Cardona sat by the breakwater with her teammates, eagerly awaiting the matchup.
“Yeah, I feel really happy that we’re getting into the racing season now,” Cardona said. “We’ve been training for it.”
The teammates said training typically consists of both cardio and weight training in the mornings. Afternoon training is typically on the water, unless weather conditions warrant dryland training. Outside of rowing, cardio training can include things like running and biking.
All were confident in the Cougs chances versus Gonzaga.
“I feel that we’ve had a lot of improvements so I feel really confident,” Cardona said.
The eights went first, with WSU 1V8 proving victorious in 18:37.10. Gonzaga 1V8 was second in 18:53.90 and WSU 2V8 placed 3rd in 19:02.90.
Junior Lis Ana Johansen, who hails from San Francisco, competed on the first boat to shore, the winning WSU1V8 team.
“We had a really strong race,” Ana Johansen said. “It was our first time hopping in these line ups but I think it was a good solid piece we put out there. “
Next up was the fours, which also found the Cougs crowned. The Cougar 2V4 finished first in 21:36.80, followed by Wazzu 1V4 in 21:49.60, Gonzaga V4 in 22:04.40 and WSU 3V4 in 22:05.20.
Some made their journeys from much farther than Pullman. Crew mom Jennifer Wagner came all the way down from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to support her daughter, junior Avary Wagner, who competed in the 3V4.
“It’s a beautiful day here on the Snake,” Jennifer said. “It’s always great to get a chance to see the ladies row.”
Rowing is a big sport in Philadelphia, she said. As well as, the iconic Philly cheesesteaks, which Jennifer said her daughter planned to order from the South Fork Public House in Pullman later that day.
“Which isn’t the same as the Philly cheesesteak back in Philadelphia,” she said. “But it’s always a hit.”
Although hailing from across the country, Wagner said her daughter Avary has found a home on the Palouse and felt welcomed since her first visit.
“She just came out here and loved the atmosphere,” Jennifer said. “She really found her home here.”
Next up for the Cougs is another showing versus Gonzaga on October 17 at the “Head of the Spokane,” on the Spokane River.
Johansen is confident in the Cougs chances heading into this matchup.
“Really excited. I think it’ll there will be definitely some better weather there. It will be flat water,” she said. “We’re racing eights and pairs.”
See the full gallery below. A more in depth video recap will be posted to the YouTube @erinm2261 later. You can download photos here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1NeMFP0mK-KTXGsxF41xBOETqGd2KNt2y?usp=sharing
NOTE: Edited at 3:54 p.m. in October 13 to correct one instance of a misspelling of “Cardona.”
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