MANITOU BEACH, Mich. -- The Adrian Rowing team played host to Michigan State University, Grand Valley State University and Milwaukee School Of Engineering this Saturday for the annual Devil's Lake Invitational. The regatta saw competitive racing, despite a strong gusting tailwind throwing up some tricky conditions.
 
In only its second year of running, the regatta drew a huge crowd, with parents and locals from the Devil's Lake community coming together to support the Bulldogs at home. Well over a hundred Adrian supporters were present, with last year's first ever graduating class returning to help run the regatta, and families traveling from across the country and even from other countries to cheer the team on. 
 
In the Men's Varsity Eight, Adrian had the best of the action, with a 13 second win over Conference rivals MSOE in the heat, followed by a very strong row in the final to win over MSU - posting the fastest race of the day at 6:05.5. In both races, the bulldogs got off to a slightly sluggish start, but under the direction of coxswain Sam Wyzlic, were able to maintain their composure to row through the opposition and emerge victorious with a grueling pace set through the meat of the racing.
 
"The men's eight were extremely impressive today," Said Head Coach Sam Pratt of the races "It takes a lot of maturity and confidence to row from behind in the fashion that they did, and to come back to win in commanding style was a really good learning experience for the guys. It's a good reminder to the boat that races are won through the middle section, and that keeping composed when under pressure can be so important to the final result."
 
Meanwhile, the Novice 4 saw first ever races for Andrew Black, Logan Dolby-Arnoldy and Coxswain Quinn Davison. Though Adrian was not able to come out on top against strong opposing crews, it was a promising start to the rowing careers of three athletes who have been in the sport for only a few weeks. 
 
"It was great to see young rowers taking their first competitive strokes today. We look forward to continuing to develop this crew and become a more experienced outfit over the last few weeks of the season." Said Coach Pratt.
 
The Bulldogs will continue their 2023 campaign in New Jersey next weekend at the Knecht Cup!