March 18, 2000

BERKELEY, Calif. - The University of North Carolina rowing team wrapped up a spring break week of racing in California on Saturday morning and prepared to head back to Chapel Hill, where the Tar Heels will attempt to apply the lessons they've learned. "We've grown as a team this week, and I think we're well-prepared for our home season," UNC coach Joel Furtek said. "This trip has exceeded our expectations in every way."

On Saturday morning, racing out of reknowned Ky Ebright boathouse in perfect conditions, all three Carolina crews fell to powerful California. In the novice race, California's A boat finished in 7:35.42, Cal's B boat in 7:56.08 and Carolina in 8:03.75. In the second varsity eight race, Cal again pulled away off the line, finishing in 7:26.39 to UNC's 7:49.64.

The varsity race had the same results, if not the same path. Third-ranked Cal and 26th-ranked UNC both pulled out strong and traded seats in the first 250 meters. The Golden Bears took control, however, and rowed away after the 1,000-meter mark to a win with a time of 7:21.93 to UNC's 7:39.08.

"All three Carolina boats raced with heart and I'm very proud of the way they performed," Furtek said. "Unfortunately, in our fifth race in eight days we just didn't have the power to go any faster. We performed well and executed well but didn't have the fresh legs to back it up. Cal rowed very strong races in all three events."

While the rowers will fly home tonight after their week in California, the staff will make the 2,700-mile trip on land, driving the team's boats home. The Tar Heels return to action quickly, hosting sixth-ranked Michigan and 14th-ranked Ohio State next Saturday, March 25. Racing begins at 8 a.m. at Lake Wheeler and should run until noon.

"We're excited to get back home and apply the lessons we've picked up this week," Furtek says. "This was a great week to set up our spring season."