MISSION BAY, Calif. – The Cal men's rowing team began the spring campaign in dominant fashion, winning all five races at the San Diego Crew Classic. After placing first in every heat in Saturday's prelims, the defending IRA National Champions carried that momentum into Sunday's finals, winning all five races that they entered.

"It was a strong start to the spring racing season for the team" said head coach Mike Teti. "We always love to come down to the Crew Classic to start off our racing season and it was great to see the guys perform well under pressure.  There is a lot of work yet to be done but the crews performed well." 

The third varsity eight set the tone for Cal on Sunday, getting out to an early lead and winning the final in dominant fashion. The freshman eight followed suit, winning the Derek Guelker Cup with a time of 5:54.35.

The second varsity eight was up next and won the Sharp Cabrillo cup in a blistering 5:42.49, improving upon their performance from Saturday's heat and beating a strong crew from Yale.   

In the varsity event – the Copley Cup – the Bears avenged their only loss from the 2016 San Diego Crew Classic, crossing the finish line in 5:35.50 and breaking the course record for the Crew Classic! Cal bested defending champion Yale by nearly four seconds to reclaim the title.

Closing the regatta on a high note, California came first and second in the open event, with the Freshman 8 edging the Third Varsity 8+ in a photo finish, 5:54.56 to 5:54.92.

All of the crews this weekend posted fast times and gained valuable race experience in the Bears' first competition of the spring season. Cal looks to build on that experience in two weeks, when the Bears return to action at the Stanford Invitational on April 15 & 16.

For updates and information on the team throughout the year, follow the Bears on Twitter (@CaliforniaCrew), Instagram (@CalCrew), and Facebook (Facebook.com/theFOCC).
 
Final Results
Men's Collegiate Varsity  8+ - Copley Cup
1. California 5:35.50
2. Yale 5:39.01
3. Stanford 5:50.02
4. University of Victoria 5:50.27
5. UC Santa Barbara 5:58.45
6. Michigan 6:02.37

Men's Collegiate 2V 8+ - Sharp Cabrillo Cup
1. California 5:42.49
2. Yale 5:47.18
3. Michigan 6:05.92
4. British Columbia 6:06.93
5. Stanford 6:13.58
6. Santa Clara 6:16.15

Men's Collegiate 3V 8+ Final
1. California 6:08.66
2.  UC Santa Barbara 6:30.57
3.  UC San Diego 6:33.72
4. Santa Clara 6:36.05
5. UCLA 6:59.62

Men's Collegiate Novice 8+ - Derek Guelker Cup
1. California 5:54.35
2.  Stanford 6:12.71
3. Orange Coast 6:19.44
4. British Columbia 6:22.95
5. Michigan 6:23.79
6. Santa Clara 6:25.32

Men's Open 8+ - Grand Final
1. California (Freshman 8) 5:54.56
2. California (3V8) 5:54.92
3. California Club 5:59.83
4. Boston College 6:19.40
5. Unaffiliated 6:29.90
6. UC Santa Barbara 6:33.47
7. San Diego 6:39.04