2009-2010 Outlook and History
2009-2010 Outlook
With a large returning group of novices and experienced athletes, and an excited group of beginners, Smith crew began the fall of 2008 determined to succeed. At the Head of the Charles, the Collegiate Eight placed 15th, the ninth Division III boat in the event, guaranteeing an entry for the fall of 2009. Ending the fall with a second place finish at the Seven Sisters Championship, the Pioneers rededicated themselves to the goals of being faster and going to the 2009 NCAA Championships, understanding that a higher level of commitment was required.
The Pioneers' work ethic over the winter, sense of humor about conditions out of their control and dedication to their goals, fueled tough practices and fast races in the spring. The racing squad consisted of more than five eights. Each race the crews gained speed and experience. The team took back the NEWMAC Conference Championship and the Team Points trophy with 1st place finishes in the V8, 2V8 and first novice eight.
At the New England Championships, Smith rowed solid performances, with the combined team effort leading to a sixth place points trophy finish for women. The novice eights raced well, with the first boat placing seventh and the second boat fourth, showing great promise for the 2009-10 season. The 3V8 placed sixth while the second varsity eight won the petite final decisively to place 7th. The V8 field was very competitive with Smith racing to sixth place.
Over the next week the team prepared to improve its performances at the ECAC Championship, though wind unfortunately cancelled the finals. The V8, 2V8 and 1N had all raced to placement in the grand finals, and the 3V8 was in the petites. Disappointed not to race, the team was elated to receive a team invitation to the 2009 NCAA Championships in New Jersey. The Pioneers, who had not been to the NCAA's for two years, battled nerves and excitement to a sixth place team finish.
With the loss of only five seniors to graduation and with the return of a core group of strong varsity and novice team members and the addition of a fast group of first year athletes, the team is poised not only to retake Seven Sisters and NEWMAC titles, but hungry to do the work necessary to return to NCAA's in the 2009-10 season and to be on the medals stand.
Team Honors
| Year | Seven Sisters | NEWMAC | New Englands | ECAC | NCAA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2009-10 |
4th |
||||
2008-09 |
2nd |
Champion |
6th |
Cancelled due to weather |
6th |
| 2007-08 | Cancelled due to weather | 4th | 10th | 11th | |
| 2006-07 | Cancelled due to weather | 2nd | 8th | Cancelled due to weather | |
| 2005-06 | 2nd | Champion | 4th | 3rd | 4th |
| 2004-05 | Champion | Champion | 3rd | 3rd | 2nd |
| 2003-04 | Champion | Champion | Champion | Champion | 2nd |
| 2002-03 | 2nd | 3rd | 7th | 14th | |
| 2001-02 | Champion | Champion | 5th | 5th | 6th |
| 2000-01 | Cancelled | 2nd | 10th | 13th | |
| 1999-00 | Champion | Champion | 9th | 13th |
Past 10 year history only.
Seven Sisters and NCAA finishes are based on team points while the NEWMAC, New England and ECAC lists results of the varsity boat.
