OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – Clemson started their 2023-24 campaign strong as they took home first place in the Varsity Eights at the Head of the Oklahoma on Saturday, September 30.
“These Night Sprints are a reminder that racing fast is fun ” said Head Coach Stephen Frazier Wong. “Normally we row before sunrise, but we got to switch it up this time and sprint under the bright lights after sunset. It’s a thrill to see these Tigers earn their medals, but it is even more thrilling to see how hard the whole team attacked each stroke this weekend.”
The Varsity Fours started the racing for the Tigers at 1:40 p.m. CT. Out of the 27 boats, Clemson’s two 4+ boats finished in the middle of the pack, with their A boat finishing eighth at 16:44.8 and their B boat finishing 13th at 16:54.1. Their finishes placed both of them in the 500-meter Petite Finals that night. Racing under the lights, Clemson’s A boat placed second at 1:48.9 and Clemson’s B boat followed shortly behind for a third-place finish at 1:50.5.
At 3:05 p.m. CT, Clemson’s Varsity Eight boats impressed as they both earned Grand Final bids. The Tigers A boat finished second at 14:41.5, while its B boat finished sixth at 19:10.9. Clemson’s A boat would go on to cross the finish line first and cue the Fireworks with a 1:33.2 time in the 500-meter sprint. The Tigers B boat placed fifth with a 1:39.5 time on the 500-meter course.
Up next, Clemson will head to Oak Ridge, Tennessee to compete in the Secret City Head Race on Saturday, October 14.
