NEW ROCHELLE, NY  - The men's and women's rowing teams hosted Gordon College over six events of which Iona came away victorious in four.

Race Summary

The first race of the day, men's varsity 4, was also the tightest race of the day.  Iona's lightweight four emerged victorious over the lightweight four from Gordon by just under 3 seconds.  Iona's open four finished third just 2.6 seconds later. The men also saw convincing victories in the pair and double.
 
On the women's side the Varsity 8 broke down into a lightweight four and an open four to finish first and second respectively over Gordon's lightweight four.  Gordon's open double emerged victorious over Iona's lightweight double who finished ahead of two lightweight Gordon doubles. The 2nd Varsity 8 finished a distant 2nd behind Gordon.
 
Iona was awarded the inaugural Ventura Cup for taking four of the five races that counted towards the cup: Men's 4+, Women's 4+, Men's 2-, Men's 2x, Women's 2x.  The cup was unnamed prior to the start of racing and it was agreed that the winning team would name the cup. 
 
Iona coaches decided to name the cup after 1969 graduate and Arrigoni Hall of Famer Vincent J. Ventura.  Ventura is a former Iona coach and longtime chairman of rowing at the New York Athletic Club (HOF '11).  He championed lightweight rowing at Iona and his lightweight 8's had top finishes at the Metropolitan Championships and Dad Vail Regatta in the mid 1970s.  He's served as a coach on several US World Championship and Olympic teams.

Coaches' Comments

It makes sense that Iona and Gordon create a new tradition as both programs have similarities in size and approach, particularly lightweight rowing, stated John Boyd."  On the women's side, to race Gordon is a slight change of pace from the typical Division 1 focus of Varsity 8's.  It was fun for our women to break down into smaller boats and even race a sculling event, something that we typically reserve for fall training.  The men have more of a small boat focus come championship season so this was a great opportunity to see what the pair looks like on the course as well as put our fours together head to head against another opponent. "

Final Results

Full Women's Results
Full Men's Results

Up Next

Next weekend the Gaels travel to Cherry Hill, NJ to race in a variety of events at the Knecht Cup Regatta.

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