Nov. 4, 2006

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (SMU) - The SMU rowing team competed at the Head of the Hooch this afternoon. The Mustangs had eight boats competing in five races.

"I am very pleased with our performance," said head coach Doug Wright. "Everyone did a great job. We did what we were supposed to through the fall by getting faster with each race. The varsity eight did a great job coming together and making the commitment to do what they were capable of. We raced well against some great competitors that we'll see again this spring. We are now focused on our winter training plans and hopefully can carry this success through the year."

In the freshman novice four the Mustang boat clocked a first-place finish with a time of 18:15.1. The morning in the freshman novice eight, the Mustangs had a 10th -place and 18th -place finish with times of 18:28.7 and 19.54.4, respectively. In the championship eight, the SMU boats finished fifth with a time of 16:06.3 and 25th with a time of 17:26.4. In the championship 2x, a team clocked in for 11th place with a time of 20:11.2 and 21st with a time of 22.58.7. The day was concluded with the championship four as the Mustang boat finished 9th with a time of 17:36.8.

"Our freshman four raced very well too," said Wright. "They are a great group of young rowers with a tremendous amount of pride in the program already. They have a lot of learning to do, and are well on their way to contributing to our overall success. I am also happy with the novice crews and their performance. As young rowers, they are all committed to the process of learning how to train and compete. I am excited about their dedication to the program and what they'll be able to contribute as they develop over the next few years."

The Hooch is in its 26th year and for the 2nd year was hosted at the 21st Century Riverfront at Ross's Landing Park in Chattanooga, Tenn. The Head of the Hooch is a 5000m (3 mile) head race on the Tenn. River ending at Ross's Landing Park in Chattanooga, Tenn.

Freshman Novice 8+10th Rowing A - 18:28.718th Rowing B - 19:54.4
Championship 8+5th Rowing A - 16:06.325th Rowing B - 17:26.4
Championship 2+11th Rowing A - 20:11.321st Rowing B - 22:58.7
Freshman Novice 41st Rowing A - 18:15.1
Championship 4+9th Rowing A - 17:36.8