TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (SMU) – The SMU rowing team started the spring season Saturday at Alabama. Racing in its first sprint race since winning gold at the 2019 American Athletic Conference Championship, SMU's 1st Varsity 8+ crew raced to a first-place finish against the Crimson Tide.

The Mustangs crossed the line more than 12 seconds ahead of Alabama with a time of 7:19.5. Eastern Michigan was third in the three-team event at 7:43.3. SMU's 1V4+ was edged out at the finish line as the Crimson Tide crew posted an 8:24.3, while SMU crossed at 8:27.7.

SMU also took second in the 2V8 and the 2V4+ events, crossing the finish line behind the host Alabama.

The Mustangs race on their home course in the next two events, hosting regattas at White Rock Lake on March 14 and March 28.
 
1V8+ - 7:19.5
Cox: C. Gillis
J. Brake
M. Van Meel
P. Matthews
B. Peterson
J. Traylor
C. De Rouvroy
M. Hewison
D. Butterworth
 
2V8+ - 7:39.7
Cox: S. Radovanovic
a. Gorell
F. Epp
M. Scott
E. Pierce
V.Franklin
A. Bentley
T.Rose
R. Spence
 
 
1V4+ - 8:27.7
Cox: A. Iliria
S.Suntrup
M. Caldwell
E.Muir
L. Purvis
 
2V4+ - 8:42.7
Cox: H. Wilson
C.Haupfear
P. Jewell
M. Stafford
L. Burckhardt