Ithaca College opened racing at the IRA National Championships on Friday with both varsity crews competing in their opening heats against a strong national field.

The First Varsity Eight got off the line clean and was in the hunt early for a qualifying spot into the A Final. Wesleyan and Tufts were able to separate through the middle portion of the race, while the Bombers battled with Bates for the final qualifying position. Ithaca continued to press through the closing stages but finished roughly four seconds behind Bates and will move into the B Final on Saturday.

The Second Varsity Eight also raced hard in its opening heat. Similar to the 1V, the crew executed a clean start and stayed composed early, but ultimately did not have enough speed to stay connected with the front of the field. The Bombers will return to race in the B Final tomorrow.

Friday results

Saturday Race Times (PST)
1V – 11:48 am
2V – 12:14 pm