New Challenger Announced
Roll out the red, white, and blue; the star spangled banner is coming to town!Washington University has confirmed that they will challenge for The Gallagher Great Race Harry Mahon Memorial Trophy against Waikato University. Race day has been confirmed for Saturday September 10th, 2005.
Scheduled challengers Oxford University had to postpone due to World championship and university commitments, which resulted in uncertainty around the caliber of the crew.
"They wanted to make sure they came to race with the best team possible," says Boathouse Events Director Rob Hamill. "This shows the high regard Oxford holds for The Gallagher Great Race and the Waikato Crew."
Although disappointed that Oxford are unable to challenge this year, Rob says he is delighted that an American crew has taken up the opportunity.
"We always intended to make The Gallagher Great Race a much larger regatta that included prestigious universities from all around the world," he says. "Washington University's involvement is just the start of long term arrangements with other American universities."
Rob says that Washington has indicated it will be bringing out a very strong crew to take on Waikato University in September.
"The Washington university team is ranked second in the US, so it's shaping up to be another great contest," he says.
Washington's head coach Bob Ernst is a legend among the rowing fraternity. He has coached American crews at the 1976, 1980, 1984 and 1988 Olympic Games, directing the women's eight-oared crew to the only Olympic gold medal in its history.
"He also became a close friend of Harry Mahon when they coached on the international circuit. Challenging for the Harry Mahon trophy will have special significance for him and his crew," says Rob.