Florida Tech’s first varsity four on Sunday included, left to right, Kevin Coyle, Ernestas Zarskis, Jose Gomez-Feria, Andrew Konecny and Aaron Evans. (Florida Tech image)
FAIRFAX STATION, VIRGINIA – Competing for the first time since the Intercollegiate Rowing Association Regatta in May, Florida Tech claimed first and second in the men’s open four at the Occoquan Chase on Sunday.
The two crews, which make up the Panthers’ first varsity eight, finished at 17:36.59 and 17:58.56, respectively. George Mason was the closest boat to FIT at 18:09.44.
Stroke Kevin Coyle, Ernestas Zarskis, Jose Gomez-Feria, Andy Konecny and coxswain Aaron Evans posted the top time by 22 seconds. Stroke Nikola Selakovic, Joe Horn, Austin Dunn, bow Hank Walch and coxswain Caitlin Wood finished with the second fastest time at 17:58.56.
Jim Granger
“I think today went well,” head coach Jim Granger said.
“We had the top guys in the fours. Those guys will make up our two lineups for Head of the Charles. I thought the top boat did well. There’s room for improvement for both boats. We’re excited to take both boats up next weekend and see what they can do in Boston.”
FIT’s second varsity eight of coxswain Jasmine Nacrur, stroke Carson Green, Clay Mathieu, Phillip Machen, Strahinja Markovic, Martynas Mickus, John Martin, Marko Milovanovic and bow Chris Field crossed the finish line at 16:13.24 for second in the men’s open eight. George Mason placed first out of 10 crews with a time of 16:07.82.
“We organized the second varsity eight together for the first time this weekend,” Granger said.
“There’s a lot of room for improvement and tremendous individual talent. We just need to get them all on the same page. I thought they raced well. We would’ve liked to have seen them win. Finishing second off George Mason’s varsity is a solid result. It’s a good place for us to start from moving towards Head of the Hooch next month.
“Overall, it was a great weekend and we’re looking forward to seeing how the next couple of weekends play out for us.”
Occoquan Chase Results
Open Men’s Four
1. Florida Tech 17:36.59
2. Florida Tech 17:58.56
3. George Mason 18:09.44
4. VCU 18:44.81
5. George Mason Alumni 18:52.92
6. George Mason 19:03.33
7. Resilient Rowing Club 19:08.02
8. Resilient Rowing Club 19:23.82
9. Resilient Rowing Club 19:38.31
10. American University 20:09.41
11. Bull Run Rowing Club 21:04.32
12. James Madison 21:15.26
Open Men’s Eight
1. George Mason 16:07.82
2. Florida Tech 16:13.24
3. VCU 17:06.28
4. George Mason 17:24.22
5. Resilient Rowing Club 17:28.32
6. Resilient Rowing Club 17:47.22
7. Resilient Rowing Club 17:49.37
8. Virginia Tech 19:01.26
9. Montgomery Blair 19:28.91
10. Virginia Tech 19:32.47
