VICTORIA - The UBC Thunderbirds rowing teams were back in the water this past Saturday and Sunday with a standout showing at the Elk Lake Spring Regatta hosted by the Victoria Vikes at the Victoria City Rowing Club.
 
The event has long signified the start to the new year of racing on the west coast and it served as the T-Birds first competitive action since the national rowing championship which was also held in Victoria in November 2021. The national tournament saw the UBC women's squad claim a third consecutive title while the men's captured the silver medal.
 
Nearly four months later UBC's entire roster was on hand to square off against the rival Vikes and west coast club crews across a multitude of events on the 1850M course. The Elk Lake Spring Sprints also functions as a good precursor to the Brown Cup which is only four weeks away.


 
The blue and gold would make their presence felt by sweeping most of the events entered including the following.
  
Men's 2- 1^st won by Axel Ewasko and Josh Kemper, 2^nd, 3^rd, 5^th, 7^th, 8^th & 9th
Women's 2- won by Claire Brillon and Jessica Sevick, 2^nd, 6^th, 8^th, 9^th, 11^th, 12^th & 13th
Men's 1x 5^th
LM 2x 1^st won by Niko Schramm and Ethan Enns, 2^nd
LM 4+ 1^st won by Clare Cunningham, Niko Schramm, Ethan Enns, Johnny McLeod, Emerson Crick
Men's Novice 4+ 1^st
Women's Novice 4+ 1^st
LM 1x 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th
Women's Novice 8+ 1^st
Men's Novice 8+ 2^nd
Men's 8+ UBC 1^st Varsity 1^st, 2^nd Varsity 2^nd
 
"Our work together throughout the pandemic has really been a point of strength for our whole program," said UBC Men's rowing head coach Mike Pearce reflecting on the teams dedicated focus and preparation for the event. "The athletes have adapted, supported each other, persisted and have made measurable gains and we saw that on the racecourse this weekend. You can really sense the team is feeling ready and motivated to get back to competition."

See full results here


 
UVic men's crews unfortunately were forced to withdraw from Sunday's racing due to illness.
 
Next up on the west coast circuit is the annual Brown Cup which runs Saturday, April 2^nd on the Gorge Waterway, also in Victoria.