April 2, 2006

SAN DIEGO, Calif. - For the fourth year in a row the No. 2 California Golden Bears rose to the occasion to win the Jessop-Whittier Cup at the annual San Diego Crew Classic. Eighth-ranked USC jumped out to an early one second lead and held it throughout the first 1000 meters. The Bears outraced the Trojans in the next 500 meters to gain a small lead. Cal finished the race two seconds ahead of USC and five seconds ahead of Washington State.

In the second varsity eight race Cal held a lead throughout. The Bears jumped out to a one second lead after 500 meters and maintained this lead for the rest of the race. Cal crossed the finish line just over one second ahead of No. 11 Washington State and four seconds ahead of third place Stanford.

In one of the day's closest races, the No. 6 Stanford novice eight started the race with a one-second lead over Texas and a two-second lead over both No. 16 Oregon State and Cal after 500 meters. The race concluded with the Bears one second ahead of Texas and five seconds ahead of the Cardinal.

The third varsity eight, rowing in the Carley Copley Cup Grand Final, dominated the field. The Bears finished 14 seconds ahead of Notre Dame and 15 seconds ahead of Riverside Rowing Club.

The Bears travel to Indianapolis to face Notre Dame, Louisville and No. 9 Wisconsin Saturday April 8 and Indiana Sunday April 9.

San Diego Crew Classic Results
Sunday Finals

Jessop-Whittier Cup Grand Final (Varsity 8)
1. California        6:52.10
2. USC               6:54.29
3. Washington State  6:57.83
4. Notre Dame        6:58.66
5. UCLA              7:01.97
6. Wisconsin         7:05.81
Jackie Ann Stitt Hungness Trophy Grand Final (JV 8)
1. California        6:54.80
2. Washington State  6:55.42
3. Stanford          6:59.31
4. USC               7:00.99
5. Wisconsin         7:01.23
6. UCLA              7:04.89
SeaWorld Trophy Grand Final (Novice 8)
1. California        6:46.90
2. Texas             6:47.95
3. Stanford          6:51.57
4. Oregon State      6:59.46
5. Kansas State      7:00.37
6. UCLA              7:04.68
Carley Copley Cup Grand Final (Open 8)
1. California        7:18.60
2. Notre Dame        7:32.11
3. Riverside RC      7:33.87
4. San Diego State   7:47.83
5. River City RC     7:57.00
6. Arizona RC        8:10.36