PULLMAN, Wash. Washington State University Cougar Men’s Crew will face off against Gonzaga University in the annual Fawley Cup at the Snake River this Saturday, April 14.
Last year, the Cougars defeated the Bulldogs in both the Varsity 8+ and third varsity 8+ events, making it the most successful Fawley Cup for WSU since 1992. The V8+ won by open water on route to their second win in twenty years.
Josh Wadognolo, a senior Mechanical Engineering major, has experienced some close battles in his years as the Cougar oarsman.
“Freshman year my novice 8 lost to Gonzaga by 0.8 seconds. I can never have that race back, so the following year I was part of the junior varsity 9+ that defeated them, and the year after that I was part of the V8+ that won the Fawley Cup,” he said.
This year, Wadognolo is hopeful for another WSU win.
“I have a chance to defend the Fawley Cup for the first time in over two decades for Cougar Crew. Gonzaga is going to regret beating my novice 8+ by 0.8 seconds three years ago,” he said.
To increase their chance of victory Head Coach, Arthur Ericsson, plans to shift some men between the V8 and JV8 to gain more speed. “The premiere event in rowing is always the V8. And that certainly holds true for this duel; the winner of that event gets the trophy cup for that year.”
Racing will begin with the Varsity 8 (V8+) event at 9:00am and will end with the Novice (1N8+) event at 10:00am on the 2,000 meter race course. Spectators will be able to view the races from the shores at the Ken Abbey Shellhouse, Wawawai Landing. For directions to the WSU boathouse, please visit http://www.cougarcrew.com/directions_washingtonstate.php.