STAFF REPORTS
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WEST WINDSOR TOWNSHIP, N.J. — The Canisius rowing program takes to the water on Saturday and Sunday, to compete in the biggest regatta of the spring season, prior to the MAAC Championship, as the Blue and Gold races at the Knecht Cup. The two-day regatta takes place at Mercer Lake.
“This weekend’s Knecht Cup is our biggest event until MAACs, and a fantastic chance to race a large field of fast crews over a two-day period,” head coach Erin Neppel said. “Canisius has yet to advance at this regatta, so we are entering the weekend with a very singular goal to achieve this year.”
The Blue and Gold are coming off mixed results in its latest regatta, a dual competition with RIT, earning wins in the varsity four and third varsity eight races, but falling to the Tigers in the varsity eight and second varsity eight. The Blue and Gold looks for more consistency for all boats this coming weekend.
“This week we have had some critical breakthroughs, and the athletes continue to develop every day at practice, so it’s really going to be fun to watch how far they have come since the last race,” Neppel said. “We were pretty dissatisfied after RIT, and the way everyone attacked the work this week was reflective of that.”
Aside from facing some of the best crews across the nation, the Blue and Gold will once again have a chance to compare to its MAAC rivals, as Marist, Jacksonville, Fairfield and Sacred Heart will also be part of the jam-packed field.
“Either way, I expect some barn burners with some of our conference rivals in attendance,” Neppel said. “Any time we can measure ourselves against MAAC foes provides us a great opportunity. We’re looking forward to a great weekend of racing.”
