LAKE NATOMA - Humboldt State's novice lightweight four, second novice eight, varsity lightweight four and varsity eight boats earned its way into the grand finals at the Western Intercollegiate Rowing Association Championships on Saturday, opening competition at the two-day event.
The Lumberjacks had three boats make their way to the petite finals by finishing fifth in the varsity four, fourth in the novice four and third in the novice eight in their morning heats.
"The novice four boat gave one of the poorest performances that they put in all season long in the first race," Humboldt State head rowing coach Robin Meiggs said. "They all looked pretty tired. But they're excited to come back in two weeks and try it again (at the NCAA qualifier)."
In the petite varsity four HSU finished second with a time of seven minutes, 53.5 seconds, while taking third in the petite novice eight race with a time of seven minutes, 17.4 seconds.
HSU's novice lightweight four boat advanced to Sunday's finals with a time 8:35.8 that placed the Jacks second in their heat. With a time of 7:47.0 and finishing third in their heat was the second novice eight boat.
The varsity lightweight four and varsity eight boats advanced to the grand finals with times of 8:27.5 and 7:07.7, respectively.
"Tomorrow we have some big races ahead of us," Meiggs said. "Overall some pretty good performances. Weather conditions were just like home, so it was very comfortable for our team. The novice four boat was probably our biggest disappointment, but this was a great way to finish the season."