The University of British Columbia Men won a very close but controversial race to take their fourth consecutive Brown Cup, narrowing the historical record 17 to 7 with the University of Victoria leading the series.
After a violent clash in the 2013 race on the Fraser, anchored stake boats were installed at the start but this time the perturbation occurred further down the course with the crews colliding just after the train bridge after numerous warnings to the Uvic coxswain Jacob Koudys. Blade clashing intensified over a 100m stretch with neither coxswain giving way. Umpire Malcolm Fletcher called in the race to a stand still after Koudys was struck in the back by UBC’s second oar. The crews were quickly restarted with UVic at a one-length advantage. UBC improved their position with a strong second start, rowing up level with the Vikes by the Moray Channel where UBC’s coxswain Kevin Chung received warnings as the crews again clashed blades. The umpire let this go and crews finally found their water in the final 1200m. UBC led by as much as three seats coming into the final sprint. UBC caught a slight crab while UVic surged again nearly getting even but UBC crossed the line first by a mere 0. 03 seconds. A flurry of protest and meetings followed but the umpires finally awarded the race to the Thunderbirds.
“I am sure it was not the way the guys wanted to win but they managed their effort well and stayed focused when it mattered” said men’s coach Mike Pearce. “Both crews rowed a really great race and it was a shame that it was not without incident.”
Result:
UBC 10:25.72
UVic 10:25.75
Cox: Kevin Chung
8. Aaron Lattimer
7. Harris Sheldon
6. Ben Coull
5. Adam Gant
4. Harlan Dohm
3. Callum MacKenzie
2. Marcus van der Sande
1. Angus Todd
Pundits would have favoured UBC to win the Women’s Brown Cup given a 3 for 3 record against UVic this season but the Canadian University Champ Thunderbirds had a race on their hands from the start to the finish. UBC got out to a slightly better start gaining a early half length lead but UVic would not be shaken. UVic slowly clawed back to even over the next 1500m and the crews were moving in lock-step through the half way point. UBC again took the point with 1000m to go but the final turn was in the Vikes favour and they used it to inch out ahead UBC for a 0.5 second win and the closest margin in Brown Cup history.
Cox: Emie Page
8.Katherin Enns
7. Zoe Fettig-Win
6. Hillary Janssens
5.Emily Gerson
4. Erin Pierik
3.Miranda Kirker
2.Rachel Vukovich
1. Julie Sheppard
In Reserves racing UVic won both the men’s and the women’s race in more close finishes. These crews are key to maintaining a high standard in varsity crews in years to come. Both programs demonstrated some solid depth in the JV races so stay tuned for a close rivalry next year.
Results Men:
UBC 9:41.18
Uvic 9:40.01
Cox: Justin Dohm
8. Hugh Cartwright
7. Doug Euper
6. Gregor Allen
5. Ray Bell
4. Stef Cvoric
3. James Allen
2. Jon Pusic
1. Chris Rener
Women:
UVic 11:31.79
UBC 11:34.50
Cox: Jocelyn Hutch
8.Jannelle Mackoff
7.Savannah Sami-Bacon
6.Lindsay Pistner
5.Nadia Beyzaei
4.Heather Murry
3.Colleen Nesbit
2.Alexis Thind
1.Isabella Cina