Western sweeps Canadian University Rowing Championships

ANTIGONISH, N.S. – For the second time in three years the Western Mustangs rowing team won both the men's and women's titles at the Canadian University Rowing Championships, capturing both banners on Sunday afternoon. 

The win comes just a week after winning both banners at the OUA Championships last weekend, accomplishing the same feat that the team did in 2013 when they swept both the provincial and national titles.

Sunday's win also represents the third consecutive national title for the Mustangs women's team.

Western came away with the titles despite fierce competition throughout the weekend, claiming victory by less than 10 points in both the men's and women's events.

In the women's competition Western earned the top spot with 114 points, just nine ahead of the University of Victoria. The UBC Thunderbirds came in third place at the event, finishing with 98 points.

Placing entries into each of the day's 'A' finals, the Mustangs women took first place in three events, the lightweight women's single, the lightweight women's double, and the lightweight women's coxed four. Along with the trio of first place finishes the team earned silver in the women's eight, and fourth in the women's single and the women's pair.

On the men's side the Mustangs took the crown with 110 points, just five more than second place Brock. UBC also picked up third place on the men's side, finishing with 83 points.

Just as their teammates did in the women's competition, the Mustangs men participated in each of the day's 'A' finals, taking first place in both the lightweight men's coxed four and the lightweight men's single. The team also picked up a pair of second place finishes in the men's pair and men's eight, a bronze in the men's single, and a fifth place finish in the lightweight men's double.

Following the championship, Matt Waddell was named Women's Coach of the Year, and Western was given the regatta's Team Spirit award.

Source: Western Mustangs