Harvard University men nail a light-weight division championship. The race is among final events in the Intercollegiate Rowing Association regatta at Lake Natoma (Gold River).

SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - Lake Natoma’s normally placid waters last weekend echoed with cheers and college chants during the Intercollegiate Rowing Association’s National Championship Regatta.

Biceps felt the burn and noses reddened in spring sunshine.

The American River lake provides ideal conditions for the contest, confirmed Sacramento Aquatic Center Director Brian Dulgar. “Weather seldom comes into play in determining winners, here,” he said. “It’s about the best athletes winning. We have one of the fairest courses in the nation.”

The ornate Varsity Challenge trophy was up for grabs in Sunday’s thrilling final race. Favored teams were from Washington, Princeton, California and Harvard universities.

Despite a strong start by Berkeley’s Golden Bears, the Washington Huskies beat the Californians by one second. Princeton took bronze. A Harvard eights team finished first in the lightweight men’s division. Princeton students claimed the women’s eights championship.

The regatta drew more than 500 athletes and many more fans to the Sacramento State Aquatic Center in Gold River.

Top collegiate rowers upheld a century of sports tradition. Muscle and technology ruled as shells streaked through 2000-meter courses with the barest sound of blades. Onboard noise came from grunting athletes. Coxes with bull horns yelled “stay strong! Dig deep!”  

Hundreds of spectators crowded the finish line, many wading knee-deep in icy water to welcome winners to shore. The weekend marked the fourth time the Aquatic Center has welcomed the championships since 2009, and first time since the pandemic.

“Only a few facilities in the nation can host this regatta,” explained Brian Dulgar. “We’re proud to be considered among the best locations. Athletes love coming here. Officials appreciate that our races run like a Swiss watch. Our organizing team is fantastically efficient.” 

The event impacts Folsom, Gold River and Rancho Cordova economies. Hotel and restaurant business swells during competition days. Brian Dulgar confirms several overseas sports bodies are eyeing Lake Natoma as a training site for 2028 Olympic rowers. 

 “Our event is watched from all over the world,” he said.  “The regatta brings international recognition to our facility and to our region.”

Sacramento State Aquatic Center offers spring, summer and fall activities. The center is located at 1901 Hazel Avenue, Gold River.