Oct. 14, 2007

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -

Complete Results

The JU rowing teams opened their 2007-08 season by earning a pair of medals as the Men's Novice 8 took gold, while the Women's Novice 8 earned silver at the First Coast Head Race, Saturday on the St. John's River.

The JU varsity boats also competed earlier in the annual Alumni Race before JU officially dedicated the Negaard Rowing Center to benefactor Brad and Annette Negaard and their family.

"We had a tremendous day all around for our program with the dedication of our new facility and having our best turnout for our Alumni Race," said JU director of rowing Jim Mitchell. "It was also a great showing for our rowers who just began practicing only a month ago."

The Men's Novice 8 placed first with a time of 21:20.0 ahead of Central Florida Rowing (22:06.0) and College of Charleston (22:38.0).

The Women's Novice 8 finished second with a mark of 19:55.0 behind Nova Southeastern (19:42.0). College of Charleston placed third with a time of 22:17.0.

The Dolphins will next compete in the Head of the Hooch on Nov. 3 in Chattanooga, Tenn.