May 9, 2007

PITTSBURGH - Women's head rowing coach Joe Setting announced today that the Women's Lightweight 4+ has officially accepted an invitation to compete in the Intercollegiate Rowing Association National Championship.

"Our record setting performance at the A10 championship in the Lightweight 4+ secured our invitation. To have a boat be invited to this national championship regatta really puts our team in some elite company. This race features the best lightweight women from across the nation," said Setting.

Traditionally, only a Lightweight 8 has been run at the IRA. This year the Stewards Committee, the governing body of the regatta, has added the Lightweight 4+ event. Duquesne is one of only six crews from across the country to participate in the event.

"This season has been one for the ages for the Duquesne Women's Rowing program. From our best ever A-10 finish (third place) to having a boat be invited to a national championship, is truly a testament to how hard these women have worked this year," said Setting. "This was supposed to be a transition year ... a new coaching staff, a new way of life. However, the women embraced the new system, adapted quickly, and it's leading to great opportunities."

Besides Duquesne, Georgetown and Wisconsin have been invited to the Lightweight 4+ race. The three others schools will be decided in the next week.

The 105th IRA Championship takes place on Friday, June 1st on the Cooper River in Cherry Hill, N.J.

Setting was recently featured in an article in the Bucks County Courier Times. Click here to read the story.