The Hawkeye rowing team kicked off its spring season by competing in the Longhorn Invitational in Austin, Texas, March 18 through Sunday. The Hawkeyes faced Texas, Oklahoma, San Diego, and Kansas State.

On March 18, the Hawkeye second Varsity 8 team defeated Oklahoma with a time of 7:29.9, giving the squad its first victory of the season. The Sooners claimed victory in the other Varsity 8s race, as well as both Varsity 4s.

After failing to get a victory over undefeated and No. 20 Texas in the first March 19 session, the Hawkeyes, who are currently in the “also receiving votes” category of the national rankings, won both Varsity 8s events against San Diego.

The rowing team competes in its only home meet of the spring season on Saturday, when they take on Minnesota at Lake Macbride.

— by Ryan Murphy