The Hawkeye rowing team does not get a lot of chances to race at home.
Mother Nature has knocked out the Hawkeyes’ only chance to do so in the 2011 spring season.
The squad’s home meet fell victim to the cold and blustery conditions in the area. The team’s meet on Lake Macbride against Minnesota — scheduled to take place Saturday — has been canceled. The races against the Golden Gophers will not be rescheduled.
Consultation between Hawkeye head coach Mandi Kowal and Gopher head coach Wendy Davis led to the decision to call off the races.
A slight chance of light snow is in the morning forecast, and winds were projected to be near 20 mph.
“I’m relieved for the well-being of our athletes,” Kowal said. “With the wind and the air temperature, being in the water wasn’t going to be a good thing for any of the rowers.”
The rowing team has only competed at home during the spring season once since 2007; a home meet in 2010 was the only exception.
The cancellation leaves the Hawkeyes with only three regular-season events left on the schedule. The Hawkeyes will travel to the San Diego Crew Classic on April 1-2.
— by Ryan Murphy