On February 21st the Men’s rowing team embarked on a “virtual” row to Sacramento to raise money for the 2008 Pac-10 Championship trip. The 400 mile (640 kilometer) distance from UCLA to Sacramento was rowed on the ergometers to raise the $5000 it is estimated to cost the team to get their in May. “It was challenging to get organized but with the help of the University’s facilities and Rec’s departments it went off smoothly,” stated Kristian Kanya, team president and principle organizer of the event.

The crew set up on Bruin Walk in front of Pauley Pavilion for three hours while students passed by on their way to and from class. “We had each rower and coxswain row fifteen kilometers in three shifts to add up to the 640k distance needed,” said Kanya. “We got strong support from the student body, as well as the family and friends who sponsored us, making this more successful than expected.”

“We have very strong alumni support to help fund the program but I think it was great to see the guys organize and run a fundraiser like this to support our travel needs,” said Head Coach Paul Mokha. “It also gave us some pretty good exposure on campus.”

The Bruins kick off the 2008 season on March 8th with the annual Alumni/Parent weekend, celebrating the 75th anniversary of UCLA Rowing. It starts with a dual versus Loyola Marymount followed by a banquet that evening. It concludes with the alumni races and family barbeque on March 9th.