Ballona Creek- Ten novice eights from Loyola Marymount, UC-Santa Barbara and UCLA competed in a series of 1500 meter races Sunday morning. “We sent flights of 3 boats across down the race course to give the novices a feel of what side-by-side racing will be like in the spring,” novice coach Rob Hermann. The crews raced by sixes while rotating pairs of oarsman every minute. “I like when we all connect together, said six man Sean Cully. That feel of everyone in rhythm is really great!”

Two of the Bruins seven boat entries won their flight with the “A” boat finishing second twice and third once. “It felt good to compete, Scott Goddard said. It’s easier to understand what coach Rob has been teaching us after today’s experience.”

“I thought the goals of holding this type of event were fulfilled and was glad to see us win two of the flights. I thought the “A” boat would do better but overall we are on track to have some fast novice crews in the spring,” coach Hermann.

The Bruins finish their fall season next Saturday at the Head of the Harbor. A 3 mile side-by-side head race hosted by USC.