Pioneer Navy's F/N 4+ wins gold at MACRAs
Marietta defeated Ohio State in Grand Final

May 3, 2008
ATHENS, Ohio — The Marietta College men’s crew had its Freshmen/Novice 4+ shell win the Mid-America Rowing Association (MACRA) Championship on Saturday (May 3) afternoon on Dow Lake. The Pioneer Navy sent just one shell to the race, which used to be annual event on the schedule.

The F/N 4+, which included stroke Zach Burgess (Ashland), Zach Mateja (King of Prussia, Pa./Upper Merion), Gregory Clair (Pittsburgh, Pa./Central Catholic), bow Michael Cute (Philadelphia, Pa./Roman Catholic) and coxswain Kristina Markman (Columbia, Md./Atholton), was given an opportunity to row one final time this spring and took full advantage. The shell avenged a two-second loss to Ohio State in the event’s opening heat by topping the Buckeyes in the Grand Final. Marietta crossed the line in 7:27, while Ohio State “A” finished in 7:28 and Ohio State “B” trailed in third.

The F/N 4+ expected to enter the upcoming Dad Vail Championship, which takes place on May 9-10 in Philadelphia, Pa. However, an early-season injury to Burgess requires surgery and leave them without their stroke. The rest of the Pioneer Navy’s fleet will still row at Dad Vails.