Washington State rowing has quietly grown into one of the most successful programs in Pullman. Entering this season, the program had qualified for eight of the last 10 NCAA Championship events.

After delaying the season from the fall into the spring, the Cougs knew this season was going to be different. But just because it was unique, doesn’t mean the team was any less successful.

For the 14th time in program history, the Cougs will be competing for the NCAA Championship. The team will travel to Sarasota, Florida later this month for the three-day event. Of those 14 appearances, 13 have come under current head coach Jane LaRiviere. WSU’s best finish at the event came back in 2006 when they finished fourth as a team.

As the 19th ranked team in the country, an at-large bid to the 21-team Championship wasn’t a lock. This year the field is made up of 10 automatic qualifiers and 12 at-large bids. In the end, WSU was one of four teams from the Pac-12 to make the cut.

“It was a bit touch-and-go there, but the team had a great Pac-12’s. There are no guarantees (for the NCAA Championship) until you hear your name,” said LaRiviere in a WSU press release. “This team really deserves to go. They have been the model for following COVID protocols. They’ve been sticking together and working together this season. I’m really happy for the team. They earned it.”

The 2021 NCAA Championship will get started on May 28. Washington State will be seeded 12th in the varsity four and will row in Heat 4 once everything gets underway in Sarasota, Florida.

Links

Rowing Heads to the NCAA Championship for the 14th Time - Washington State University Athletics
INDIANAPOLIS – The No. 19-ranked Washington State rowing team earned an at-large bid into the 2021 NCAA Division I Rowing Championship, as announced by the NCAA.

WSU President Kirk Schulz on Kliavkoff, Fans at Games, Football Importance | Seattle's Sports Radio 950 KJR
President Kirk Schulz joined Ian to talk about the hiring of George Kliavkoff as the new commissioner of the conference.

Cal Football 2021 Opponent Preview: Game 5 -- Washington State Visits - Sports Illustrated Cal Bears News, Analysis and More
The Cougars expect to be strong up front on offense, led by right tackle Lucas and center Brian Greene.