June 24, 2005

BERKELEY - Cal's freshman eight boat, which recently captured its second consecutive IRA national championship, will compete against a host of international crews at the Temple Challenge Cup during the Henley Royal Regatta June 30-July 3.

Nearly 60 teams representing several U.S. colleges and European Countries will vie for the title. By virtue of its IRA finish, the Bears are seeded as one of the top 17 teams and did not have to compete in the qualifying rounds June 24.

Starting June 30, 32 boats will race in dual competition, with the final set for July 3.

In addition to Cal, teams from the United States include Colby College, Cornell, Yale and Trinity College. The European contingent includes boats from Holland, Norway, Ireland and, of course, Great Britain, which makes up the majority of the entries. Amsterdamsche Studenten Roeivereeniging Nereus from Holland is the defending champion in the event.

The Bears competing in Cal's boat are: Cox-Alex Francis, Stroke-Charlie Smith, 7-Colin Foe-Parker, 6-Greg Mason, 5-Max Wyatt, 4-Jan Tize, 3-Gordon Getsinger, 2-David Naughton and Bow-Marko Marjanovich

The Henley Royal Regatta's Web site is www.hrr.co.uk.