California Men’s Rowing Secures Dual Victories at the Crew Classic

SAN DIEGO – The University of California, Berkeley’s men’s rowing team has made headlines by clinching both finals at the prestigious San Diego Crew Classic on March 29, 2026. The second-ranked Golden Bears showcased their talent, with their fourth varsity eight crew dominating the Men’s Collegiate Varsity 8+ Cal Cup and the Men’s Open 8+ Anderson Borthwick Memorial Trophy events.

Dominance in the Cal Cup

In the grand final of the Cal Cup, the Bears quickly asserted their position, taking charge from the outset. The crew, launching from lane 1, left their competitors in their wake, leading to an impressive victory that saw them finish with a time of 6:20.093. This remarkable performance not only secured them the top spot but also marked the best time in the men’s collegiate competition for the event.

The Bears matched the outstanding preliminary time they set earlier in the competition, which was 6:20.089. Their consistent performance reinforces their reputation as one of the elite rowing teams in collegiate sports.

Triumph in the Open 8+ Event

With less than two hours between races, the youthful Bears’ squad maintained their pace and standards in the men’s open 8+ event. Again rowing from the front, they clocked in at 6:22.117, finishing a formidable 15 seconds ahead of the second-place team. This showcases their endurance and strategic prowess, a testament to their training and preparation.

Looking Ahead: California Classic

Following their impressive performances in San Diego, the Golden Bears are set to return to their home base in Berkeley. The team will blend back with the broader squad as they prepare for the upcoming California Classic, scheduled for next weekend at Redwood Shores, an event co-hosted by Cal and Stanford.

4V8+ Lineup

Here is the lineup for the Bears’ fourth varsity eight, essential to their success:

• Coxswain: Teddy Hibbard
• 8: Travis Jorgensen
• 7: Alec Wild
• 6: William McClean
• 5: Peter Spira
• 4: Andreas Simoni
• 3: Kyle Brown
• 2: Thomas Barbey
• 1: Antonio Distefano

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This remarkable achievement underscores the Golden Bears’ strength and potential as they head into the upcoming competitions.