Concluding a great start to their spring season, the Longhorns snagged top-five finishes over the weekend in the annual Fighting Nutria rivalry race. In addition, Novice contributed to top-eleven spots overall. 

This friendly rivalry is held annually every February and marks local Austin clubs and crews’ return to the water after winter training. 

Stroke seat, Brenna Coldren led her boat to third place with a time of 30:27. Right behind with fourth and fifth place finishes were other Longhorn boats lead by strokes Kim Gorcyca and Melanie Eckert, finishing with times of 30:39 and 31:27 respectively. 

Contributing Novice boats finished in high ninth, tenth and eleventh. Coxswain Christine Young, a returning novice, clocked in with a time of 32:40, while close behind was Lauren Deschner, also returning for her second season, finishing 33:00. Teresa Nguyen led her boat’s first 8k with a time of 33:43. 

Texas resumes its season with an annual scrimmage against Bates College on Friday Feb. 22. Following is the regular season kick-off March 2 when Texas competes in the Heart of Texas race on Lady Bird Lake.