April 14, 2008

BERKELEY - The California varsity eight is ranked No. 4 in the nation in the first USRowing Men's Varsity Eight Collegiate Coaches' poll of the season. The Golden Bears' varsity eight opened 2008 with a 3-0 record in the Pac-10 Challenge March 29-30 in Redwood Shores, Calif., and then took fourth place in the Copley Cup at the April 5-6 San Diego Crew Classic.

The Bears earned a No. 3 ranking in the final 2007 coaches' poll, which came out before the IRA Regatta. At IRAs, Cal's varsity eight placed fifth, after taking second place in the Pac-10 Championship.

Cal will next compete in the Stanford Invitational this Saturday and Sunday, April 19-20, and will then host Washington's top-ranked varsity eight on April 26, with both events at Redwood Shores.