Pre-Race Analysis for
Varsity Women's Jessop-Whittier Cup
April 2, 2000
Washington looks like a wire-to-wire winner of the Jessop-Whittier Cup. After
establishing a slight lead over Michigan in the first 500 meters, Washington should pull
out to a 3/4 length lead at 1000m, hold it to 1500m, and move to a full length victory at
the finish line.
Michigan is the favorite for 2nd place. If Michigan can bear down in the 2nd 500m
interval and stay within a quarter length of Washington at 1000m, then Michigan may be in
a position to make a credible challenge of Washington in the last 500m.
California, USC and Virginia could have an interesting time of it in the middle 1000
meters, jockeying for 3rd place. Virginia has a great 2nd 500 meters, but is slow in the
first 500, and needs to stay with California and USC in the early going. If it does, and
does not pay too dearly doing so, then Virginia could get 3rd place without having to row
through California in the last 500 meters.
USC shows vulnerability in the 3rd 500 meter interval, and again in the last 500, and
needs to stay with both California and Virginia through the third 500 to have a shot at
3rd place.
California should be there with Virginia over the last 1500 meters, and must do
whatever it can to hold off Virginia whenever Virginia attempts to move by.
It is a toss up for 3rd place between Virginia and California.
Wisconsin just does not seem capable of staying with the others over the course. They
might pick off USC, however, if USC blows out in the 3rd 500 trying to stay with
California and Virginia.
A proforma of the finals race based on a straight mix of these crews' times in their
respective heats follows.
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