The University of Wisconsin’s women’s lightweight rowing team showcased their prowess at the IRA National Championships held at Lake Natoma in Gold River, California. The Badgers secured a silver medal in the double sculls event, marking a successful end to their 2025-26 season.
Double Sculls Success
Rowers Liliana Elliott and Becca Rasmussen led the charge for the Badgers, finishing the 2000-meter race in 7:43.838, just five seconds ahead of Radcliffe, while Boston University clinched the top spot. This achievement marks the second consecutive year the duo has earned a silver medal in this event.
Strong Performances Across Events
The Badgers also delivered commendable performances in other events. The varsity four crew, coxed by Charlotte Wise, opened with a swift 1:51.290 split in the first 500 meters, ultimately securing a fourth-place finish. Meanwhile, the varsity eight team triumphed in the petite final, clocking in at 7:00.769 to finish seventh overall, comfortably ahead of Sacred Heart.
Coaching Reflections
Lightweight coach Hadzo “Hodge” Habibovic expressed pride in the team’s performance and resilience throughout the season. He noted the valuable lessons learned and the promising future for the program. “We are excited for the years to come. I’m so proud of this team. Go Badgers,” Habibovic stated.
Men’s Team Performance
The Wisconsin men’s rowing team also competed at the championships, finishing 16th overall. Their varsity eight boat improved its time from previous races, securing a third-place finish in the Third-Level Final. The second varsity eight mirrored this result, while the third varsity eight claimed victory in their final, showcasing the depth and potential of the men’s team.
Head Coach Beau Hoopman emphasized the importance of strong starts and the lessons learned from the season. With 14 seniors graduating, the team looks forward to integrating new talent and building on their current momentum.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
