Canada's Men's Eight is Selected and Trials Continue

One change to the 2002 gold medal crew.
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Elk Lake in Victoria, B.C. transformed into the home of the heavyweight men and lightweight rowers national team trials over the weekend. Racing format had competitors in singles and pairs with the men’s pair race including seven members of last year’s World Champion eight. But it was the combination of Barney Williams and Jake Wetzel who took the race by a clear four seconds.

Wetzel is better known for competing in the United States quad at the Sydney Olympics and is now looking towards a spot on the Canadian team. His partner, Williams, is back after last competing on the national team in 1998.

Only one change will be made to the World Championship eight ? Dave Calder replaces a retired Matt Swick ? while the depth of talent means that men’s coach Mike Spracklen can add a four that will include Wetzel and Williams.

The lightweight men’s four won bronze in 2002 and although the crew has not been finalized three of the members from last year look likely to be selected for the boat after the weekend’s results. Last year’s members, Gavin Hassett, Jon Mandick and Doug Vandor had good showings during the trials, but there are three other contenders also in the mix for final selection.

Fiona Milne dominated the women’s lightweight single finishing in a fast 7.32 with newcomer Mara Jones coming second. The lightweight double is yet to be decided.

In the men’s single, Daren Barber returned to the national level ? after a 10-year break ? to win the event. Barber is a gold medal winner from the 1992 Olympics when he raced in the men’s eight.

Trials also continued for the heavyweight women in Fanshawe Lake in London, Ontario with Stacey Norwood winning the single and Rachelle deJong and Bonnie Fiala winning the pair. But the wait continues for the women. Final national team members will be named later this week.