HAMILTON – The Intercollegiate Rowing Coaches Association's Awards & Polling Committee must like what it sees from the Colgate Raiders.
 
Colgate is ranked 19th nationally this week in the inaugural IRCA poll of 2021. The ranking judges the top 20 varsity 8+s from all eligible heavyweight and lightweight programs.
 
The Raiders are coming off a strong showing against Marietta on Sunday at the West Side Rowing Club in Buffalo. Colgate is on the water again this Saturday, racing against Ithaca and Marietta over in Ithaca.
 
Colgate most recent national ranking was 18th at the end of the 2019 season, after the Raiders won the Dad Vail Regatta's Grand Final in record time in the Men's Heavyweight Varsity 8+. Colgate went on to qualify for the Third-Level Final at the IRA National Championships in California.
 
To determine this week's standings, the A&P Committee selected 11 pollsters from across the nation, representing every region in men's collegiate rowing, as well as all divisions.
 
IRCA Men's Varsity 8+ Poll
1. Washington
2. California
3. Northeastern
4. Syracuse
5. Boston University
6. Brown
7. Navy
8. Temple
9. Wisconsin
10. George Washington
11. Stanford
12. Pennsylvania
13. Drexel
14. Oregon State
15. Trinity (Connecticut)
16. Holy Cross
T-17. Hobart
T-17. UC San Diego
19. COLGATE
20. St. Joseph's
 
Others Receiving Votes: San Diego, Jacksonville, Williams, La Salle, Santa Clara, Stetson, Marietta, Wesleyan.