The William Smith rowing team's varsity eight's impressive performance in the HWS Challenge on the Canal was rewarded by the Liberty League office today with the Boat of the Week award. The Herons bested a field that included two crews that participated in the 2011 NCAA Rowing Championship.
 
In its first race of the season, the varsity eight of Kim Goral, Lauren Blake-Whitney, Sinead Reilly, Christine Reighley, Tess Wiggins, Katie Paige, Sarah Gordon, Alyssa Trebilcock, and Maggie Smith crossed the finish line in a winning time of 17:24. Second place Marietta was 38 seconds behind followed by RIT, Ithaca A, Ithaca B, and Geneseo.
 
Marietta and Ithaca, as well as William Smith, were NCAA Championship participants last season.
 
The Herons return to the water on Saturday, Oct. 15, when they compete in the Head of the Genesee in Rochester.