By Tiffany Doolittle for MSNsportsNET.com

October 30, 2009

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. - The West Virginia University rowing team will travel to Fairfax, Va., on Oct. 31, to compete in their last competition of the fall season at the Head of the Occoquan.

In last year's regatta, WVU finished fifth out of 23 boats in the varsity open eight race and had three boats place in the varsity open four competition.

"This year's regatta will provide even stronger competition for our crews than in past years with the addition of Duke and Georgetown," says coach Jimmy King. "The deeper field and great venue will provide fantastic racing opportunities for our program at every level."

The competition will begin at 9:30 a.m. and will take place in Sandy Run Regional Park at the Occoquan Reservoir, which is considered one of the most challenging courses in the country.

The Mountianeers will have eight boats competing throughout the day, with two boats in the varsity open eight race and three boats in the varsity open four race. The novice crew will also be competing with an open four entry and two boats in the open eight event.

"We're particularly excited for our novice crews that will be competing because it is their first collegiate competition," adds King.

For more information or to get up-to-date results visit http://www.roninracing.com.