The men’s crew dominated their rivals the University of Rochester and Rochester Institute of Technology yesterday, as the varsity 8 defeated both crews.

“We see them every year and it’s been a big race for us,” junior bow Pete Orlando said. “They won last year so it feels good to beat them. They’re great competition for us.”

The Bombers varsity 8 improved to 4–1 on the year with the wins. The crew stresses winning every race, whether they are rivals or not.

“Everyone is so competitive [so] it doesn’t matter who we race,” junior fourth seat David Creak said. “But it’s always nice to beat our cross town rival.”

Unlike many other sports, in rowing, there is never one stand out on the team.

“There’s not one person that’s better than anyone else on the boat, that’s what makes a good crew,” senior seventh seat Julian Halfmann said. “If one guy thinks he’s better than everyone else, it messes everything up.”

The Bombers owe much of their success to the team mentality that they have.

“Everyone’s part of a chain,” Orlando said. “We all wear links to be reminded of that.”

The chemistry between the crew seems to be building up, as the Blue and Gold also won the varsity 4 race against Rochester and the novice 8 race against both Rochester and RIT.

The next regatta for the men’s crew will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday on Cayuga Inlet as they take on Hamilton College, Skidmore College and St. Lawrence University.