ARCATA - They're packing their oars and heading north.

The Humboldt State rowing team will drive the 10-hour trip to Tacoma, Wash., by bus as they join 10 other teams for the Cascade Sprints. This will be the first year the Lumberjacks have competed in this regatta, which is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday on American Lake.

Humboldt State will race six boats in five races, including the V8, V4 A and B, 2V4, and two boats in the novice 8. The first races of the day will put the four teams from the west region together.

“A similar race happened in Florida last weekend and another in the east this weekend,” said head Coach Robin Meiggs. “This will influence the first regional rankings on April 6.”

Humboldt's women varsity 8 will face Seattle Pacific University, UC San Diego and Western Washington University in the first race of the day. University of Puget Sound, University of Oregon, Portland State and Seattle University will be among the other teams competing at the regatta.

America Lake is located near Lakewood, Wash., a southwest suburb of Tacoma, less than three miles inland from Puget Sound near Mount Rainier.

The Jacksare coming off a short break from competition in their schedule after spending part of spring break in Sacramento for training.

“We had some great training over break,” said Meiggs.  “The team showed up moving slow this morning, but this is a pivotal week for training. Getting energy and momentum up will play a key role this week as we head into racing season.”

For schedule and lane assignments, use this link: 
http://www.loggerathletics.com/sports/crew/2012-13/releases/2013032685rmfs