GAINESVILLE, Ga. – Cal Poly Humboldt Rowing capped off a historic 2026 season Friday afternoon, earning a national runner-up finish at the NCAA Division II Rowing Championships at Lake Lanier Olympic Park.

The Lumberjacks placed second in the final team standings with 20 points, finishing behind national champion Western Washington (30 points). Humboldt's varsity eight and varsity four both secured bronze-medal finishes in their respective Grand Finals to propel the program to a runner-up finish on the national stage.

Western Washington claimed their 10th national title after winning both the varsity eight and varsity four races. Seattle Pacific finished third with 17 points, followed by Jefferson (16), Embry-Riddle (15), and Rollins (7).

Varsity Eight Earns Bronze

The Lumberjacks' varsity eight delivered an impressive performance in the Grand Final, crossing the finish line in 6:49.802 to finish third overall and earn 12 team points.

Humboldt improved significantly from its morning performance, shaving four seconds off its earlier time while competing against a loaded championship field. Western Washington captured the national title in 6:41.526, while Seattle Pacific took second in 6:44.732.

The Humboldt varsity eight featured coxswain Giania Bogacki, Lily Storseth, Leah Dunn, Elsie Stevens, River Walkington, Royce Ankel, Dayanara Anaya, Adelaide Toll, and Ellie Walters.

Varsity Four Earns Bronze

The varsity four continued Humboldt's strong afternoon with a third-place finish in the Grand Final, clocking a time of 7:45.172 to add eight more points to the Lumberjacks' team total.

Western Washington again took first place in 7:41.584, while Jefferson finished second in 7:43.400.

Representing Humboldt's varsity four were coxswain Olivia Huynh, Laurel Calhoun, Nadia Weise, Emma Wilson, and Keziah Rutschow.

Final Team Standings

The Lumberjacks' bronze-medal finishes in both the varsity eight and varsity four races combined for 20 team points, securing the program's national runner-up finish behind only Western Washington.

Coach Weise Reflects on National Runner-Up Finish

"We had great performances from both boats and I'm very proud of this team," said head coach Matt Weise. "The varsity eight shaved four seconds off its time from this morning and the varsity four held strong against a very competitive field. It was a great way to close out the season of racing on a national stage."

The national runner-up finish caps another outstanding season for the Lumberjacks, who once again established themselves among the nation's elite NCAA Division II rowing programs. Humboldt's pair of bronze-medal performances showcased the depth and determination of the program and provided a fitting conclusion to a memorable championship campaign.