The UCLA Men's Rowing team heads to Lake Natoma this weekend to compete in the 2025 Western Collegiate Rowing Association (WIRA) Championships, with high expectations for podium finishes across all boat classes.

The Bruins enter the regatta as defending champions in the Varsity 8 and are currently ranked third in the latest ACRA poll. They are seeded fourth for the WIRA Championships, just behind a competitive field that includes top-seeded University of San Diego (USD), second-seeded Santa Clara, and Orange Coast College, which is seeded third and ranked fifth nationally.

"Our varsity squad has had a really strong month of training," said senior Matthew Atwell. "We spent two weeks in fours developing small boat speed and spent the next two weeks developing that speed in the eight. We are really excited to see that hard work pay off."

UCLA's Second Varsity 8 is also poised for a strong showing, seeded third behind USD and Santa Clara. The Varsity 4 faces one of the regatta's most competitive fields, as many programs prioritize this event when unable to field a competitive varsity eight.

In the Novice ranks, the Bruins' 8 is ranked fifth nationally and enters WIRA seeded third. The boat will face a tough challenge from top-seeded Orange Coast College and a fast Washington State crew. Meanwhile, the Novice 4 looks to defend its title for a fourth consecutive year. The Bruins have also entered a boat in the Second Novice 8 event with an eye on the prize.

"The Bruins are very excited to take on Natoma and the WIRA Championships," said Coach Weston Cole. "Both novice 8s have had a great month of April and look to be getting fast at the right time. Our novice 4 will look to four-peat in that event. Go Bruins!"

With momentum building across the program, UCLA is ready to race for hardware this weekend.

Regatta information and race schedules can be found at Clockcaster
Livestream provided by The Rowing Channel