Former Islander rows to a big win with the Husky crew
By JEFF HOYT
University of Washington senior Matt Zapel finished a distinguished Husky rowing career with a first-place finish in the varsity four at the Intercollegiate Rowing Association’s National Championships in Camden, N.J., on June 4. This was the Huskies’ fifth straight national championship and Zapel’s second gold medal at the IRA event, after winning his first in 2009 in the second varsity eight. Zapel also helped the Huskies continue their dominance in Pac-10 championship competition, earning his third career Pac-10 gold with this year’s win. Zapel, son of Islanders Ed and Holly Zapel, had no prior rowing experience before walking on to the Husky team in 2007 as a freshman. So keep your comments: We ask that all participants own their words by logging in with their Facebook account. It's a simple process that will take seconds and helps keep our comments free of trolls, cranks, and “drive-by” commenters. We reserve the right to remove comments from anyone using screen names, pseudonyms or false identities. Please refer to our Terms of Use for full detail on participating on our site.
Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber Contributor
June 21, 2011 · 11:24 AM
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