Orzolek Competes at FISA World Rowing U-23 Championships
Erik Kaminski, Assistant Sports Information Director
7/26/2009 4:55:28 PM
Racice, Czech Republic – Junior Mike Orzolek of the Mercyhurst College men’s rowing team earned a fifth place finish for the United States National Under-23 Team in the Lightweight Singles Final D Saturday afternoon at the FISA World Rowing U-23 Championships in Racice, Czech Republic.
The New Milford, Conn. native recorded a time of 7:27.01, beating out Austria by more than six seconds. Argentina took home first place with a mark of 7:15.89, followed by Belgium at 7:16.74 and Romania at 7:17.40.
Orzolek advanced to the Final D with three top-5 finishes in the earlier races. His time of 7:32.32 in the opening heat moved him into the quarterfinals, where he bested Argentina for fifth place with a reading of 7:18.04. Earlier Saturday morning Orzolek marked his best time at the event in the Semifinal C/D, crossing the finish line in 7:15.38 to earn fourth place.