California will send five boats, including the nation's top-ranked varsity 8+, to compete in the 107th annual Intercollegiate Rowing Association (IRA) Regatta that will take place this Thursday, June 4, through Saturday, June 6, at Lake Natoma in Gold River, Calif. Along with the varsity 8+, the Golden Bears second varsity 8+, novice 8+, varsity 4+ and open 4+ will row at the IRA Regatta. Cal's took third place in the IRA Varsity Challenge Cup, awarded to the winner of the varsity 8+ grand final, and won the freshman 8+ title in 2008. The 2009 Bears, spurred by a stirring varsity 8+ victory in the grand final, are coming off a conference team title at the Pac-10 Rowing Championships on May 17 at Lake Natoma. More...