Eastern Michigan Athletics
Eastern Michigan University
Ford Lake Cup
Rowing Hosting Ford Lake Cup Saturday
4/23/2026 4:28:00 PM | Women's Rowing
Eastern joined by Toledo, Duquesne
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) -- The Eastern Michigan University rowing team will host the 2nd Annual Ford Lake Cup Saturday, April 25, 2026, on Ford Lake in Ypsilanti, Mich. The multi-team regatta serves as a key late-season test for the Eagles as they gear up for the MAC Championship in May.
THE SETTING:
Racing will take place on Eastern Michigan's home course at Ford Lake in Ypsilanti, Mich. Fans are encouraged to line the shoreline to support the Eagles on their home waters.
INAUGURAL FORD LAKE CUP REWIND:
The 2025 debut of the Ford Lake Cup featured a deep regional field and produced a standout home-course moment for Eastern Michigan, as the Eagles' First Varsity Eight registered the program's top time since 2019. Delaware captured the team title, edging Bucknell and UMass, while EMU finished tied for fourth.
· 1. Delaware — 32 points
· 2. Bucknell — 27 points
· 3. UMass — 24 points
· T-4. Eastern Michigan / Temple — 14 points
SCOUTING THE EAGLES:
Eastern Michigan enters with an official overall record of 0-0 and places the Ford Lake Cup at the heart of its spring slate following the Knecht Cup (April 11-12) and a dual against Michigan State (April 4). With course familiarity and late-season momentum at stake, the Eagles look to build on last year's performance and climb the standings on their home waters.
NATIONAL CONTEXT:
While none of last year's Ford Lake Cup participants are currently ranked in the CRCA/Pocock Division I Top 10, the national scene continues to be paced by powers such as Stanford, Texas, and Yale. The Ford Lake Cup provides a prime stage for strong regional programs to sharpen speed and bolster resumes ahead of conference championships.
SERIES HISTORY VS. DAYTON:
Looking ahead to next week's dual, Eastern Michigan has enjoyed recent success against Dayton. The Eagles swept all four races against the Flyers on April 28, 2024, at home, and repeated the sweep May 3, 2025, with the 1V8+ winning by over 30 seconds (7:13.5 to 7:44.0).
ON THE HORIZON:
The Eagles will host the University of Dayton for a dual meet on Sunday, May 3, at Ford Lake.
