The varsity four-crew team upset top-seeded Michigan with a time of 7:29.5 en route to its first Big Ten Championship on Saturday May 4.

Junior Stacey Atkinson, sophomore LaToyia Bowman, junior Heather Underwood and freshman Erin Robertson became the first Spartan boat ever to row to a conference championship.

Senior Krista Buzzell was named the Big Ten Co-Athlete of the Year in women’s crew. Ohio State senior Conny Kirsch shares the honor with Buzzell.

For the past two seasons, Buzzell has stroked the first varsity eight-boat. The boat finished third at the championships. Buzzell also was recognized with First Team All-Big Ten honors.

“I was shocked to hear that I won the award,” Buzzell said in a statement. “I didn’t even know that it existed. I am honored to represent my teammates and my coaches by winning this award. I know that if they did not push me to get better every day, that I could not accomplish anything.”

Chris Wardell