TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – For the first time in program history, Alabama rowing finds itself in the top-20 of the US Rowing/CRCA rankings, coming in at No. 18 in the week-one poll.

No. 4 Texas, No. 18 Alabama, Oklahoma and Tennessee are the only Big 12 teams to either be ranked or receive votes in this week's poll.

"It's flattering to be recognized by the pollsters of the Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association for our results to date," UA head coach Glenn Putyrae said. "It's important to remember that it is very early in the season and several good teams have yet to compete."

The historic ranking comes after a weekend that saw Alabama sweep a ranked team for the first time in program history. The Tide also managed to post the fastest time of the morning of any Varsity 4+ crew, along with the fastest time of the following day for any Varsity 8+ crew.

"This is such a huge accomplishment for our team and university," senior Rachel Sowell said. "This is a perfect reflection of all the hard work and determination our team and coaching staff have put in throughout the year to achieve the goals we have set for our season and our program, as a whole. Now we have to keep pushing forward with our training and continue to gain speed in order to be successful in the upcoming weeks."

Last spring, Alabama made history by receiving its first-ever top-20 votes in the same poll. Now, less than one year later, the Tide has gone from earning votes to sitting as a ranked team.

"What we have to do as a team is continue to improve and focus on getting better each day," Putyrae said. "If we are successful in doing that, we know that the results will continue to be positive."

The Tide will look to continue to build upon its current success when it returns to Oak Ridge, Tenn., this weekend to face the Tennessee Volunteers.

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