The St. Lawrence University men's crew team kicked off its 2012 spring season against RIT on Saturday, winning two of the four races on the Genesee River in Rochester, NY. The Saints' novices continued to shine as the 8+ and 4+ both took home the gold on the weekend.

"We have a solid group of underclassmen that are working very hard this season," said St. Lawrence head coach George Repicky. "We are excited about the direction they are heading. Our goal is to get everyone a medal this year at states and if we continue working hard I think we can accomplish that."

The Novice 8+ finished the 1700 meter course in 5:56.6, edging RIT who finished in 5:57.2. Gordon Clarke stroked and Mitchell Joseph was the coxswain, while Kyle Benzing, Ted Marr, Matt Farina, George Alberts, Drew Twitchell, Mason Vogt and Tom Joyce also helped power the Saints.

The Novice 4+ took its event in a time of 6:40.8, while RIT came in second in 6:47.7. The Saints' B boat rounded out the race in a time of 7:01.5.

The Saints will battle Ithaca College on April 14 in Ithaca, NY.