WORCESTER, Mass. -- The Fairfield University men's rowing team continues to leave an impression within the region after another solid performance, this time earning medals at the New England Fours Championship. The second varsity four captured a gold medal by winning the grand final in 6:56.4.

Ironically, the win might never had happened in that category had it not been for a quick switch by Head Coach David Patterson.

"We entered the lightweight four competition but given there were no other entries, I asked permission from the Regatta Organizing Committee to enter this crew in the second varsity four," Patterson said. "The win was even more impressive when you consider this competition is usually for heavyweight crews which some traditionally would assume to be faster with a potential height and weight advantage."

The group advanced to the grand final after posting a victory in its head with a time of 7:03.1, defeating Vermont, Worecester Poly, Connecticut College, and Wesleyan. The Stags posted the top time in the two heats which included 10 entries. Fairfield came back with a six-second victory in the grand final with Vermont and Amherst A coming in second and third, respectively.

The second varsity four included Dave Brems, Kyle Halloran, Ben Andrews, Steve Ligouri, and coxswain Amanda Klecker.

The men's novice four finished second in the grand final to Vermont, seven seconds off the lead.  The novice four consisted of Greg Behrens, John O'Hara, Chris Melcher, Matt McDonagh, and coxswain Michelle Mistretta.

"This crew did a fantastic job placing second behind Vermont in the grand final," Patterson said. "Given that these guys are the future of the program, I would say the future is looking good."

The varsity four took third place in its regatta, just short of making the grand final. Still, the crew was able to earn a berth to the petite final by finishing the course in 6:56.2. In the petite final, Fairfield secured a second place finish behind Bowdoin with a time of 7:02.2, three seconds away from first place.

The varsity four was comprised of Scott Grady, Jared Strauss, James Jessup, Alex Papa, and coxswain Matt Greninger.

"I am particularly proud of the way the four handled competition after a difficult week of preparation in the sense that there was no preparation" Patterson said. "The normal stroke seat for this crew had been ill for a while and wasn't cleared for practice or competition until Friday."

Fairfield finished second in the men's team points competition which was won by the University of Vermont.