Indiana University Athletics
Varsity Sends One Boat to Boston (10-18-02)
10/18/2002 12:00:00 AM | Women's Rowing
Bloomington, IN - The Varsity rowing team is sending one boat, the Varsity 8, to Boston, Mass., to compete in the Head of the Charles Regatta on Saturday, Oct. 19.
The Head of the Charles Regatta is the largest two-day rowing event and takes place along the Charles River.
Representing IU is coxwain Becky England, Stephanie Mast, Emily Rumschlag, Margaret Clark, Meredith De Costa, Kelly Schuiling, Erin Koers, and Danielle Bird.
Stephanie Mast regarding the Head of the Charles Regatta... "We have been racing head to head with boats in practice. Racing the past two weekends has given us more actual racing time, which is making us more comfortable on race days. I feel we are ready mentally and physically to row this weekend. We have put in some hard strokes the past two weeks and I am looking forward to it paying off in Boston. This regatta is huge and it is a good time to stand out in a crowd. I feel we are ready to take that challenge. As a team we need to just row the way we know we can, and that is rowing well. we are a strong crew and need to realize that in order to take on this weekend and be successful. Last year we had a top 10 finish and this year I am looking to improve upon that. I guess we will just have to wait and see how Saturday afternoon goes!"
Erin Koers regarding preparation for the weekend... "This week, we've been pushing the ratings to be more competitive. We've spent more time at 'race pace' so that when it's time to race, we're more comfortable."
Koers on what it will take to be successful... "Focusing on maintaining composure and form while pushing for higher ratings is key this week."
Line Espedal regarding team preparation... "We have kept working on our technique and rowing efficiently and powerfully. I think we have made some good improvements the last few weeks."
Espedal on what the team needs to do to be successful... "We need to focus on making every single stroke perfect and work together to achieve this. The only way we can improve as a team is if we work hard every day as a team."
Meredith De Costa regarding team preparation... "As a team, we have been progressing, with each catch, swing, pull, to become stronger. After recovering from racing this past weekend, we really focused on putting every ounce of strength and technique into the boat. We are really pulling some fast numbers and I hope this shows this weekend."
De Costa's overall feelings... "The Head of the Charles is the largest two-day regatta in the world, with over 300,000 spectators, so the key for us is so stay focused, relaxed, and know that this is the opportunity of a lifetime and our best chance to let IU crew shine."
