Indiana University Athletics
New Year, Continued Focus (1-16-03)
1/16/2003 12:00:00 AM | Women's Rowing
Bloomington, IN - After an impressive fall campaign, the teams finest since the inception of the program in 1999, the Hoosier rowing team starts the new year with positive attitudes and team goals.
Although the athletes were able to enjoy winter break away from the books, they were still expected to train hard for what is sure to be a competitive spring season.
"Coach gave us a workout plan that guided us through the type of workouts that should be done over the break," senior Stephanie Mast explained. "There were four days a week with scheduled workouts, but we could cross-train if we wanted. Now that we are all back from break we are back on the ergs but will start cross training soon. That will include swimming, running, spin classes, etc. Just a variety of different activities to keep us fit and healthy without burning us out on the erg workouts, although that will be a big part of our training too. Individually we are expected to increase our strength in the weight room and on our own with extra activities when we can. This is what it is going to take to beable to compete at the level that is needed here in the Big Ten."
And what a competitive level the Big Ten is. Last year three Big Ten teams finished in the top 10 at the NCAA Rowing Championships. In order to contend with nationally ranked teams the Hoosiers will have to work hard and stay focused throughout the winter months leading into their spring opener against Notre Dame and Purdue.
"I feel that practice needs to be a reflection of competition; that means a variety of components must come together at practice," head coach Mark Wilson said. "First the athletes must be relaxed. We all perform better when we are in control of our bodies and minds, and we focus on that aspect during practice so that the race will be second nature. Second, there must be intensity, intensity in physical output, mental preparation and concentration. I feel the mental side of the sport is crucial to proper development and race day preparation. Practice needs to reflect that. Thirdly, a can do approach to everything we do whether it is planned or a surprise. I never want to hear `I can't' from an athlete. Races bring all sorts of surprises, and we must be ready for all sorts of circumstances."
With goals in mind and an overall improved group, Coach Wilson will be looking for all of his athletes to be leaders, but expects the senior class to guide the way. The Varsity crew returns a solid group of 20, consisting of 11 sophomores, three juniors and six seniors. Wilson feels that every member of the varsity and novice team can contribute to the growth of the program, and that every individual has something to offer the team.
"The entire program looks for leadership, leadership that comes from many different people." Wilson said. "I see our seniors leading by providing a positive example of what hard work over time can achieve. I see our juniors leading by providing support to all and being able to accept any challenge. I see the sophomores with an extraordinary amount of positive energy as they help the freshmen learn about the team, and I see freshmen with wide eyes and an eagerness that has not been seen before. They are hungry and have an appetite for learning, hard work, and a desire to show everyone what they can do."
The Hoosiers look forward to the next couple of months of hard training and continue to put forth the same dedication that they have had since the beginning of the fall season.
"We are getting stronger, faster, and more composed as a unit," senior Margaret Clark said. "I can't wait to see how it all comes together for us. I have high hopes and expectations for the last semester of my rowing career because I know we can do it."
Check back with IUHOOSIERS.com for weekly features on the Indiana rowing team before they open up their spring season on Saturday, March 29, in West Lafayette, Ind., where they will go up against Notre Dame and Purdue.
