Women's Rowing: Big East field up next for Irish rowers
By MARK ZAVODNYIK
Sports Writer
After a week off, the Notre Dame Women's rowing team returns to action this weekend at the Big East Rowing Challenge in Worcester, Mass.
Other than Miami and Villanova, the Irish have yet to face any Big East foes this year.
"This is a chance for our region to see others in the league," said head coach Martin Stone.
Over the past two weeks, the Irish have taken advantage of the opportunity to do some late-season training.
Head coach Martin Stone made sure that the Irish utilized the sunny weather by doing some rigorous work.
"We used the last two weeks to gain speed. We went through some of our most difficult training cycles," said Stone.
The Irish will enter teams in five of the six events in the regatta. Notre Dame will race the first varsity eight, the second varsity eight, two boats in the varsity four, the first novice eight and the second novice eight.
Notre Dame is seeded second in all of the races except the second varsity eight race, which they are seeded first.
"We are very excited; every boat has the capability of winning," said sophomore Jayme Szefc.
Even though the Irish were ranked ninth nationally last week and No. 10 this week, they are not concerned about not getting more No. 1 seeds in this weekend's regatta.
"Seeding is an inexact science. Everybody gains speed over the course of the season," said Stone.
However, this acclaim on the national level has had some effect on the team's training.
"Coach expects us to train even harder now that we are ranked in the top 10," said Szefc.
There is more at stake at the Big East Rowing Challenge than just bragging rights. This is the first in a number of races that determines which teams get to race in the NCAA Championships on June 1 and 2 in Indianapolis.
"If we win, it helps solidify our chance for the NCAA Championships," Stone said.
The location for this weekend's race is an ideal for a big regatta. The teams will be racing at Lake Quinsigamond.
"It's a great traditional rowing course. They have had Olympic trials there in the past. It holds major races each year," said Stone.
With their earlier strong performances this year, coupled with intensive training, Stone and the Irish are feeling confident.
"I feel really positive. All of our boats have gained speed. There is no indication that we have slowed down at all," said Stone.
As with any other regatt,a the Irish expect to win this weekend.
"We are going in to come out Big East champions."
All Sports Stories for Friday, April 26, 2002
