University of Minnesota Athletics
Gophers Ready to Get Out on the Water Again
3/10/2009 12:00:00 AM | Rowing
Although the University of Minnesota rowing team hasn't seen competition since November, the Golden Gophers are busy preparing for their championship season. The Gophers start action on March 21st when they cap off their Spring Break training in Knoxville, Tenn., taking on the Lady Vols.
The Gophers are anxiously awaiting the season's start. Last week, the Gophers hit the mighty Mississippi River. Some may think these rowers are crazy, but the Gopher boats were out in full swing on the river in February. The Gophers hope that soon they will be on the water consistently. The winter training season has progressed remarkably well. Having all the training happening at the boathouse is key. The Gophers can train on the ergs and the indoor tank, which can seat 12 rowers at a time, or transition to an on-the-water practice at the blink of an eye. The architecture of the boathouse allows tons of natural sunlight to shine in, so even if the rowers are on the erg, they sometimes have to wear sunglasses. It makes the team feel closer to the river even if they aren't out on it everyday.
This year's team has a lot of senior leadership, but the team's depth is bolstered by the strong classes of Sophomores and Freshmen. The varsity squad is again four 8s deep, as it was in 2007 when the team captured the Big Ten Rowing Championship. And the novice squad, which saw a jump in the number of athletes competing through the spring last year, has maintained it's depth as well.
The Gophers are anxiously awaiting the season's start. Last week, the Gophers hit the mighty Mississippi River. Some may think these rowers are crazy, but the Gopher boats were out in full swing on the river in February. The Gophers hope that soon they will be on the water consistently. The winter training season has progressed remarkably well. Having all the training happening at the boathouse is key. The Gophers can train on the ergs and the indoor tank, which can seat 12 rowers at a time, or transition to an on-the-water practice at the blink of an eye. The architecture of the boathouse allows tons of natural sunlight to shine in, so even if the rowers are on the erg, they sometimes have to wear sunglasses. It makes the team feel closer to the river even if they aren't out on it everyday.
This year's team has a lot of senior leadership, but the team's depth is bolstered by the strong classes of Sophomores and Freshmen. The varsity squad is again four 8s deep, as it was in 2007 when the team captured the Big Ten Rowing Championship. And the novice squad, which saw a jump in the number of athletes competing through the spring last year, has maintained it's depth as well.
Head of the Mississippi Hype
Wednesday, October 08
Third Varsity Four Wins Again at B1G Invite
Monday, April 21
Second Novice Eight Wins at B1G Invite
Monday, April 21
First Varsity Four Wins at B1G Invite
Saturday, April 19