Lehigh University Athletics
Saturday, October 5
Susquehanna River; Shamokin Dam, Pa.
TBA
Lehigh University
at
Head Race
Rowing kicks off fall slate at Head Race on Saturday
10/4/2013 2:21:00 PM | Men's Rowing, Women's Rowing
BETHLEHEM, Pa. - The Lehigh rowing season gets underway this weekend as both the men's and women's squads compete in the Head Race on the Susquehanna River. The race is hosted by Bucknell and will also feature Drexel.
"This is an earlier race schedule for us, so there are some nerves about the first race no matter when that happens in your season," said Lehigh head coach Brian Conley. "The coaching staff is excited to start the season against two very good crews and to just line up and see the athletes race. Our ultimate goal is the spring with Patriot League Championships for the women and Dad Vail Regatta for the men."Â
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The women's race begins at 11:30 a.m. while the men's race starts at 11:40.
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The Mountain Hawks have been busy through the offseason to prepare for the season ahead.
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"Over the summer, the team is usually on its own to stay fit. They have to pass a fitness test in order to race," said Conley. "It was something we started two years ago and has really made a difference in the understanding of how we should be conducting ourselves over the summer. It has also allowed some people that may not have made the top boats to be there and show what they can do in race situations because they worked really hard over the summer.
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"One of our captains and a member of the men's team joined a rowing club and gained some great racing experience and a lot of miles of rowing which have proven to be incredibly valuable to the return," he continued. "Our men's captains competed in triathlons over the summer which helped them push their bodies in different ways that have helped too."
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The Mountain Hawks have continued to make strides in Conley's tenure, capped off by last season's Dad Vail Regatta which saw six of the team's eight crews advance past day one and into their respective semifinals. The Women's Freshmen Eight wound up taking bronze.
"I am looking for the members of my team who like to compete and will not give up no matter what," said Conley. "Those will be the ones that make our program fast this spring."
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The fall is always a work in progress, having several newcomers mesh with experienced returnees.
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"The newcomers are still learning, but I've heard little things about how they can't wait to get a shot at the varsity boats," said Conley. "I like the competitiveness of them and how they are hungry for more.
"We have a great feeling around the boathouse right now," he continued. "The athletes like the work they're doing and you can see the daily improvement of the team and the extreme effort being put into trying to get faster. I have not heard the word 'can't' at all this year and it's definitely making a difference."
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Check back to Lehighsports.com for complete results following Saturday's race.
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Like Lehigh Rowing on Facebook and follow on Twitter for continued updates on the Mountain Hawks.
"This is an earlier race schedule for us, so there are some nerves about the first race no matter when that happens in your season," said Lehigh head coach Brian Conley. "The coaching staff is excited to start the season against two very good crews and to just line up and see the athletes race. Our ultimate goal is the spring with Patriot League Championships for the women and Dad Vail Regatta for the men."Â
Â
The women's race begins at 11:30 a.m. while the men's race starts at 11:40.
Â
The Mountain Hawks have been busy through the offseason to prepare for the season ahead.
Â
"Over the summer, the team is usually on its own to stay fit. They have to pass a fitness test in order to race," said Conley. "It was something we started two years ago and has really made a difference in the understanding of how we should be conducting ourselves over the summer. It has also allowed some people that may not have made the top boats to be there and show what they can do in race situations because they worked really hard over the summer.
Â
"One of our captains and a member of the men's team joined a rowing club and gained some great racing experience and a lot of miles of rowing which have proven to be incredibly valuable to the return," he continued. "Our men's captains competed in triathlons over the summer which helped them push their bodies in different ways that have helped too."
Â
The Mountain Hawks have continued to make strides in Conley's tenure, capped off by last season's Dad Vail Regatta which saw six of the team's eight crews advance past day one and into their respective semifinals. The Women's Freshmen Eight wound up taking bronze.
"I am looking for the members of my team who like to compete and will not give up no matter what," said Conley. "Those will be the ones that make our program fast this spring."
Â
The fall is always a work in progress, having several newcomers mesh with experienced returnees.
Â
"The newcomers are still learning, but I've heard little things about how they can't wait to get a shot at the varsity boats," said Conley. "I like the competitiveness of them and how they are hungry for more.
"We have a great feeling around the boathouse right now," he continued. "The athletes like the work they're doing and you can see the daily improvement of the team and the extreme effort being put into trying to get faster. I have not heard the word 'can't' at all this year and it's definitely making a difference."
Â
Check back to Lehighsports.com for complete results following Saturday's race.
Â
Like Lehigh Rowing on Facebook and follow on Twitter for continued updates on the Mountain Hawks.
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