Sigma Pi features untested riders

Like row 11, the teams in row 10 will enter the 2001 Little 500 with little experience. Cold and windy track conditions on qualifications day might have cost each team a chance to move into row 9, but each team said it feels confident it could grab a top-20 finish.\nNO. 28 SIGMA PI (2:50.55\nThis year's Sigma Pi team fields five faces that are new to the Little 500. Senior Todd Brady, junior Shaun Harless, sophomore Jeff Wright, freshman Charlie Connor and sophomore captain Jason Mount have no race experience, but the team does have some cycling know-how.\nMount and Harless boast competitive biking experience with the Indiana Cycling Club.\nMount attributes the team's position to its difficulty adapting to the tough track and weather conditions.\n"The track conditions on qualifications day were different than we were used to," he said.\nDespite lacking Little 500 experience, Sigma Pi has high hopes for race day. After spending spring break training in Tallahassee. Fla., the team expects to improve upon last year's 31st-place finish. \n"Our hope is to win the Dixie Highway award for most improved team on race day," Mount said.\nFor Mount, a strong finish would represent a personal comeback. While riding his bike in October, Mount was involved in a collision with a car. The accident destroyed his bike and sent Mount onto the surgeon's table for work on his shoulder. \nNO. 29 FOSTER (2:52.10)\nThe Foster team entered qualifications hoping it could find a way to return for race day. It did that and more, leaving four teams in its wake and taking the middle position in the 10th row.\nFoster fields an all-rookie squad, consisting of sophomore Chris Shickles, freshman Brian McNamee, sophomore Ryan Bardes and senior Tomas Perez. Their positive outlook makes up for what the team lacks in experience. \n"(We seek) to finish as high as possible and have fun," coach Tim Bagwell said.\nFor Foster, qualifying for the race was an immense source of pride. This year's spot in the race marks the first Foster appearance since 1993, when it placed 17th. \nAnd while many teams might be overly competitive on race day, Foster will take a more laid-back approach. \n"It will be fun, no matter how the finish turns out," Bagwell said.\nNO. 30 EVANS SCHOLARS (2:53.05)\nEvans Scholars captured the final spot in the 10th row. This year's team features experience and youth. Leading the way will be seniors Dominic Freiburger and Jeff Weingartner, both three-year veterans. Joining them are freshmen Brian McCarthy and Ethan Silverman.\nThe team spent its spring break in Las Vegas training.\n"Vegas is the best place to train," Freiburger said. \nAfter their results in qualifications, the team showed mixed feelings.\n"We are happy to have qualified, considering the track conditions on (qualifications) day, but I think with the talent on the team, we could have done better," Freiburger said.\nThe team will look to utilize that talent on race day. Although team members do not expect to compete for first place, the Evans Scholars said they would like to garner a top-20 finish. Last year's team took 26th place after qualifying in the 28th position. \n"We are less athletic than the powerhouse teams," Freiburger said. "But we make up for it with our determination to improve our position"