IU enters Big Ten/Big East Dual

Just days before heading to Indianapolis on Saturday for the Big Ten/Big East Double Dual, IU's rowing squad practiced its technique on Lake Lemon. Both the varsity and novice crews were busy correcting minor details and testing their skills before most students woke up for the day. \nAs IU prepared to compete against rivals Wisconsin, Louisville, Notre Dame and Purdue, coach Stephen Peterson recognized the team's keen ability to work together as a unit.\n"The girls know how to push themselves well, they feed off each other," he said. "It transcends on the water. Technically, they are rowing better than they have in the past two years, and they're stronger, too."\nComing from two highly respected national conferences, all clubs are risking a little more than pride. Especially with a younger squad, IU recognizes the need to make up for lack of experience with determination to excel.\nAt the head of the pack are captains Elisabeth Benoit and Colleen Ryan. Benoit, a senior from Grand Rapids, Mich., said the team's most prevalent strength is its camaraderie both on and off the water.\n"As a team, we must rely upon each other to succeed," she said. "We set extremely high goals back in August, and our mission is to stay focused to compete with other crews."\nRyan, a junior second-year varsity rower, said the team's previous season showed it a glimpse of what it could potentially become, adding that its focus remain firm.\nThe past two weeks have brought about changes for the Hoosiers. Intensive practices are advancing each boat's power and execution, but with approaching conference meets, the heat is on.\n"Our goal is speed," first assistant coach Carmen Mirochna said. "However, if the girls give their best performance on the water, regardless of how fast they go, I'd say it's a mission accomplished."\nMirochna also cited Ryan and Benoit as positive leaders for the team, saying they have led by example. Having a junior and senior leading the squad combines an older and newer approach to coaching that will see the team to the future, she said.\n"The Big Tens are coming up," Ryan said. "We're focusing on the big thing and staying on point"