Crew travels to Ohio

Brett CohenBrett CohenDaily Pennsylvanian Sports Writer The Quakers will be able to test that resolve tomorrow when they open their season at the Head of the Ohio regatta. Before last season, the Quakers' record placed them among elite teams in the country. Penn placed in the top three for five straight years at the Eastern Sprints. In 1991, Penn won the national title. Last spring, though, there were no top finishes. "Last spring we did not have the kind of year that we hoped for," coach Stan Bergman said. "It was one of those years when a lot of things did not go as expected." Bergman prefers to think only of the positive aspects of last season, such as the toughness built through losing. He is convinced last year was an aberration, and does not plan on changing any of the coaching or practicing methods that have brought him success through his 11 years of coaching. The team itself is geared up for the season. "Many of the guys spent the summer training hard for the season," senior captain Sean MacDermott said. "We came back this year ready to turn things around." "This year will not be a repeat of last year," senior Patrick Redmond said. "The team's attitude is pretty positive and we are ready to inflict some damage." There are several reasons why Penn can expect improvement this year. The Quakers return nine of 18 members of the top two boats from last year. Also, the second varsity boat finished third at the Eastern Sprints and the third varsity boat finished second at the Easterns. "I expect a lot of the second and third varsity members to step up this year," Bergman said. "No seats are set yet." Penn has been focused on its goal of improvement this fall. "The entire senior core has taken a leadership role," Bergman said. The Quakers will see whether their attitude will result in victories when they race at the Head of the Ohio regatta at Pittsburgh tomorrow. They will also take their first step toward their ultimate goal, according to MacDermott, of winning the national championship.