The Class of '91 Plate brings in spring season for W. Crew

The off-season was not much of a respite for the Penn women's rowing team. As the Quakers trained indoors for the spring season, each day on the erg machine or in the weight room was as trying as their fall racing days. "It was a really intensive training period," senior varsity rower Jennifer McBrien said. "We practiced six days a week throughout the winter, running hills and lifting weights to get in shape." While their success last fall can certainly boost morale, the Quakers' major challenges have yet to come. The larger, more competitive races will take place in the upcoming months, beginning this weekend at the Class of '91 Plate. Based on their winter training performances, the Quakers have reason to be confident as the race, which will feature Navy and Georgetown, steadily approaches. "Each rower was trying to get a personal best on the erg machine over the winter," first year varsity coach Barb Kirch said. "I think we came pretty close to that with probably 90 percent of the squad achieving it." According to Kirch, the Quakers built confidence as they strengthened their respective techniques. She described them as "very enthusiastic," as they practiced "the little things that make the boats go fast." Perhaps the highlight of the winter was the team's trip to Tampa, Fla., for 10 days during vacation. It wasn't fun in the sun, but it was a chance to get back on the water. "It was a good opportunity to break up the winter," McBrien said. "We didn't want to get too rusty." Normally, collegiate crews take a training trip during spring vacation. But the Philadelphia Schuylkill is typically ready for action when that week arrives so the Quakers go in between semesters instead. According to McBrien, that week may be a better time anyway. "It's nice to go and not have to think about school and exams and papers," she said. "We can really focus on rowing." Since the beginning of February, the Quakers have been on the Schuylkill every day the weather has permitted. On the blustery days, however, the erg machines are still a useful alternative. While Kirch was hesitant to make predictions about the upcoming race and competitors, she acknowledged that the Quakers' past success at the event was a source of optimism. McBrien agreed with her sentiments. "This is always our first race and I can say that we've been working hard," McBrien said. "We have a lot of faith in our coach and in ourselves."