Michigan State University
Head of the Elk
Michigan State Women's Crew Defeats Opponents In Every Race
10/27/2003 12:00:00 AM | Women's Rowing
Oct. 26, 2003
ELKHART, Ind.- - Michigan State women's crew celebrated yet another successful race day and the continuation of a winning season at The Head of the Elk regatta on Sunday, Oct. 26. The Spartans finished in the top two places in all events and took first place in seven of the nine races in which they competed.
The Head of the Elk entailed a 2.5-mile racecourse on the St. Joseph's River for the 44 teams and 350 boats who participated in the regatta. Many of the races in which the Spartans competed included over 20 opponents.
The regatta offered novices their first chance to travel to participate in a competition, after having raced in their first contest ever at The Head of the Grand in Lansing on Sunday, Oct. 19.
MSU novices enjoyed a particularly impressive race performance. The "B" and "C- flight" novice boats both took first place finishes, while the "A-flight" novices finished just 0.1 seconds behind the University of Louisville.
Although the novices had never experienced a contest away from home before the Elk, novice coach Stacey Rippetoe worked with them in preparation for the regatta, using visualization tactics and emphasizing focus.
"Stacey does a great job in helping (the novices) learn how to prepare themselves mentally," MSU head coach Bebe Bryans said.
Spartans on the varsity squad were immensely successful at the Elk as well. MSU's top-flight varsity four boats took first place in all three of the open four events in which they competed.
State also entered its three top-flight eights in the respectively ranked open eight events. In these races, the "A" and "C-flight" Spartans were top finishers, whereas the "B-flight" eight from MSU finished in second place behind Michigan
Despite the Spartans' streak of wins throughout the 2003-2004 season, they have continued to push themselves in practice, in order to become even more competitive.
"The focus is always the same," said Bryans. "We try to execute better to continue to build on what we have accomplished in the previous races."
Next, MSU travels to Seattle, Wash., for The Head of the Lake regatta on Sunday, Nov. 9, where the Spartans will face opponents from all over the nation on a 4.8 km (3-mile) racecourse.
For more information about The Head of the Lake, visit: msucrew.com and www.lakewashingtonrowing.com/HOTlake/index.htm
