Maximizing power a focus for UCLA rowing at Clemson Invitational
By Monica Gayed
April 18, 2014 1:16 a.m.
Coming off the San Diego Crew Classic two weeks ago having learned many lessons, the UCLA rowing team has renewed energy and refined techniques as it enters the Clemson Invitational Saturday and Sunday.
Competing against the numerous teams, many of which are ranked in the top 20, the No. 13 Bruins have been working mainly on maximizing their boat speeds, said senior port Samantha Upton. UCLA will race three times in each boat over the two days.
“Since the Crew Classic, we have changed the lineups around just a bit, but we have primarily been working on racing in the red zone, which to us means absolutely redlining it on the drive and then having a ‘green’ – or slightly more controlled – recovery that allows us to maximize our power through the water,” said junior port Kate Miller.
With their goals refined after the San Diego Crew Classic, the Bruins have spent significant amounts of time testing the results that come from the different combinations of the lineups.
“We have been trying to change the rhythm of each boat, trying to create more consistency in our speed,” said junior stroke Cathy Stolitzka. “Overall we are excited being able to race again and see what other schools are doing.”
The Bruins are not only excited to compete in such a competitive and new environment, but also looking forward to the amount of time that they get to spend with each other in a new place.
“Traveling with the team is always really fun,” said senior stroke Natalie Pettee. “It’s exciting to go to new places and row on new courses against some really good teams.”
This meet is more than just a meet where the Bruins will gain experience against some of the top teams. Rather, it is competitive because they get to race against teams that they generally do not see until the NCAA championship, Stolitzka said.
“Out-of-conference results can be deciding factors in which schools go to NCAAs,” Miller said. “We are excited to showcase the feistiness and speed we have found in practice.”
