The Horizon

What's on the horizon for the Huskies?

Presently they're in their final evaluation week of the fall season. An evaluations consists of three ergometer (rowing machine) tests: 40-minute test, 6000m test, 2000m test. These primarily measure fitness, but three of the most challenging tests in one week with weight circuits in between the testing days creates a tough atmosphere. Because of this, the tests are very good indicators of mental toughness: who can perform three times in one week during grueling physically and mentally draining workouts? When you take a test on the erg, unlike running or swimming, your power/speed output is right in front of you on a monitor. You can see your splits every stroke and know exactly where you are in the test and how well you're doing. This can be the challenging part.

The evaluation week will begin the selection for the spring. From now through the Florida winter training trip, winter training on land during January and February, and the Tennessee spring training trip, the whole team will be evaluated. In women's rowing, unlike men's rowing, freshman can row up in varsity events their first year if they can make an impact on the speed of the varsity boats. So many of the freshman are being considered for this and this time is very important. Some of the walk-on athletes are stunning the team: freshman walk-on Kylie Little took her first 6000m test ever and had the 12th fastest time out of 41, smoking some experienced sophomores and freshman who've been rowing for years.

Now is the time to make some noise, Huskies! Train hard.