The Barometer Online

Issue date: 3/3/09 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Cory Reed The Oregon State women's rowing team begins the 2009 spring season this Saturday in Victoria, British Columbia. The Beavers hit the water against the University of Victoria Vikes at 9 a.m.

The Oregon State women's rowing team enters the 2009 season with very high expectations, not only in the Pac-10 but on a national level as well.

The Beavers' varsity 8+ team finished last season ranked No. 17 in the nation and are hoping to improve on that this season with a strong returning crew. A fifth place finish at last year's Pac-10 Championship Regatta was the third straight improvement at the event, and third-year head coach Emily Ford doesn't see any reason for that streak to end.

"The chemistry is good, and the environment is very positive" Ford said.

The Beavers have a very strong group of returners from last season's varsity team-including seniors Ame Hicks and Jane Ivey, who are joined by juniors Katie Humm and Jenny Kossowsky.

Hicks competed with the 2008 Canadian National Under-23 team at the world championships in Germany and was also voted the team's most outstanding oarswoman.

She has been a member of the varsity boat for much of the past three seasons, and her efforts are essential in order for the Beavers to succeed. Ivey, this year's team captain, rowed mostly with OSU's varsity second team last season where she learned the art of rowing in the stroke seat, but made the move to varsity for last year's Pac-10 Championships.

"Jane's leadership will be critical for this team. She has earned the respect of her teammates," Ford said.

Also, the consistency and solid performances from Humm and Kossowsky last season are going to be key in order for this season's varsity 8+ team to succeed.

The varsity boat isn't the only vessel in the water with expectations this season. The Beavers second varsity team is coming off a silver medal performance at the conference championships. Returning silver medalists include Celia Magistrale, Alex Crawshaw, Neta Fischer, Sheena Ino and Melissa Penwell.

Last year's varsity 4+ team also took fifth place at last year's Pac-10 championships. Sarah Joos, Sarah Jarrett, Devery Karz and Trish Stackpole will return from that impressive team. Rounding out the varsity 8+ roster are Brittany McMenamin and Kylie Robertson.

This year's varsity teams will add new members from last year's novice teams. The Beavers will see action from Celia Magistrale, Alex Crawshaw, Neta Fischer, Sheena Ino and Melissa Penwell, while new varsity members include Becca Post, Melissa Sloan, Bonnie Chilibeck, Leslie Urban and Andrea Harvey along with transfer Katie Stephenson.

Oregon State opens the 2009 spring season this Saturday against the University of Victoria Vikes in Victoria, British Columbia with the regatta starting at 9 a.m.



Kevin Nordlund, sports writer

sports@dailybarometer.com

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