• printer friendly
• mail this article
• iPod format
• digg

By Hye Kwon

Daily Bruin Staff

The UCLA rowing teams, boasting some of the most favorable rowing conditions in the country at the UCLA Marina Aquatic Center, have begun the process of recruiting new rowers for the 1996-97 season.

The four Bruin squads ­ varsity and novice teams for both men and women­ will rely heavily upon new rowers because only three athletes will return from last season's teams. Sophomores Mindy Fontius and Bobby Seminoff and senior Rebecca Slazenski will anchor the women's varsity team in the upcoming year, but other than those three veterans, the teams will be comprised entirely of rookies.

"What we're looking for are good athletes regardless of prior experience," women's novice coach Paul Wilkins said. "In fact, the novice level consists entirely of people who have never rowed before."

The official season will not begin until next spring, but the teams are holding a joint meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 9 at the Los Angeles Tennis Center club room to ready themselves for the upcoming racing season. During this span of time, the teams will compete against other schools in three-mile races to tune up for the official season.

"The meeting will cover the basic information regarding the team, including the membership fees, practice schedules and so on," UCLA crew advisor Shea Garvin said. "People will also meet the coaches and the returning rowers."

When the official conference season begins next spring, the teams will be competing in two-kilometer races. The Bruins, along with all the Pacific 10 conference teams ­ excluding the Arizona schools, will comprise the Pac-8 conference. UCLA is also a member of the West Coast Intercollegiate Rowing Association (WIRA), which consists of schools such as UC Davis, San Diego State, UC San Diego and Humbolt State.

After battling the who's who in West Coast rowing throughout the season, the culmination of the rowers' effort will be reached at Lake Natoma in Sacramento, where both the Pac-8 and the WIRA championship meets will be held.

Anyone interested in joining the rowing teams, or who want more information, are encouraged to come to next Wednesday's meeting or to consult the recreation office on the second floor of the Wooden Center.