The UD crew team was established in 1991. At that point, the team was known as the crew club, just starting its great history.

Now, a Division I interscholastic sport and in the 16th year of competition, the UD women's rowing team is looking to make the 2007 season one of its best.

Last year, the UD rowers placed third in the Atlantic-10 Conference after claiming the runner-up title in 2005. During the 2006 competition UD had its nationally ranked Lightweight 8 boat repeat as A-10 champs in their respective race. Also placing well was the Lightweight 4 boat, which finished just behind UMass. The second Varsity 8 boat earned second in their race, and the Varsity 8 boat claimed third in the final race of the competition.

UD is hoping to continue to be at the top of the conference ranks as the 2006-2007 season really gets going. Lead by senior co-captains Emily Darin and Raechelle Smith, the team is working hard to impress.

'Our team goals are to improve with every race as a team,' said Smith about the overall season goal.

'Our goal every year is to win or place higher than the year before at A-10's,' added Darin about the conference championships.

To reach their goals, the team has been training and working hard all year.

In the fall the Flyers had the opportunity to participate in some races, including the Head of the Charles and the Head of the Tennessee. The team also had the opportunity to face off against some alumni rowers in October.

Only one boat competed at the Head of the Charles, the Varsity 8 boat, coming in 22 out of 57 teams. In a very competitive field, the team finished only one place lower from the 2005-2006 season results. The boat was made up of seniors Darin, Smith, Kate Sanders, Allie Bogenshutz, Katie Butler and Monica Lang, as well as juniors Nicki Bianco, Marcie Shockey, and Melissa Brandifass.

During the last weekend in October, the whole team came together and competed in the Head of the Tennessee. Although weather caused the cancellation of the Varsity 8 races, the Novice 8 and Varsity 4 boats went against some tough competition.

UD had three Novice 8 boats compete, taking 7th, 8th and 12th place in a field of 14. With the races being some of the women's first ever, the finish was quite impressive and left the coaches and team optimistic for the future.

Two Varsity 4 boats were also entered in the race and claimed 5th and 6th among the 19 competing schools, some of whom competed at the NCAA championships last year.

The fall season wrapped up and the team was forced to train indoors.

'Our winter training in the erg room is where we get our cardio base when it is time to hit the water,' said Darin. 'Every member of the team had a phenomenal winter season, and as a result our team speed has visibly increased.'

Dayton had the opportunity to show how hard they work this winter over the weekend, at home against the Duquesne Dukes.

Due to river flooding the races took place at Eastwood Metroparks, with all the boats having floating start.

The Flyers Varsity 8 boat impressed, topping the Dukes by 23 seconds, finishing the 1,750 meter course in 5:51.5.

UD grabbed another win in the first UD Lightweight 8 race, as the boat beat the DU boat 6:14.7 to 6:38.9.

The Freshman/Novice 8 boat claimed second place, with the race being tied until the last 400 meters. The Lightweight 4 boat also took second in their heat, finishing almost 15 seconds ahead of the third place DU boat.

With the first races of the year under their belts, the women's rowing team will use the experience to help with the rest of the season.

'We did very well but it also showed us what we need to work on more at practice,' said Smith about the first races of the spring.

Up next for the Flyers is a quad meet against the University of Cincinnati, Indiana, and Eastern Michigan, in Cincinnati. After a two week break the team will travel to Camden, N.J. for the Knecht Cup.

The following week the team will make the same trip to New Jersey where the women will compete against the best boats in the conference. With UMass being picked to repeat for their 12th consecutive title, the Flyers will have tough competition from them and the rest of the conference. URI was picked in the preseason poll to claim the runner-up position, George Washington for third, Saint Joseph's for the fourth spot, and UD was picked to finish in fifth.

Upon the conclusion of the A-10 Championships the team also has the Dad Vail Regatta in Philadelphia on schedule for the weekend of May 11, and the IRA Regatta in June.

With a tough schedule and season ahead, the UD women's rowing team is looking to impress in the next few months. As the semester winds down and the competition gets better for the team, the women are sure to continue to improve.