Murray State University Athletics
Rowers have January training session on Cane River near Natchitoches, La.
1/16/2004 6:00:00 AM
"We practiced two times a day," said MSU coach Bill McLean. "We worked a lot on distance rowing. Our longest was about 15 miles round-trip.
"We wanted to work on rowing endurance and skills acquisition, especially for our freshmen. To me, it felt like spring training; the things we required, I'd equate to spring training.
"Our rowers were excited to be there," McLean said. "They had great water there, and it was nice to be around great water. Actually, it was ideal. There was about 26 miles available on the river and lake. We rowed about 90 to 120 minutes, and we tried to get in about 13 miles in one day.
"The town was beautiful. They still had the Christmas lights out as part of their celebration, and the town has a sort of Bourbon Street look to it, like the French Quarter of New Orleans. They had Christmas lights along the river in town during the last weekend of their celebration. It was really pretty.
"The people were great, very hospitable," he said. "We were invited to go to the Boys and Girls Club Sports Banquet at Northwestern State, and (former Major League Baseball pitcher) Dave Stewart spoke. That was very exciting and educational."
Murray State opens its spring season on March 20 against Drake. The site is yet to be determined.
