Even small progress is progress. The entire novice stepped it up -- they had their right race at the right time.

We have been working hard, but Michigan State is an accomplished team. We will continue to strengthen our regular-season conditioning.

Our goal is speed. However, if the girls give their best performance on the water, regardless of how fast they go, I'd say it's a mission accomplished.

You can't have a bad day in the Big Ten or else you'll be looking out for everybody. It all comes down to the athlete's desire to see us (coaches) through to their senior year -- they have to want it and need to see their future.

Any win we have in a boat reflects on the entire team. We did a lot more this year than we've ever done before as a team.