VILLANOVA, Pa. - After a 1995-96 season considered by many as the best in the program's history, one would think it difficult for the Villanova women's crew team to improve upon the success of just one year before. In 1997 however, the Wildcats did just that, adding to the tradition that has become commonplace for Villanova crew. Coming into this the 1998 season, the Wildcats will once again look to improve, and continue to make the Villanova name synonymous with women's crew success.

In 1997, the heavyweight varsity squad made the finals at the Dad Vail Regatta for the first time in school history, finishing in fourth place. The varsity lightweights lost only once in the regular season and won the gold medal at the Dad Vail Regatta in commanding style. The Wildcat freshmen heavyweights held onto their Dad Vail Championship title, while the Villanova lightweight freshman won the gold in the event's inaugural season at the regatta. With their many victories and other strong finishes, the Villanova crew team won the women's points trophy and the overall point trophy with the highest point total ever (34) in Dad Vail Regatta history.

Despite being young, the Wildcats will be both talented and experienced with a number of returners from last season's medal winning teams. In the heavyweight eight, all eight rowers will be returning, with a number of sophomores from last year's gold medal winning freshmen eight squad looking to step on to the scene and contribute. The heavyweight eight team will have seven juniors and one senior back and will be a main focal point for head coach Jack St. Clair in 1998.

"After a good season last year and terrific rowing at the Dad Vails, the heavyweights are sure to better their gutsy fourth place finish at the Vails this season," said St. Clair. "Less than .8 of a second separated second through fourth place last year and I am certain that performing so well and placing so close to a medal will leave them hungry this year."

The lightweight varsity eight team is always strong year in and year out for the Wildcats, and this should be no different this season. Despite having to replace five graduated seniors, there are a number of young sophomores who St. Clair is confident are capable of earning a seat in the lightweight varsity boat.

"The lightweights look strong and figure to be among the best in the country again this year," said St. Clair. "The lightweights are hoping to improve upon last years outstanding second place finish at the IRA's, which is considered the National Collegiate Championship for lightweights."

In 1998, the Wildcats will have to overcome youth to maintain the level they have reached over the past two seasons. Although Villanova will have to replace a lot of seniors from last season's history making team, there are plenty of young talented rowers returning from the gold medal freshmen heavyweight and freshmen lightweight eights. Race experience is hard to replace, so with just one season of race experience, the sophomores will have to adapt quickly to the challenges of varsity competition.

The Wildcats, however, possess the leadership it takes to be successful from the coaching staff down through the rowers. In his fourth season at the helm, St. Clair has been around crew for the greater part of his life and knows what it takes to make his team a champion. With his counterpart in assistant coach Joh Heiss in his third season, and new assistant Carissa Adams joining the staff, Villanova has the knowledge to get the most out of their talent. With the talent of this year's team, the Wildcats look to be in line for another memorable season.