By Will Angell-James, news correspondent

The Northeastern University men’s crew team got back on the water last week after their week-long training camp in Sarasota, Fla. With the fall season finally over and the river thawed, the team is focused on the challenges ahead and is excited to see what the competition has in store as it gears up for the Burk Cup at University of Pennsylvania (Penn) this weekend.

“We know Penn have been working really hard over the winter,” said junior oarsman Ole Bang-Andreasen.

The mild conditions this year have also proved to play to the Huskies’ favor.

“Unlike last year, we had more time on water in March,” Matej Herega, a senior oarsman, said.

The Huskies have been gearing up for the sprints since coming second in the club eight at the Head of the Charles Regatta in October. Putting an emphasis on mileage and stroke technique, the team aims to make every rower “flexible and solid,” Bang-Andreasen said.

The squad has some talented athletes racing this weekend and hopes to claim the Burk Cup from Penn.

“The overall team is in a good shape and the freshman class is also being very competitive across all boats,” Herega said.

The team has been competing internally since the Head of the Charles. This weekend may provide them with the confidence they need going forward.

The Huskies race on Saturday morning.

Photo courtesy Jim Pierce, Northeastern Athletics