The Penn State crew team is looking to break the ice, both figuratively and literally, when it travels to the Lehigh River to face Lehigh University in the first regatta of the spring season at 11 a.m. tomorrow.

While the cold weather is a hindrance to many students, it has not been more of a burden than to those on the Penn State crew team, whose fleet has yet to touch Pennsylvania waters.

Several teams have been practicing outside for weeks, but Penn State has been forced indoors because ice still covers the lakes at both of its practice areas, Stone Valley Recreational Area and Bald Eagle State Park.

"The water is usually still frozen going into spring break," senior coxswain Chris Cohen said. "The first time back on the water is almost always a race."

Even though the team hasn't hit the water yet, Penn State varsity coach John Biddle is excited to get to the team's first regatta.

"Lehigh is a strong team," Biddle said. "We'll have a good idea of where we stand after facing them."

Penn State has a full varsity squad with no major injuries entering its first race. The novice team will be missing a few rowers but is not faced with any significant losses. The men's varsity will race an eight as well as a lightweight four and heavyweight four. The women's varsity will race two eights and two fours. The novice team also looks to make a strong showing with the men's team racing an eight and two fours, and the women's team racing two eights and a four.

Unlike most regattas in which the team competes, this is a duel meet, meaning the Mountain Hawks are its only competition. That doesn't mean the intensity level will be any lower.

"I'm expecting incredible competition from the entire club," Biddle said.

This race, although small, is important because it gives Biddle a chance to set his rosters for the Knecht Cup, the team's mid-season regatta, in Cherry Hill, N.J., on April 16.

"I'm watching all the crews to see where our strengths truly lie," Biddle said. "I have lots of hopes and anticipations, but I don't know anything until after this race."

The teams last few practices have been dedicated to gearing up for its first race.

"We're working on transitioning from indoor practice to water," said novice coach Kieth Hester. "We're trying to make the most out of our last few land practices before we get rid of this weather."

Making the transition an easy one this year, new rowing slides that replaced stationary machines have helped simulate the feeling of being in a boat.

"On the slide you have to feel the motion," junior women's varsity rower Kristin Mascitelli said. "It makes you focus more on staying with each other."