The 17th-ranked Iowa rowing team will compete in the Longhorn Invitational at Lady Bird Lake in Austin, Texas, on March 19-21.

The Hawkeyes haven’t competed since the Notre Dame Regatta on Nov. 1, 2009, in which they finished second, fourth, and sixth in the varsity 4s, in addition to finishing second in the varsity 8s.

The squad also took first in the novice 8s.

Leading the way for Iowa are the varsity 4s “A” boat team, which includes seniors Sheila Rinozzi, Emily Katalinich, and Megan Erickson, plus juniors Jessica Novak and Haylie Miller.

The Hawkeyes will host a practice run in the 2,000 meters, set to be held at Beckwith Boathouse at 4:30 p.m. today. A second flight will follow at 4:45 p.m.

“We view our 2000-[meter] testing days as a racing opportunity. Intensity and determination fill the atmosphere,” Rinozzi wrote in an e-mail. “We come in with a focus and determination to achieve our personal bests as well as reflecting our strength as a team.”

After the Longhorn Invitational, the rowing team won’t compete again until April 3, when it will travel to Stanford, Calif., for the Pac 10 Challenge.

— by Nick Gans