Diverse group of competitors comprises Row 6

The sixth row of the men's Little 500 race features what might be the three most diverse teams on the track. Lambda Chi Alpha boasts a balanced team, Achtung will have three riders on race day and Sigma Alpha Epsilon's hopes ride on one of this year's top riders and three rookies.\nLambda Chi Alpha (2:43.90)\nSteady balance is a key for any Little 500 rider, and for Lambda Chi Alpha, team balance is no less important for a run at the lead pack.\n"We really don't have a guy with just one strength or weakness," said captain and third-year rider Josh Caves, a senior. "We all have a little of both the ability to sprint and ride distance."\nLambda Chi will have a lineup consisting of two returning riders and two rookies rather than four experienced riders, which could have been possible this year. Two riders did not return this year from last year's 19th place team.\n"Now we have to bring two new guys along and pass on what we know -- it has affected us a lot," Caves said.\nSenior Adam McLane is the other second-year rider, while sophomores Dan Wagner and T.J. Collins enter the race as rookies. Caves said he is satisfied with the progress of the rookies who have worked hard and remained inquisitive. \nThis team would have made a run at qualifying in the Top 10 had they not been forced into a third attempt, Caves said. But he said the starting position would not directly determine the outcome of the race. The team said it is planning to move up early to avoid any opening-lap catastrophes. \n"Realistically, I would like to finish in the Top 10," Caves said. "A lot of things could happen."\nAchtung (2:44.28)\nWinning the Little 500 with four experienced riders is difficult, but Achtung has the daunting task of running the race with only three riders, all of whom are rookies.\nTeam captain Rustin Dyer, a senior, trained with Forest last year but did not race, while sophomore Scott Dowdell began riding last summer. Freshman Evan Miller rode as a hobby in high school. Senior Nick Key, the team's fourth rider, left the team because of illness before qualifications, Dyer said. \nAchtung had no experienced riders to guide them into rookie week and answer common questions associated with new riders. Despite initial uneasiness, the team said it was encouraged by their showing at rookie week. \n"We realized after rookie week we were pretty much going to be at the lead of the pack throughout the week," Dyer said. "But we were a little scared when the veterans got there."\nRace veterans have been helpful to the team throughout training, he said. Achtung seeks to finish the race among the Top 15. With Miller being the team's best sprinter, he and Dyer will ride most of the race laps. Dyer said he is pleased with their starting position after being forced to a third attempt at qualifications.\n"We came around the first two times, and our split was faster than Dodds was," Dyer said. "If we would have nailed our exchanges, we would have been a lot farther up than we are."\nDyer said he recognizes the challenge presented to a team with three riders.\n"It will be rough not having four solid guys up there," he said. "We know with three guys we can't climb to the top too early because we just won't be able to hang."\nSigma Alpha Epsilon (2:44.70)\nIn the Little 500, one outstanding rider can place a team in contention for the checkered flag. Sigma Alpha Epsilon junior Dan Burns has solidified himself as a top-notch rider this season, but surrounded by three rookie teammates, questions remain as to whether this team can make a run at victory.\nBurns, a second-year rider, finished fourth at the Individual Time Trials and sixth at Miss-N-Out. He also brings the experience of riding on last year's third-place squad. \nComplementing Burns will be junior rookies Chris Irk, Ryan McBee and senior rookie Will Fife. Although they are technically rookies, the three upperclassmen said they understand how the race operates. Fife said their lack of race experience will not affect their performance come race day.\n"I don't feel it will hurt us much because of our tradition and the involvement from past riders and other alumni," Fife said. "We know a lot about the race, how to train and we feel comfortable out there."\nThe team was forced to qualify on its third attempt after faltering in the first two attempts. In past years, the team has qualified near the top and has not pulled off a victory. Fife said he is looking at the positive side of being at the middle of the pack. \n"I don't see it as much of a problem," Fife said. "Actually, it may be an advantage … we now have the chance to pass some teams early and move up in the pole."\nThe question will still persist as to whether the rookies will be able to hold their ground throughout all 200 laps.\n"I think everyone has their own positive attributes, everyone brings something to the table," Fife said. "Chris Irk is really going to surprise some people"