Women's Rowing Journal - Jennie Trayes
1/18/2007 7:00:00 AM | Women's Rowing
Jan. 18, 2007
I have to admit, unpacking from abroad and repacking for the Spring semester, driving for 13 hours and rowing in Georgia for two weeks wasn't all that appealing after saying "adios" to rowing, Bucknell, and America for four months. Spending just nine days at home with my family and retuning to school until May just didn't seem fair, but after eight days in Elberton, I've once again realized that the BU Women's Rowing Team is a certain type of family for me. Even when we go to the same place every year, there are always new and different experiences. Studying in Spain helped me gain a better appreciation for the team and the opportunity to row.
One of the most exciting things about Georgia this winter was meeting the recruits and a few novices on the team. It was interesting because I had heard about them (and how great they were). Everyone else knew them, and they knew everyone, but they were all new to me. I found myself more grateful for everything, including the difficult task of grocery shopping for 10 people for two weeks, cooking dinners in pairs, and rowing in the rain. It's been so much fun to share stories about Spain, making my teammates laugh, and hearing entertaining stories about the fall.
Not only was it great to be back with the team for the camaraderie, but also for what we do best: rowing. It was first a challenge coming back to the 8's and 4's after seven months off the water, and I still have a lot to improve (entry, quickness around bow, being a starboard to name a few), but I've also had the opportunity to row a single in Georgia this year. I have a terrible fear of the single and although I had two great experiences in it, I have neither overcome my fear nor do I feel completely comfortable rowing one. Kelly Henkler and I were sent out in the first morning practice (in approximately 35-degree weather) and, boy was I scared. I knew that if I fell in, there would be no returning to the cabin, no hot shower, no nothing. Coach said, "There are enough clothes up there if you start to feel hypothermic." Thanks coach, and we're off. It wasn't as bad as expected. Coach Jess & Coach Julie accompanied us and steered for me so I could concentrate on rowing the single.
I thought I would have freaked out again in the afternoon practice when "Trayes" was sent to the singles of doom once again. But it was even better this time. Coach Jess, Kate Brewster-Duffy and I practiced rowing straight on the course while at the same time using our imaginations and picturing the biggest race of the country for single scullers (I was the announcer). No offense to any coaches, but it was so peaceful rowing without any critics and coaching. I could really appreciate Georgia more - the tall pines, the golf course, the boathouse, etc. I felt more connected to rowing and to nature, perhaps because at any second I could fall into the dark depths of the lake. Either way, out in that single, I realized how lucky I am to be here, on this team, and rowing. It's good to be back.
- Jennie Trayes '08