Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell Women's Rowing Journal - Christa Rotolo
10/30/2009 8:00:00 AM | Women's Rowing
Oct. 30, 2009
This past weekend, Sara Den Besten was the first woman rower to be inducted into the Bucknell Athletic Hall of Fame. For the women's rowing team as a whole, it was a great accomplishment. As she received her award and we listened to her speech, we were not only happy for Mrs. Den Besten and her many accomplishments, but we also shared a sense of pride. For us, Sara represents the women's rowing program today as well as the history of women's rowing. She also embodies what we work and strive for every day which is to build on past success, so in a sense she also represents our future. This induction represents another stepping stone for the women's rowing program in our journey for continuous improvement and success as a team.
As I listened to her speak and answer questions from the women on the rowing team during a question and answer session (which we were privileged to have with her following the ceremony), I found myself inspired. Surprisingly, I was not as inspired concerning her exciting experiences with rowing internationally, as I was by her experience on the team at Bucknell. In fact, I was most impacted by her response to the question, "What was the biggest difference between collegiate rowing and being on national teams?" Her response, as I interpreted it, was that at Bucknell she knew her team was always behind her and were one together; whereas, when she went onto more competitive rowing, she spent much of the time fending for herself. This comment for me provided an identity to the Bucknell women's rowing team.
From my freshmen novice year through my current time on the women's rowing team, I have always felt a special support that does not only motivate me to strive to excel on the water, but also in other areas of my life such as academics. I have been asked many times why I continue to row at Bucknell on top of my busy schedule, but for me the answer is quite simple: It is part of my life now, and I would not have the motivation to work at all those other aspects of my life without the team. In other words, when I am undergoing an erg test or lifting weights and I hear my teammates yelling and cheering me on, I am motivated to push myself, and I continue to be motivated even when I leave the gym and I can only hear their voices in my head. On this team, I am always encouraged and motivated to improve, especially when I am in a boat and I know that the seven other rowers are working their hardest, and trust that I am doing the same. Rowing has extended into all aspects of my life, as I always find it being the subject of conversation not only with the girls on the team who have become my good friends, but also with my non-rowing friends and family.
I believe that Bucknell women's rowing last weekend was able to mark another success, as we shared the excitement of Sara Den Besten's induction into the Athletic Hall of Fame. Mrs. Den Besten's accomplishments and ability to reach her dreams will be a new inspiration for the team, as we continue to pursue and fulfill our dreams. So, Sara Den Besten might have been the only rower to receive a physical award at the ceremony, but I believe that the entire Bucknell women's rowing team indirectly received an award last weekend, because collegiate rowing at Bucknell is a team sport.
- Christa Rotolo '11
