Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell Women's Rowing Journal - Sarah Coppock-Pector
11/2/2009 7:00:00 AM | Women's Rowing
Nov. 2, 2009
In the van this morning, on my way to my last fall morning practice, I thought about how nervous I was my first time sculling. I remembered saying, "I know I am going to flip." The other girls disagreed, reassuring me that I would be fine. When it came time to hit the water, Coach Dan helped me carry down my single, explained to me how to put in my oars, and spent the entire practice working with me on my technique and confidence. The first few times I went out in the single were frustrating. I felt like everyone else knew what they were doing, but each day I would receive encouragement from the upperclassmen and coaches. I was never pressured to keep up with anyone, but rather to focus on my technique and improve as a rower.
One morning I read the sculling credo printed on the front of my single, "We are committed to working within our individual shells, committed to the most basic form of our art...the art of rowing." Rowing in the single has allowed me to work on "the art of rowing." I have been able to focus on straightening my lines from my hips through my skull and the curves of my fingers around the oar; I can feel it is making me a faster rower.
This morning, I took my single down by myself, I did drills on the square, I stood up in the single, and I pushed myself athletically. By the end of practice I had stripped off all my layers and had sweated profusely, but I felt great. After we brought up our boats and stretched, Coach Kish asked to take a picture of us. My teammates and I gathered close together on top of the grass and leaves. As Coach Kish counted to three we threw leaves into the air, smiled and laughed together. The last part of the sculling credo reads, "looking forward to the day when we can bring our skills together to create our collective future." I am proud to be a part of the Bucknell women's rowing team.
- Sarah Coppock-Pector '13
