Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell Women's Rowing Journal - Christine Holodnik
4/17/2009 8:00:00 AM | Women's Rowing
April 17, 2009
I still remember the nervous feelings stirring inside my stomach driving to Bucknell for freshman orientation. When my parents and I arrived, I took a deep breath with my mom before opening the car door, hesitant of what would be on the other side. I was uncertain how I would adjust to the college life, but I knew I was going to feel right at home on the Bucknell women's rowing team.
Fall season soon began and instant friendships were made during the morning rows and afternoon lifting sessions. Throughout the fall and winter season, we pushed together physically and mentally through the countless erg pieces and reps in the weight room. I had no idea what the spring season would bring, but I was excited to find out.
Even though we are in the body of our spring season, the whole experience is still a bit surreal to me. I remember carrying the boat down to the dock for the first time in our varsity four lineup. It is hard to describe in words the power and strength exerted by the four women pushing alongside of me as the boat glides across the water every morning. We all have complete confidence in each other the minute we have hands on the boat. Racing against Harvard, Cornell and Princeton was another feeling that is indescribable. When arriving at the starting line, the five of us took a calm and confident deep breath, heard the word row, and pushed the foot stretchers away from us, one stroke at a time. After powerful moves, we finished second behind Princeton by 1.7 seconds. Immediately after the race, each of us gave each other a subtle congratulations and rowed back to the dock.
When we arrived back at the tents I remember my dad smiling and saying, "You ladies are making Bucknell history today." I don't think I realized our accomplishment until my dad said those words. Through the past 25 years of Bucknell women's rowing history, there have been many highlights, and that day was another added to the books. With each season comes uncertainty but as we press on more highlights are certain for Bucknell women's rowing.
- Christine Holodnik '12
