Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell Women's Rowing Journal - Spring Break Edition
3/22/2011 8:00:00 AM | Women's Rowing
March 22, 2011
Spring Break on Lake Pinchot
After hearing the news that we were staying on campus for spring break rather than going to Georgia, I was a little disappointed that we would be in chilly Lewisburg while all of my friends were going to more tropical climates. Last spring, I enjoyed rowing in a tank top and doing my homework outside on the dock between practices. This break I prepared myself for wearing multiple layers of clothing and spending time in the library.
Looking at the water forecast on the days leading up to spring break, I was a little anxious. Although the coaches had said that we would be on the water no matter what, I still had visions of spending hours in the erg room over spring break due to the high water levels on the Susquehanna.
Thankfully the coaches were prepared and had a back-up plan to go to Lake Pinchot. Even though we would have to wet launch for each practice, the ability to get out on the water was definitely worth it. Every time I stepped into the freezing water to launch, I focused on the fact that it was a privilege to be on the water and have an oar in my hand. After all, our first race was a little over a week away and we needed to maximize every stroke.
In the end, I actually enjoyed being on Lake Pinchot. Since the lake was only a little over 2,000 meters long, we passed by other crews multiple times each practice. It was great to see the novices progressing every day, since I was in their position last year. They look more comfortable in the boat with each stroke and their excitement for their first race is contagious. I can't wait to see the results of all of the hard work we did throughout the winter in the erg room and during lift. Even though the river may not always be on our side, our team will continue to face each new challenge with courage and determination.
- Emily Gladstone '13
The Beginning of Spring Season
Right before spring break I had a conversation with other rowers on the team about how it was going to be strange not going to Georgia for training. However, the first morning of spring break-- as soon as I got on the bus -- I realized it was going to be awesome. It was the beginning of spring season.
Wet launching that morning went over so well, it seemed like we had been doing it every day. As soon as I got in the boat I instantly became excited. In two weeks from that first row I would be on the Schuylkill River, ready to compete in our first regatta of the year. This is what I look forward to all year and it's finally coming. From that moment on I put everything I could into spring break. There was not one practice where I found myself saying "what if we were in Georgia?" We still had the opportunity to practice and bond as a team.
Looking back on this trip, I don't think anyone gave any less than they would have if we had gone to Georgia. Knowing my teammates, I believe they were thinking about the same thing that I was: sitting in the shell in front of the stake boats, anxiously awaiting the first "Attention, Row!" of the season.
- Jacqueline McKeone '13
