Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell Women's Rowing Journal - Jessica Tatham
1/26/2012 7:00:00 AM | Women's Rowing
Jan. 26, 2012
As my Christmas holidays in Sydney wound to a sunny close, and I boarded my 15-hour flight back to the United States, I looked toward the 10 rowing-filled days ahead with nervousness. I wondered if I would be able to, mentally and physically, cope with the sheer volume of exercise we would be undertaking during our winter training trip to Elberton, Georgia. After miraculously squeezing every length spandex into my regulation orange athletic bag, tying extra sneakers to the outside, and adding protein bars to my backpack, I was finally ready to go. Sleepy from days of travel, and full of jitters I received a text from my crew "mummy" (older assigned buddy) and friend, Vicky Kielty, asking me to come to her dorm for a surprise. As she gave me a hug, she handed me homemade t-shirts, a beautiful big homemade blanket in my favorite color, and many treats for the trip! I instantly felt a rush of gratitude toward her. I knew I was growing, becoming a part of this new family and even felt the excitement of being able to - in the years to come - continue this crew love Vicky had given to me.
A row of cabins right on the edge of calm Lake Russell would be our temporary homes for the next 10 days and nights. Room assignments placed a few girls from each class in every cabin, allowing us to meet, mingle and define 2012's team. I really enjoyed talking to and getting to know my older teammates, specifically Anne Kirk and Molly Schneider, the two seniors in my cabin. They were able to share knowledge about the winter training trip, the spring trip, the race season and all the pieces in between that make up being apart of the Bucknell Women's Rowing family. Molly and Steph Wyld were our primary chefs and did a fantastic job of keeping us hungry athletes well fed at the end of every day.
The hard work we, both individually and as a team, put in during Georgia as well as our time now on campus, will determine how our spring season will turn out. We collectively approach every day with a purpose, a goal and continually strive to keep the thrill of winning in the back of our minds, allowing us to push through the tough practices and academics as we work toward the warmer months ahead. Coach Chelsea's enthusiastic attitude and willingness to help us with whatever technical problem were working to overcome, made her someone my freshman boat looked forward to being coached by three times a day. After my initial nerves passed, I ended up having a fantastic winter training trip and look eagerly forward to our other trips that without a doubt help us grow closer on and off the water.
On an endnote the Georgia trip made me realize how our freshman class certainly has the potential to be a great asset to the older girls come this spring. I am certain that as the youngest girls on the team we will all work doubly hard, remembering to maintain pressure on the footplate, engage our lats and set our stretch position!
- Jessica Tatham '15
