Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell Women's Rowing Journal - Elizabeth Wilkey
4/15/2014 9:59:00 AM | Women's Rowing
It's just about the middle of the spring racing season, and everything has exceeded my expectations. I was so nervous in the beginning of the year. Would the team like me, would I remember how to feather the oar, would I be able to set a personal record on a 2k erg test? I quickly found out the answer to all of these was, yes. When I began rowing in middle school if someone were to have asked me if I could see myself as a Division I rower, I would have laughed. It's amazing to look back and see how I have developed as an athlete and now find myself competing against some of the top collegiate teams in the country and being part of a Division I team.
Rowing is a unique sport in that it is one of the most team-oriented activities imaginable. When rowing in an 8-person boat, the shell doesn't cross the finish line because of one star athlete, but rather it takes the determination, endurance, and confidence of all eight rowers and the coxswain as well. I have found the team here at Bucknell to be more supportive, caring, and motivating than I could have ever thought. Whether I'm walking to class, in need of studying assistance or someone to calm my nerves before an erg test, my teammates are there for me. It is such a great opportunity to have older student athletes to look up to and seek advice from. They were all once in my shoes and are greatly supportive in making my Bucknell rowing experience to its highest potential.
A team with a good dynamic is especially necessary in order to perform at such a high level. The fall was a great introduction rowing in 8s and being able to get to know the other rowers of my class as well as many of the upperclassmen. I was also fortunate enough to attend the winter training trip to Miami. This trip was something I wish every freshman rower could experience. The week was filled with three practices a day and gallons of sunscreen. It was great to work on technique and eventually power amongst the palm trees and dolphins, but my favorite part of the trip was the chance to really get to know my teammates and even the coaches. During this time, I was able to meet the returning juniors and seniors from abroad, as well as become better acquainted with the other upperclassmen and learn more from the coaching staff. It was truly a fantastic opportunity.
When we returned to campus it was time to begin the winter training that I had heard so much about. It was time to erg. This can be one of the most challenging times as a rower; a period when it's impossible to get time on the water so everyday consists of workouts on a stationary machine. This is also a time when having your teammates there to go through the same training with you is really beneficial. I don't think I could have completed the daily erg workouts and extra morning erg sessions if my teammates weren't with me the entire step of the way. Despite the challenges of pushing through the winter season on dry land, it's all worth it when it comes to the racing season.
There is nothing like the rush of adrenaline and stomach-wrenching butterflies you get when at the start of a race. The spring is by far my favorite season. It is the time when all that hard work we did throughout the fall and especially the winter, begins to pay off. Prior to starting practices on the water, the Patriot League Squad began the famous endurance lift. I heard stories from years past and the horrors it brings to some people, but I never imagined the results it would bring. Whether at the Murphy Cup, scrimmages in Philadelphia, or at this past weekend's Knecht Cup, I know my boat is powerful because we push through the endless reps of weights and encourage each other to always preform our best. I didn't think I would be rowing in the 2nd Varsity 8 as a freshman, but it has been a tremendous time so far. When looking at erg scores, our boat is fast, but when looking at our dedication to practices and our motivation to compete at the highest level possible, our boat is really fast. It's an exciting time, being a freshman recruit and bringing home medals from races. Sometimes it's even surreal. When looking at racing line ups, I have to remind myself that I didn't open the wrong schedule, but I actually am on the Bucknell Women's Rowing team and I will be racing all those other colleges and universities. I am extremely excited for the rest of the season and I am looking forward to competing at the Patriot League Championships. No matter the outcome, deciding to row in college has been one of the best decisions of my life. That time in middle school I never would have believed I could do it, but it's true what they say, if you put your mind to it, anything is possible.
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