Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell Women's Rowing Journal - Amanda Pirri
5/13/2014 2:43:00 PM | Women's Rowing
At the start of freshman year in high school, all three of my best friends decided to join the crew team. I had no idea what this was, but didn't consider the idea because I had been swimming since I was five and knew I wanted to be on the swim team. My friends would complain about their extremely intense and difficult workouts every day. Instead of feeling bad for them, I found myself jealous that they got the opportunity to push themselves and do something no one else would think to do. They would tell me about when they had 2Ks or caught crabs or moved boats, but that never had any relevance to me until my freshman year of college.
Some girls on my hall had heard about the “learn to row” program, and had decided to do it. They urged me to try it with them so they would have friends to do it with, so, thinking back to my desires of trying it in high school and thinking “why not, I need the exercise anyway,” I went with them to the Monday session. I ended up only rowing three times that week but figured I might as well try out for the team. I called my parents Thursday night to say “hey guys, so I'm trying out for a division one varsity sport…” I found out I made the team, and never could have anticipated what would have come from joining.
Once we started erg testing, I never knew that I could get so anxious over something, but the results were so satisfying. AT practice days on the erg had me excited to push myself to see how well I could do that day. When I first joined the team, I heard them tell us about the Miami training trip, but I zoned out at the meeting, thinking to myself “that won't be me, I'm only a novice.” Once I learned that I had a chance to go to Miami, I realized how much I wanted it and worked hard to get chosen. I improved a lot over the trip and landed a spot in the 2V8. So far, in that boat, we have won Murphy Cup, we are undefeated in every dual regatta against two other schools, and we got second at Knecht Cup. I was even so lucky to row in the V8 one week, and had the privilege of beating Boston University, which I never could have anticipated.
I met my roommate for next year during “learn to row.” I have made best friends I will keep forever through rowing. I have pushed myself beyond my limits and have thereby gained the confidence I need to do anything if I try hard enough.
Players Mentioned
