Nov. 29, 2005

Being the type of person who has always competed in some type of sport year round, coming to Bucknell with the intentions of focusing on schoolwork and not trying to handle the pressures and strenuous work that comes with a Division I sport, I wasn't sure how it would feel not doing some kind of structured physical activity. A couple weeks into school, fliers encouraging any freshman girl to attend the meeting for women's fall rowing went up. I had heard about the sport years ago when my sister had tossed around the idea of joining a club crew team at college her freshman year. Other than that, I was oblivious to the rules, terminology, and even the fact that the seats in the boat move. Eventually, my roommate convinced me to go with her and several other members of our hall to learn more.

The meeting got me interested because my siblings and I have generally focused on three sports and this was something that I would learn to do that was unique. The first few weeks of practice seemed to quickly pass, mostly because of the anticipation of each new practice, and in no time rowing felt comfortable. Crew is entirely different than the other sports that I am used to because teamwork is essential. Frustration seemed to take over during a majority of my practices because the slightest difference in oar speed or handle height would make it impossible to row comfortably. The countdown to the Head of the Schuylkill came abruptly when it was only three weeks away. As the last week of waiting arrived, I was anxious not only to race but to see my parents and sister. My Dad was almost more excited than I was, searching the internet for rowing terms, packing his bike so he could ride it while videotaping the race, and printing out course maps to study so he could explain the fastest route the coxswain should maneuver. The race was exciting and all so new to me. At first I figured that we probably wouldn't pass anyone when it seemed like a boat was catching up to us, but then we broke away and actually caught another boat and blew passed it. It was not as frustrating when we worked as a team and acted as one.

Now, every morning when I have to wake up at 6 a.m. to work out then go directly to class, I just keep crossing off the days in my head, counting down to the weekend when I know I can enjoy all the sleep I want. I actually have been able to manage my time and even get ahead of myself in work since the practices are over early in the day. I have always had a love for being on the water and I hope that pushes me to do well and push myself to my limits.

-Beth Mooney '09