Dec. 13, 2005

As we gathered in the Coleman lecture hall to discuss the plan for the rest of the year, I looked around to see an exciting mix of the returning varsity rowers I've grown so close to over the past year and a half, the recruits who have integrated so successfully into our team, and the novices, who, though we don't know them that well, are always enthusiastic and positive at morning practice.

Bucknell women's rowing is heading into what we hope to turn into a landmark spring semester. As we watched the video about the 2000 team that achieved so much despite a very small team and a shallow history, you could feel the anticipation and excitement in the air. We're a strong group with a big heart, and we want that same success and more. The determination and drive that's needed to get through this winter training season filled with erg pieces and max lifts will all be worth it in the spring, as we head to Georgia and begin our spring racing season.

Though no one loves trudging through the cold in the dark mornings, bundled against the wind that feels that much colder against our sleepy skin, we know that along the walk we'll be joined by other girls going to push their bodies past their limits, past what we thought we could do, all to work towards that spring season. Everyone wants to work together to make that spring season as successful as possible, whether it's for the seniors that have poured so much of themselves into this team, always offering a positive words or planning a fun team bonding activity, the juniors who are returning from abroad, with great stories of their adventures and excited to get back with their team, the sophomores who are anxious to prove themselves during their first year as varsity, and the freshmen who are looking forward to their first spring (and who we keep assuring it's worth it!). So, as we head into the winter, we'll bench press those five extra pounds, run that extra lap, and break 2k records. There will be rough mornings, there will be mornings that make us want to quit, but by the spring, during the races, it will all be worth it.

-Cara Cox-Steiner '08