March 8, 2004

Oh, it's starting ...

In these last couple of weeks, I feel as though the novice team has had some high quality team bonding. Last week was Erg Armageddon, and even though we didn't compete as a team or even under Bucknell's cloak, it was our first real competition. We were decked out in our homemade tie-dyed spandex and shirts, which were not only hot, but also highly motivating (here's to Ashley and Rachel for sporting the tie-dyed spandex with me!). I think I can speak for everyone in saying that we were terrified for the dreaded 2K erg test against other competitors and in front of a crowd. The adrenaline rush for the first five hundred meters on the erg was insane. We never imagined that we could possibly push ourselves that hard, and then, low and behold, we did. Bucknell PR's were flying around everywhere. Our entire novice team broke our previous 2K splits, and even two of our coxswains competed in the coxswain rowing event. It was amazing to see our hard work pay off. It was also awesome and inspiring to see how well varsity did. The experience was motivating and provided a glimpse, a starting point of what's to come in the upcoming season. I think our team gained a real sense of camaraderie that came out of the common bond of pushing ourselves and competing together. I'm so proud of us!

We also had our first water practice on Thursday. While practice may be a strong word, we were on the water for a good 15 minutes of hard-core small iceberg dodging fun. Also, practices are beginning to get more difficult. Where before I could tell myself with total assurance, I can do this, we as a team must now push each other and tell ourselves, we can do this, we can do this, in order to succeed. An amazing season promises to lie ahead of us.

Laura Roberts '07