Building a Bigger, Better Team

15 Sep 2014

Photo by Ariana Gastelum

The women’s varsity team took out an eight and demonstrated their daily routine before and after practice. This included docking, entering the boat, strapping feet in, exiting the boat, putting it into slings and washing it.

By Ariana Gastelum

Varsity Rower

It’s only week two for the novices, and I still can’t believe how many people there are.

I remember one morning, the varsity men’s coach Rob Edwards said, “We are nine ergs short. I’ve never had that happen.”

On Sept. 8, their first day, it was so exciting to see such a huge crowd at the boat house dressed in all sorts of bright-colored-workout clothes…like little Easter eggs. And then the majority of varsity wore LBS Rowing gear, which is mostly made up of black tanks, black shorts and black sweatshirts. Soon, they will join the dark side.

Some of the former coxswains Bryan Pulling, Kaitlyn Gold and Lauren Felske made an appearance to help teach the novices technique. They all made such a difference, especially because both teams are short of coxswains.

Most importantly, I am proud that all of varsity demonstrated fantastic leadership, willing to answer any questions with a positive attitude. Teaching beginners is really difficult. There is so much terminology to learn, and everything feels so uncomfortable and awkward for them. But we make rowing look so easy. And I think that’s why so many people have stayed. I can’t wait to see how we do in competitions.

Photo by Ariana Gastelum