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| I joined the crew team my first semester in college and spent that year learning the basics of competitive rowing. Since then I've transitioned into the role of a varsity coxswain, and I am still appreciating what I have gained from this team experience. | ||
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Discipline Whether it was forcing myself to hit the gym, or waking up for a 5 AM team run as a novice lightweight rower, the physical requirements of the sport have taught me how to take care of my body and push myself beyond my perceived limits. I have discovered that with determination and discipline, I can achieve my goals, be it medaling in an important race or whittling critical seconds off of my personal timed distance trials. | |
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Teamwork The physics of rowing demand that each member of a boat perform movement in absolute unison to achieve maximum performance. As a rower, I understand that this requires me to focus on then needs of my boat before my individual considerations. As a coxswain, I must guide my crew to work together to fix technique and performance issues. | |
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Responsibility As a coxswain I am charged with the personal safety of my crew and the well being of our boat as I steer down a race course. I am accountable from start to finish, and must avoid dangerous collisions with other crews and damaging river debris, all the while abiding by U.S. Rowing regulations. Since crews are irreplaceable and boats are upwards of $24,000 a piece...I take my role seriously! | |
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Organization With practice held five days a week, seven days of spring training during Spring Break, and weekend-long races around the mid-Atlantic region, this team is a serious time commitment for any full time student. By forcing myself to adhere to a strict personal schedule, I am able to successfully complete course work, hold a job, and pursue my rowing interests. | |
| Visit the Penn State Crew website here. | ||
| Read about one of my first races as a coxswain in this article from the the school paper; The Daily Collegian. | ||
