Rower's Diary: Alicea Kochis
3/26/2002 11:13:10 AM | Women's Rowing
March 23, 2002
Three days ago the sun crossed the equator signifying the start of spring. On that same day it snowed in Syracuse, New York and every day since then. It’s the coldest it’s been all winter (we rowed in February when it was 50 plus degrees) but the snow hasn’t dampened our spirits as we focus on next weekend. We race B.U. and Clemson at home.
This morning our entire team showed up at the boathouse early to watch our men race Brown. An awesome community has grown between the men’s team and us over the past four years. We are very supportive of each other. The inter-squad dynamic has made sharing everything (from the crew room, to the boathouse, to bus trips) fun.
Most races in the Northeast were cancelled due to inclement weather today. Never in Syracuse! Because of snow and wind the course had to be altered, but all boats raced well. Brown put together a very good race to win by a boat length. Watching the races made me anxious for next Saturday when we race Clemson and B.U. We practiced after racing concluded. It was 15 degrees with the wind-chill. I had on a pair of long-underwear, long spandex, wool socks, two JLs, a fleece, pogies, and a wool hat. It’s amazing I could make it to full slide. After a good warm up we did 3x10 min., rate 26 90%. With every piece our boat moved faster. It’s always good to end practice with your best piece.
It’s hard to believe that just last week we were rowing in short spandex, tank tops, and SPF 30 in Miami. Our weeklong training trip ended consisted of long rows, seat racing, and lots of technique. By the end of the week our boat was rowing very well. The trip concluded with a win over University of Miami. We returned to Syracuse with our first win under our belt, but an unset line-up.
Two girls were still vying for the last starboard seat. They were seat raced in Miami and tied. This week they were switched in and out of the boat during pieces; no difference. They seat raced in fours, in the rain, switching several times; no difference. We did a 2k at race pace in the snow with each of them in the boat; no difference. This was not only stressful on the two girls, but also on our coach. Thursday night a decision was made and we finally have our line-up: five seniors, three juniors, and one freshman. I’m excited for the season; I think all our boats, from the varsity 8 down to the freshman 8, are going to be fast. I can’t wait until next weekend!
