As the George Mason rowing team prepares to race in one of the biggest regattas this Saturday, the Head of the Charles, GoMason.com has sat down with each member of the Varsity 8 boat and discussed their role, the regatta and the sport of rowing. The fourth installment of Off the Water features the stern pair of Kim Griffin and Meredith Bennett.

Q: Both of you competed at the Head of the Charles last year, what will be different this year?
Kim Griffin: There are only two things that will be different this year. The first is that we will be in a better starting position this year because of how we placed last year - we are starting fourth this year! The other difference is that we have two new members in the boat but I think both differences will be very beneficial for us when we race this year!

Meredith Bennett: This year is going to be different for three reasons. First is that we're coming back with experience and knowledge of the course. Second is the fire we have this year to get a medal. And third are the new girls in the boat and the excitement we have this year not only with just the girls in the boat, but the team as a whole.

Q: With two new people in the boat, how does that change the dynamic of the boat?
Kim Griffin: I don't think the dynamic of the boat has changed now that we have two new people in the boat. Every girl respects one another because we all worked extremely hard to get on the boat.

Meredith Bennett: I'm not sure the dynamic of the boat has changed much. The two new girls each bring their unique strengths, however, they both have the same goals and attitude the rest of us have.

Q: What is the most exciting thing about competing at the Head of the Charles?
Kim Griffin: I think the two most exciting things about competing at the Head of the Charles are the location and the fact that it is such a prestigious regatta. The course is beautiful and I think it is really exciting how many people show up to see the races. There are people all over the race course cheering for you! It's really quite an amazing experience!

Meredith Bennett: The most exciting thing about competing at the Charles is the atmosphere. There are so many people watching you throughout the entire course, the cheering helps the course by faster (even though it's pretty long). The amount of talent that is there is incredible and so motivating. It's great to see so many people representing the sport.

Q: How does the Charles prepare the team for the rest of the season?
Kim Griffin: I think the Charles is the kick-off for the whole fall season and for the rest of the year. It gets the team excited for the fall races and it's the first big "away regatta" so it gets everyone pumped to want to race.

Meredith Bennett: Last year the Charles gave us a little more confidence and hopefully this year it will give us more confidence.

Q: How do you prepare differently for the Charles?
Kim Griffin: My preparation for the Charles is no different than any other race, except for the fact that I have to bring a lot of warm clothes!

Meredith Bennett: I'm always cold and Boston is FREEZING so I bring tons more layers! As far as preparing for the race, I treat it just like any other race.

Q: What are your roles in the boat?
Kim Griffin: I am seven seat in the boat so it is my job to support and match the stroke seat, Meredith. Both Meredith and I have to set the standard in the boat since we are in the front and everyone has to follow us. Like Lindsay and Anna, the bow pair, Meredith and I must also have a good technique to set the boat because we are at the other end of the boat where balance is very important.

Meredith Bennett: I think my role is to bring my competitive spirit and apply it throughout the entire race. I'm extremely competitive and will do pretty much whatever it takes to win. I think my personality is the same as everyone else in the boat, and that is to promise to always give it 120% and to have everyone's back.

Q: How did you get started in rowing?
Kim Griffin: My sister had heard about rowing through our babysitter and decided to do it when she was a freshman. After seeing how much my sister enjoyed it and how much fun she had, I decided to join the rowing team when I became a freshman at my high school, James W. Robinson Secondary School. I have been rowing ever since and I love it!

Meredith Bennett: I started rowing my freshman year at college. In high school I lived basketball, and when I got here I needed something to keep me busy. I found out about the rowing team and I've been hooked ever since. It was the best decision I've ever made.

Team Superlatives

Q: Who is the funniest person in the boat?
Kim Griffin: Lindsay Bowen
Meredith Bennett: Madi [Madison Beumer]

Q: Who is the best dancer in the boat?
Kim Griffin: Bridget Hally
Meredith Bennett: Lindsay Bowen

Q: Who is the best singer in the boat?
Kim Griffin: Bridget Hally
Meredith Bennett: Bridget Hally

Q: Who is the most fashionable in the boat?
Kim Griffin: Virginia Ratcliff
Meredith Bennett: Me...haha!

Q: Who has made the biggest improvement in the boat from last year?
Kim Griffin: Meredith Bennett
Meredith Bennett: Virginia Ratcliff