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 fifth
and final installment of Off the Water features coxswain Trish Kelshaw.
Q: What is the role
of the coxswain in the boat?
Trish Kelshaw: Coxswains
are basically a mini coach in the boat. We're responsible for keeping the
rowers motivated, focused and sharp. We also control the steering and safety of
the rowers.
Q: How does the role
of the coxswain come into play in a head race more than a sprint race?
Trish Kelshaw: The
coxswain has a bigger responsibility in a head race than a sprint race. We come
into play more with strategy for the race and steering the best course. Since the
head race is longer than a sprint race, it's really important that we keep the
rowers motivated and steer the shortest course to help get a faster time.
Q: What is the most
exciting thing about competing at the Head of the Charles?
Trish Kelshaw: Head
of the Charles is hands down the most exciting race I've ever raced at. The atmosphere,
the people, the teams, everything is absolutely incredible. There are so many
people cheering for you all the way down the course, and the entire area is filled
with people who love and respect the sport.
Q: What are you most
looking forward to competing at the Head of the Charles?
Trish Kelshaw: I
am definetly looking forward to our race! I know the course really well and I love
working with these girls. I am fully confident that every girl in the boat is
going to give it her all. I am most looking forward to the bonding and the life
long memories we are going to make on this trip. Also, we will get to see some
of the Olympians who raced in London this summer, including the USA women's 8+
that took gold.
Q: How did you get
started in rowing and how did you become a coxswain?
Trish Kelshaw: I
started rowing my freshman year of high school and I got to compete for a
season as a rower. I was a little too short to be a rower, so my coaches
decided coxing was best for me. It took me no time to fall in love with this
sport and I was fortunate enough to get recruited to cox for Mason. I'm very
thankful to be where I am today coxing for these incredible girls and working
with great coaches.
Team Superlatives
Q: Who is the
funniest person in the boat? Literally every person in this boat is a
different character and each person cracks me up...I can't pick one that is the
funniest.
Q: Who is the best
dancer in the boat? Kim Griffin
Q: Who is the best artist
in the boat? Virginia [Ratcliff] is a drawing minor and is super talented
Q: Who has made the
biggest improvement in the boat from last year? Anna Murphy, I'm so excited
for her to be rowing with us!
