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 first
installment of Off the Water features the bow pair of Lindsay Bowen and Anna
Murphy.
Q: What are you most
looking forward to competing at the Head of the Charles?
Lindsay Bowen: I
am looking forward to getting out on the water and having a solid race. We did
really well last year and are hoping for top three this year. I also love traveling
with my team and I am looking forward to a fun and successful weekend.
Anna Murphy: Honestly,
I am looking forward to the whole experience. This is my first time racing the
Charles and I am ready to go and hopefully come back with a medal. I am also
looking forward to the atmosphere at the Charles - it is a huge regatta with
people from all over the world pulled together because of their love and
passion for the sport of rowing.
Q: What is your role
in the boat?
Lindsay Bowen: I
am bow of the eight and it is my job to row technically well in order to keep
the boat set. It is important that I follow and support the other rowers in
front of me. I also adjust the point of the boat if it is not in line at the
start of the race. Just like the other seven rowers on the boat, it is also my
job to really hit it with my legs and get to the finish line as quick as we
can.
Anna Murphy: I am
in two seat in the boat, so the role I have is to primarily set the boat. Since
myself and bow (Lindsay) are in the back, we have to have good technique and
handle heights to make sure the boat will be stable for the other girls in the
boat. Another major role of the bow pair is following. Since we are in the back
of the boat, we must be spot on with the six girls in front of us to make sure
we all put our blades in together for the most efficient and fastest strokes.
Q: How did you get
started in rowing?
Lindsay Bowen: My
older brother started rowing and I thought I would give it a try. I started as
a freshman at W.T. Woodson in Fairfax on a novice eight. I really enjoyed it
and we were really successful so I decided to continue and I have loved it ever
since.
Anna Murphy: I
started rowing in high school at Bishop O'Connell in Arlington. During my
freshman year I did a 'learn to row' program in the fall and fell in love with
the sport and in the spring, we competed a full season. The girls I started rowing
with my freshman year are still some of my best friends today.
Q: What is the most
challenging thing about the sport of rowing?
Lindsay Bowen:
Rowing is a challenging sport - you need to have a combination of strength,
finesse and mental toughness to successfully move the boat. To achieve these
things we train on the water, on the erg and in the weight room. It is also
challenging to balance academics with our practice schedule.
Anna Murphy: I
would say the most challenging thing about the sport of rowing is the
dedication. Waking up early every single day is not possible if you do not
truly love the sport.
Team Superlatives
Q: Who is the
funniest person in the boat?
Lindsay Bowen:
Madi [Madison Beumer]
Anna Murphy: Kim
[Kim Griffin]
Q: Who is the best
dancer in the boat?
Lindsay Bowen:
Kim
Anna Murphy: Madi
Q: Who is the best
singer in the boat?
Lindsay Bowen:
Bridget [Bridget Hally]
Anna Murphy:
Lindsay [Lindsay Bowen]
Q: Who is the most
fashionable in the boat?
Lindsay Bowen:
Virginia [Virginia Ratcliff]
Anna Murphy: Mer
[Meredith Bennett]
Q: Who has made the
biggest improvement in the boat from last year?
Lindsay Bowen:
Meredith
Anna
Murphy: Bridget
