March 17, 2011
Dirt or water? Bat or oar? Softball or rowing? After completing four successful years on the diamond, I am stepping off the dirt and into the boat. As a graduate assistant in the Athletic Business office, I have been given quite an opportunity to row for the La Salle University Crew.
How could anyone think softball and rowing were related? After two short months, I have discovered more similarities than I initially thought. For example, think a softball swing. Envision all the aspects of the swing that make it perfect. Feet shoulder width apart, balance and weight on the balls of your feet, knocking knuckles lined up, bat resting on your shoulder, eyes on the pitcher, all of this while remaining relaxed. Then the pitch comes, a slight step, weight is transferred, an explosion of hips and hands together, head on the ball, arms extended, and follow through. It is a line shot over the fence in left-center field. This was the perfect swing.
Now envision yourself in a boat. Feet strapped in, legs bent to a ninety degree angle, oar resting lightly in your hands and extended out toward your rigger, eyes on the back of the girl in front of you, all of this while remaining relaxed. The race is about to start. The horn sounds; you explode back with your legs, when they are fully extended you pull your hands in toward your chest. Then you tap down slightly on the oar to release it from the water, pivot forward at your hips, and control yourself as you slide toward the starting position. This was the perfect stoke.
The parallels are uncanny. Like anything in life, hard work is required for excellence. Rowing has been hard work. For the first three weeks, I practiced with the team in the erg room. After a few practices, I began to develop form and confidence. I was reminded many times that the erg is a great tool, but the water is completely different. I believed this; however, I had no idea how different the water would be.
The first day on the river, I was in the four seat of the Varsity Eight. The excitement and apprehension of rowing on the water were overwhelming. I had never been in a boat before. I did not know how to carry the boat or how to put my oar in the oar lock; nor did I know how to adjust my feet or the rigger. Everything was so foreign. I wondered, "Why am I doing this?" Then I thought back to November. In November, I was filling in for the secretary of the Athletic department. One day Dr. Brennan poked his head out and drew my attention to the NCAA rule that states an athlete has five years to complete four. I completed four years in softball; therefore I do not have any softball eligibility left. However, I am eligible to participate in another sport, but only for this school year. I narrowed down the choices between Basketball and Crew. After much deliberation, I decided on crew.
This has been a wonderful experience and I thank the Athletic Department for allowing me the opportunity to row, as well as my coaches and teammates.
Mary Pat Conville BA '10, MBA `12
