"I don't need easy, I just need
possible"
A couple months ago, a movie called "Soul Surfer" debuted in movie theatres.
The motion picture is based on a book written by the professional surfer,
Bethany Hamilton. Speaking directly to athletes facing adversity, as well as to
everybody else wanting to see an inspirational and uplifting movie, trust me, watch this one!! It is what athletics
(and life) are all about: a true love and passion for what you do, and
embracing the commitment and work that it will take to achieve your goals.
Hamilton once said, "I don't need easy, I just need possible." I couldn't think
of a better quote to start off the fall with.
The other day I indulged in looking at rowing videos on YouTube (who doesn't
like to type in "ejector crab" and see what comes up??) and as I went through
everything from fun parodies, to Olympic races that give you goose bumps, my
blood started to rush. The itch of a fresh season so close at hand is like
being a racehorse waiting for the gate to open.
Lake Lemon has been host to small boats the
last couple months, but it's almost time for the full Hoosier force to push off
the dock. The women have been training hard all summer, many competing at the
national and world levels. As we all either enjoyed vacation or took summer
classes, the focus remained, the erging continued, and it's time to pick up
right where we left off. IU is a program that doesn't "start over" with a new
year; we build off of every season and summer is no exception. We learn from
mistakes, and build upon successes of last spring and fall. Most importantly,
we build trust in one another. It's such a warm feeling to be able to walk
through campus and see one of the top performing varsity rowers with a big grin
on her face, waving as she drives the X-Bus, or to see smiling teammates at the
Village Deli or Red Mango, all readily committed to stepping back in the boat.
With many exceptional recruits joining the team, we're excited to see what new
levels are to be achieved. We will dearly miss our Graduate Assistant, Courtney
Valerious, but congratulate her as a new addition to the Iowa coaching staff.
Elena Humphreys, a veteran of the University of California, Berkeley rowing
team is joining the Hoosiers as the new GA, and we excitedly welcome her to the
cream and crimson crew. Welcome to B-town!
I cleaned out my coxswain bag today. It's filled with fresh athletic tape, shiny wrenches, and a checklist of what I want to, and will, achieve this year. IU women's rowing is an ever-growing team in the Big Ten, and I have a feeling this year is going to be one of the best.
