Drexel University Athletics
Dragon Dispatches: Let the Racing Begin!
6/21/2014 10:55:00 AM | Women's Rowing
By: Bobbie (Barbara) McKenna, senior double
June 20 marked the beginning of racing—the real reason that we're all here. When we first arrived in Henley racing seemed so far away, but time flies when you're having fun—being incredibly busy helps, too.
Stephanie Thomas and I woke up this morning and headed over in our Drexel "kit" (as the English say, complete with "tracksy bottoms") swishing all the way. I was fairly nervous for our time trial; we had yet to race together and though I had confidence in our preparation and our dedication, I had no idea what our competition was like. After a quick breakfast and warm wishes from our lovely hostess, Sarah, we were off to the racecourse to prepare.
Coach gave us some pieces of sage advice, we straightened our matching headbands, and set out on the river in our double (also named Sarah). Because of the nature of our race we weren't in a dualing situation, like the second varsity eight would be in later. We were to be sent off in intervals of 45 seconds to compete for a place in the brackets later in the regatta. We warmed up along the course and lined up according to bow number. Before we knew it we were off and our breath was rushing in like cold water. Rowing coxless on the otherwise quiet river we could hear the yells of Drexel supporters all down the course. I really think we are the loudest and most enthusiastic supporters in the whole regatta.
After crossing the finish line we were greeted with many hugs and excited faces. We set down our boat and decided to shop while we waited for results. After enriching the fortunes of many a merchandise tent and decreasing the weights of our wallets, we heard that our results were posted. We were greeted with great news; we advanced to our first dual! So with the promise of racing some Aussies on Saturday, we happily headed back to share some lunch.
After a short rest, we all made the trek back to the course to cheer on our second varsity while they took on the Irish. They had a tough race that was close to the very end, but sadly it was the end of the road for them as Trinity Dublin took first in the dual.
We cheered our spirits a bit with a trip to the Rowing and River Museum for an international reception held by the regatta for the (you guessed it) international teams. The museum was really awesome with a lot of rowing history and a bonus Wind in the Willows life size diorama for the kids (or kids at heart).
We ended the night at a dinner with the parents, alumni, and our other supporters at The Angel on the Bridge, a pub with beautiful views of the River Thames. We all laughed our way through fish & chips and ice cream, enjoying past stories and future excitements. As I looked around the table (corny alert!) all I could think is how lucky am I that I am surrounded by people I love in a beautiful place. Plus a chance of gold!
Check out the next "Dragon Dispatches" post
Check out the previous "Dragon Dispatches" post
Of course, more photos!
Senior Double at time trials
Second Varsity Eight
Home court advantage?
Parents dinner at The Angel
The Angel Pub
June 20 marked the beginning of racing—the real reason that we're all here. When we first arrived in Henley racing seemed so far away, but time flies when you're having fun—being incredibly busy helps, too.
Stephanie Thomas and I woke up this morning and headed over in our Drexel "kit" (as the English say, complete with "tracksy bottoms") swishing all the way. I was fairly nervous for our time trial; we had yet to race together and though I had confidence in our preparation and our dedication, I had no idea what our competition was like. After a quick breakfast and warm wishes from our lovely hostess, Sarah, we were off to the racecourse to prepare.
Coach gave us some pieces of sage advice, we straightened our matching headbands, and set out on the river in our double (also named Sarah). Because of the nature of our race we weren't in a dualing situation, like the second varsity eight would be in later. We were to be sent off in intervals of 45 seconds to compete for a place in the brackets later in the regatta. We warmed up along the course and lined up according to bow number. Before we knew it we were off and our breath was rushing in like cold water. Rowing coxless on the otherwise quiet river we could hear the yells of Drexel supporters all down the course. I really think we are the loudest and most enthusiastic supporters in the whole regatta.
After crossing the finish line we were greeted with many hugs and excited faces. We set down our boat and decided to shop while we waited for results. After enriching the fortunes of many a merchandise tent and decreasing the weights of our wallets, we heard that our results were posted. We were greeted with great news; we advanced to our first dual! So with the promise of racing some Aussies on Saturday, we happily headed back to share some lunch.
After a short rest, we all made the trek back to the course to cheer on our second varsity while they took on the Irish. They had a tough race that was close to the very end, but sadly it was the end of the road for them as Trinity Dublin took first in the dual.
We cheered our spirits a bit with a trip to the Rowing and River Museum for an international reception held by the regatta for the (you guessed it) international teams. The museum was really awesome with a lot of rowing history and a bonus Wind in the Willows life size diorama for the kids (or kids at heart).
We ended the night at a dinner with the parents, alumni, and our other supporters at The Angel on the Bridge, a pub with beautiful views of the River Thames. We all laughed our way through fish & chips and ice cream, enjoying past stories and future excitements. As I looked around the table (corny alert!) all I could think is how lucky am I that I am surrounded by people I love in a beautiful place. Plus a chance of gold!
Check out the next "Dragon Dispatches" post
Check out the previous "Dragon Dispatches" post
Of course, more photos!
Senior Double at time trials
Second Varsity Eight
Home court advantage?
Parents dinner at The Angel
The Angel Pub
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