As of March 9, just like any other spring sport, the Traverse City Tritons rowing team has started practices for what some might say is the most competitive season of racing. Team members at West are preparing and practicing for the mental and physical discipline required to row State Championships, Midwest Championships, and Nationals, all within a couple of weeks. 

  Before the season starts, rowers usually physically train for it beforehand, whether that is going to the winter training season or working out on their own time. 

  “I can’t do winter [training], but normally I would. But because of the musical, I couldn’t do winter. So I would go to the gym in the mornings for like an hour, and I’d work on cardio. I’d do some ERG (Ergometer) workouts, and I do different strength exercises every day,” junior Leah Clark said.

  During the winter training season and before the lake thaws in the spring,  rowers train on a machine that simulates the action of rowing on water while measuring the rower’s performance through varying pieces that can be from three to 30 minutes of straight rowing at a time, and some rowers have stronger opinions on them.

  “I don’t like any of them, but 2Ks are fast. They’re quick, but they suck,” junior Finn Hochstetler said.

  Before races, rowers usually prepare mentally and physically to push their bodies to the limits, trying to cross the finish line, as well as coordinating with fellow teammates and coaches.

   “I try to get as much sleep as I can. I always make sure to do a physical warm-up before. And I like to talk with my boat, with the race plan, and talk about what we want, like our rate, and what they want me to stay at because I’m in the stroke seat. And then I always have a pep talk with my friends and my coach, and then I row,” Clark said.

  During the races, rowers can be put into several different boats, whether it be a two person double (two oars per person) or a four-person sweep (one oar per person) boat.

  “I’m hoping for a double [this season]. [Last season] I rode a four sweep and a double scull,” sophomore Rachel Lenz said.

  For new rowers, the first few weeks can seem like a challenge or feel uncomfortable. While the idea of rowing can seem easy if you have been in a paddle boat or kayak before, the reality is much different.

  “It’s a really hard sport, but I would just say give it a little time to sort of let yourself settle in. It’s not a very intuitive sport. There’s a lot of stuff that feels weird or unnatural,” Hochstetler said.

  Despite the challenge and toughness of rowing, the feeling of team bonding while all moving as one in the boat will stick even after the season.

  “It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it in the end. And you make really great friendships,” Clark said.