There was a time when rowing was the most prestigious and popular college sport in the United States.
In the late 19th century, Harvard University and Yale University would draw thousands of spectators to their annual rowing races on the Hudson River.
These days, sports such as basketball and football have surpassed rowing. The sport no longer attracts large crowds or significant media attention.
But the 11 members of SLU Crew have found their niche rowing against other colleges across the country.
Usually the rowers compete against scholarship-athletes from bigger schools.
“We hold our own-we’re usually the underdogs at races, but we generally bring medals home,” junior Jennie Zelenak said.
Serious effort is required to compete at the high level expected of SLU’s rowers.
When the team practices on water, they have to wake up at 4:30 a.m. to make it to practice on time.
“That really deters people, but the thing about it is that it helps you organize your time. We have pre-med students, girls in sororities and other people involved in other things. It doesn’t take up all your time and it’s worthwhile if you are willing to commit,” Zelenak said.
Sophomore Ellen Hutchins also said the early practices can help make you organize your time.
“You definitely get used to it. Around the end of the semester it’s rough because there is so much going on but at the same time it’s good. If you have an 8 a.m. class, then your’re ready to go,” Hutchins said.
Head Coach Scott Allison is dedicated enough to wake up early with his rowers.
“He’s the most amazing man. He coaches us completely on a volunteer basis. He’s extremely patient and has everything you could want in a coach,” Hutchins said.
But what made these rowers make the decision to commit to such early practices and grueling workouts in the first place?
“I saw a flier for rowing and I thought it would be neat to try something new. I wanted to get involved on something on campus. And then I found out a couple of my friends rowed in high school, so they encouraged me to come to practice,” Zelenak said.
Most of the members of SLU Crew are competitively rowing for the first time at SLU.
Zelenak said the rewards have definitely been worth the effort.
“It’s definitely made me enjoy my time here so much more. I want to keep doing it after college. I didn’t expect I’d fall in love with it,” Zelenak said.
