You know that feeling of privilege? It’s that feeling you have when you get to do something special because you know someone. Well, I had one of those today and it was awesome.
I had the privilege of sitting on a boat this evening on Lake Lemon; in the cold, in the wind and underdressed. Awesome right? On a normal 50-degree evening in April I’d probably disagree too, but today was the first day of the Dale England Cup — the first home regatta for the Indiana University (IU) women’s rowing team. The Hoosiers faced Gonzaga tonight and will face Michigan State and Boston University tomorrow.
Sitting out on the lake in one of the boats (it’s actually called a launch for those of you with the nautical vocab) was one of the best experiences I’ve had at any IU sporting event. The teams stretch and walk around out on the grass by the lake and there isn’t any separation from you and all of the teams. It is a very welcoming environment which is great for anyone who’s never been and doesn’t know all the lingo.
My experience sitting in one of the launches was like nothing I’ve ever experienced before. As we followed behind the crews, I saw the coxswain’s head swivel from her boat to the others and back again. She was constantly talking into a microphone so all her teammates could hear her. I could only make out some numbers as she counted, but whatever she was saying sounded important. This was no 10-second sprint either; it goes on for a full six to seven minutes and the coxswain’s intensity never waivered. Throughout the entire race she was yelling, looking left then right, looking at the other boat and yelling some more.
Because I was in the launch following Indiana, I was only able to see the races against Gonzaga. The Hoosiers defeated Gonzaga in all four races. Michigan State defeated Boston University in all four of its races and beat the Hoosiers in the 2N8 race to finish the night.
The Dale England Cup resumes tomorrow at 8:36 a.m. when Indiana will take on Boston in the morning session along with Gonzaga against Michigan State. The afternoon session begins at 11:24 a.m. where Indiana will take on Michigan State along with Gonzaga against Boston.
I know most students don’t ever take the chance to see a regatta but let me assure you if you were going to pick one to go to, it should be tomorrow’s afternoon session. From what I saw of Michigan State today, the match tomorrow afternoon against the Hoosiers is going to be a good one. Today was my first experience at a regatta and I can assure you it won’t be my last. When’s your first going to be?
