Amidst all the on-campus chaos this semester, Student Athletes really do have it the hardest. Even with shorter seasons, no away games, and missing teammates, they somehow end up doing more more rigorous training than ever before. Some Fall sports can adapt better than others, with the opportunity to train at home or play local pick up games to stay in shape. Sports like hockey and baseball can try to hold out for a spring semester with looser restrictions. But what about the sports with no off-season that require equipment you can’t substitute at home, and teammates with a specific set of skills?

The St. Lawrence’s crew team has an impressive record, and major potential for more success with their newer members. The problem is that unlike other teams, tapping into this potential requires certain conditions. Rowers can’t just train on their own or with any set of teammates. Each boat is filled according to a variety of factors including stroke length, experience, technique, and speed. To make the best boats possible, the coach needs to have access to all of his rowers, not just the few that are available. 

Those left at home can only really practice with an erg machine, which means they don’t get time on the water or in a real boat. They have no one to coach their technique or to pace them. Even if they do return for the spring season, it could majorly affect their progress.

Emma Maidan ‘21 thinks that the at home workout can be brutal, but is staying strong. ”Going abroad was brutal but I snapped back better than before. I’m seeing this as the same thing,” she says. “ A time for me to make another comeback.”.

As a senior, she has not let being remote for the Fall semester keep her from staying fit in a way that suits her needs. “ I got a PR on my last erg piece, because I workout to please my body, not kill it.”

On the other hand,  James Rauch ‘22 says that the lucky few who are on campus still don’t get all the necessary training. “ We can’t get everyone to practice because class times have been switched so people are in classes during normal practice times.” 

Getting out to the boathouse was already tricky business because it’s a 45 minutes drive and the north country weather can create dangerous conditions. Usually on these days the team will have an erg practice, but now even that is difficult to maneuver. Rauch says “we can’t even erg together because of Covid and we don’t have an area big enough to fit all of us with restrictions.”

According to Sage Richards ‘21, the lack of fall races and typical training has made the season difficult, but there is hope for the spring. “We are looking to have light competition, even without regattas or liberty leagues. We still have the race with  Union.”

Despite the lack of competition, the team is looking strong for future seasons. Richards says “our freshman group is pulling great numbers on the erg and we don’t have to get after the to get exercise in. They are doing the lifts and cardio training outside of team practice.”

Clearly, there is hope for the St. Lawrence crew team despite all the restrictions in training. The largest contributor to this is likely  the team’s positive attitude. Rebecca Shine ‘22 says “I feel pretty lucky to have even gotten on the water. It gives me an opportunity to enjoy rowing without the added stress of worrying about Covid.”

Richards ‘21 feels like the crew team has done a great job of staying on their fitness and keeping up morale. “ “We have great numbers, a strong bond, and are having a great time despite all the setbacks,” he says. “ In terms of strength, our team chemistry is the best it has been overall in all my time at SLU.”