http://www.ksg.harvard.edu/citizen/Apr26/12crew.htm

Kennedy School of Government - The Citizen

Vol.4 Number 12, April 26, 1999

Crew: more than a sport - it's a way of life

by JENNIFER JANIS and WENDY MALDONADO
Contributing Writers

The sun rises over Cambridge and glimmers on the Charles River. The Kennedy School Rowing Club glides through the arch of Anderson Bridge at 6:30 am, eight oars slicing through the water. The Kennedy School rowers are already working up a sweat, while their classmates are still dreaming of problem sets and papers due.

Thanks to the leadership and hard work of Coach Michael Uy, MPP1, the Kennedy School Rowing Club is in full force this spring, after more than doubling its fall membership. Said Coach Uy, "My intent was to revise the KSG graduate rowing program at Harvard to allow novices to learn competitive rowing. In that sense, this is a building year, but the KSG crew we have is quite talented. Their dedication should pay off next year."

Following an intensive two-month training and certification period in the rowing tanks of Newell Boathouse, the KSG Rowing Club is fielding three eight-person boats on the Charles River. The senior boat, the womens’ novice boat and the co-ed novice boat are on the water two to three times a week at 6:15 am and at 1 pm on alternate days. The club rows out of Weld Boathouse, across the street from JFK Memorial Park. Rowers also train off the water with a combination of early morning workouts, indoor rowing machines, and runs up the dreaded Harvard stadium stairs.

Why would already busy students subject themselves to the early mornings and long hours of training? The answer is simple: rowing is addictive. The feeling of gliding along the Charles in perfect sync with seven other teammates is enough to get these rowers out of bed in the morning. Alison Hickey, MPP1, states it clearly: "I love it!" This enthusiasm and energy runs throughout the team, motivating all 24 team members to train and row together regularly.

"Rowing at KSG has been a rewarding part of my time here. It has given me the chance to work as a team with other KSG people in a very different context from the usual group study settings. Plus—all that pain and sleep deprivation are good for the soul," said Barry Malin, MPP2.

The boats are currently training to compete with other graduate schools in the fall. Kelly McGowan, MC-MPA, has one rowing ambition: "To beat the Business School!" In the meantime, the three boats plan to race against each other in preparation for a 2K race with the Law School next month. The Rowing Club has even challenged Kennedy School professors to a race.

The Kennedy School Rowing Club has received funding from KSSG for the first time this year to help with the club expansion. The Club is working to broaden its funding base next year to pay for race fees, training of new rowers, and desperately needed equipment. Currently, the team borrows oars from the Business School and the Law School, and shares one boat among the graduate schools.

The club has been participating in Service Week, and will also help with the annual Magazine Beach Clean-up. Look for Kennedy School rowers in their team colors next month. Keep an eye out for notices of their first race, and come support your team!