Callie at the Catch: The month of eternal winter
February 09, 2018 | Women's Rowing
Novices learning from the Varsity as teams help each other ready for spring
Whitewater, Wisconsin, native Callie Herbert is back and giving regular updates again this year from Porter Boathouse and wherever else rowing takes her and her teammates. A four-time swimming state qualifier in high school, the senior stroked the varsity eight to 11th-place at the 2017 NCAA Championships.
MADISON, Wis. --Â February, though it is only 28 days this year, for us Wisconsinites it is also known as the month of eternal winter.
Â
But have no fear; the team spirit is high and always is. The fight, the grind and the work we put in during this month over the years have proven to be a significant part to our team's success. This year is no different.
Â
This month is not just about what the varsity team can do. This is the month we come together, both varsity and novice, to see what Wisconsin can do.
Â
Team practices have begun, and just like last year, so did our inter-squad competitions. With small teams of about eight girls, half from varsity and half from novice, we compete to have the overall fastest small-team average in the end. This is a fun way to get through hard pieces and for varsity to show the novices what racing is about, because we all know we want to win. But it is also allows the novices to stay open-minded and learn a lot!
Â
Freshman Sophie Elworthy gave her perspective on these practices, "At first the idea of practicing with the varsity seemed really daunting and scary. They have more experience under their belt and are wicked fast. But after the first AT practice with them, these practices have become my favorite! The energy is so insane; it's hard not to go fast! Everyone pushes each other and encourages them to go faster in a fun and positive way! The varsity has so much knowledge when it comes to racing that I think it's going to help the novices for Big Tens this spring!"
Â
This first week of February may have been one of the hardest weeks ever, but getting up every morning as team Wisconsin makes it easy, and before we know it, the month of eternal winter will be over.
Â
Elworthy ended, "Doing combined practices really makes us feel like one team, one big happy family."
MADISON, Wis. --Â February, though it is only 28 days this year, for us Wisconsinites it is also known as the month of eternal winter.
Â
But have no fear; the team spirit is high and always is. The fight, the grind and the work we put in during this month over the years have proven to be a significant part to our team's success. This year is no different.
Â
This month is not just about what the varsity team can do. This is the month we come together, both varsity and novice, to see what Wisconsin can do.
Â
Team practices have begun, and just like last year, so did our inter-squad competitions. With small teams of about eight girls, half from varsity and half from novice, we compete to have the overall fastest small-team average in the end. This is a fun way to get through hard pieces and for varsity to show the novices what racing is about, because we all know we want to win. But it is also allows the novices to stay open-minded and learn a lot!
Â
Freshman Sophie Elworthy gave her perspective on these practices, "At first the idea of practicing with the varsity seemed really daunting and scary. They have more experience under their belt and are wicked fast. But after the first AT practice with them, these practices have become my favorite! The energy is so insane; it's hard not to go fast! Everyone pushes each other and encourages them to go faster in a fun and positive way! The varsity has so much knowledge when it comes to racing that I think it's going to help the novices for Big Tens this spring!"
Â
This first week of February may have been one of the hardest weeks ever, but getting up every morning as team Wisconsin makes it easy, and before we know it, the month of eternal winter will be over.
Â
Elworthy ended, "Doing combined practices really makes us feel like one team, one big happy family."
Raceday Highlights || Eastern Michigan
Saturday, October 25
Macy Mosner - Ball of Sunshine
Tuesday, May 14
Vicky Opitz Media Conference || Wisconsin Women's Rowing || May 6, 2024
Monday, May 06
Vicky Opitz Season Preview
Thursday, March 14
