Full Circle

An overlook on the season and how far we’ve come!

By Claudia Nord

Looking back at the season, and with it being my final one, it’s impossible not to be sad about leaving it behind. But, I also think there is so much excitement to be had about what’s coming next, and I for one cannot wait to see where this team goes in a few years.

From the start of our season back in December until now, our 2K leaderboard has been consistently demolished, and in those six months I’m almost positive that every single popsicle stick that represents a top ten spot on the erg room wall has been replaced by someone new. 

Another new thing is our status: Thanks to a visit from Mr Livatino on a warm Saturday, ETHS Rowing is now an official ETHS Varsity sport and not a club sport! With each new milestone this team hits, the excitement and possibility for what happens next only grows. This brings my final note, and favorite memory from this year.

On the Sunday of MSRA on the bus to the race course for finals, people were buzzing. The Freshman Girls 8+ was starting soon, but we weren't at the race course yet. In hindsight, we may have been a tad over dramatic, but I would be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy running from the bus to the projector screen at the start line. We wormed our way to the front just as the 8+ boats started, and watched as Evanston and Culver were neck in neck the entire race. I’ve never been more proud to scream for the girls in that boat from the shoreline, and the race ended with the Freshman Girls 8+ a half second away from becoming the first ever Evanston boat to go to nationals. 

With each team record I didn’t think we could break and each medal I never expected us to win, this season has proved that good things are coming, and I’ve never been more excited to see what comes next. Even if I won’t be rowing, you can bet I’ll be cheering the loudest. As Coach Jackson said, “you all are one of the easiest to root for.”