On edge about the competition, Nick Dragnev, senior, felt the energetic atmosphere at the boat house and was shocked by the amount of teams there were and the races happening.
“The Midwest Ohio competition last spring called for a long drive in the middle of nowhere, and in this race, I got to be the first person in the boat doing a 3v4, which definitely made me kind of nervous,” Dragnev said.
This competition was Dragnev’s first year as a rower and his first official race.
Now, Dragnev has been rowing for two years with the St. Louis Rowing Club, the only rowing team in Missouri.
“I have done tennis and soccer, but the thing with rowing is that every single guy in your boat is doing the same thing at the same time under the same pressure,” Dragnev said.
Both girls and boys row at the St. Louis Rowing Club but they are divided up into sections, both having a novice and varsity team. The Rowing club is year long but is optional in the summer and does not compete in competitions during the winter.
Nick Dragnev’s teammate PJ McGhee, freshman, said he enjoys being out on the water, racing and working as a team. McGhee joined after enjoying a summer rowing camp.
McGhee said his typical position in the boat is essential for keeping the boat from tipping over.
“There are eight rowers and one coxswain on a boat. I’m usually in the bow of the boat, so the front, and that role helps set the balance of the boat and keep it level,” McGhee said.
McGhee said he loves the competitiveness of the team.
“It’s not just about physical strength but about mentally pushing yourself,” McGhee said.
Alexa Kerber, sophomore, also said rowing depends on dedication and a strong mentality
Kerber started rowing in the spring of her seventh grade year after she heard about it from her sister’s friends who had rowed.
“But it’s definitely the most rewarding when you cross the finish line,” Kerber said. “My favorite thing about rowing was the sense of accomplishment it brought me.”
Kerber said if she’s not going over technical comments in her head during a race then she usually tries to find the best way to motivate herself at the moment.
“Giving up or not giving your all in a race isn’t an option, so it’s important to have a clear mind and know what your personal goals are for the piece,“ Kerber said.