University of Massachusets Athletics
Rowing In Midst Of Strenuous Summer Training
July 10, 2015 | Rowing
AMHERST, Mass. - Members of the University of Massachusetts rowing program have dedicated portions of their summer months training as the squad prepares to defend its 2015 Atlantic 10 title and NCAA Championships berth.
“It's crucial to commit to summer training," rising-senior co-captain Leah Hitchcock said. "The girls on the top teams in the country are working hard throughout the summer, so if we want a chance to be on that top level, the training has to start in June. It is nearly impossible to expect to beat them when they have a three month jump. That is what I like to use as my motivation to train rigorously throughout these summer workouts.”
A small group of UMass rowing student-athletes stayed off-campus near the university with the intent to train throughout the Summer while others remain dedicated to Fall preparations despite being scattered across the country. The UMass Rowing Boathouse, located on the Connecticut River, houses a large fleet of small boats for the Minutewomen to train in throughout the year.
“You cannot expect good results if you start putting in the miles next March," said rising-senior Sam Kolovson, a co-captain for the Minutewomen during the 2014-15 campaign. "You cannot expect the same results if you start putting in the miles next September and you cannot expect better results unless you put in the miles now. For my third summer training in Amherst my focus is on technique and overall fitness. Next week’s Summer 6k will measure how I am progressing.”
The recommended program set forth by the coaching staff comprises a healthy combination of ergometer training as well as cross-training to keep the Minutewomen excited to work and prepare while simultaneously aiding in the prevention of injuries. The program’s end-goal is for the Maroon and White to be able to put in the miles this summer to allow UMass rowing to enter the Fall semester prepared for competition.
“Xochimilco are the canals left from what was an extensive lake in the Valley of Mexico," Estefi Marti Malvido explained when describing where she is training while away from Amherst. "A rowing course was built in Cuemanco for the Mexico '68 Olympic Games. I am happy to call it my home course - it reminds me of the beauty and traditions of the pre-Hispanic period. Always full of colors and surprises for the local town parties, Xochimilco is a World Heritage Site. Committing to training on my own this summer is crucial for my body's health. It will be the base to avoid injuries on the Fall.”
As added motivation for those in Amherst, graduate assistant coaches Taryn Wilson and Gabrielle Hayward recently painted UMass rowing’s mission statement inside the boathouse. It reads:
"The mission of UMass rowing is to give our women the tools and encouragement necessary to reach the highest level of our sport."
