Girls’ Crew Prepares for Future Races: 2016 NEIRA Champions Hope To Dominate Again

Girls’ varsity crew is looking forward to another strong season this year. Although they’ve been training intensely in preparation for their first race, the girls have not been able to practice on the water. “The river has been frozen and the docks won’t be in until the third week of the season,” lower Christine Baker said. “I’m really looking forward to getting on the water and getting ready for races.”

Senior Nora Epler outlined the dedicated regime of the team. “Right now, we are working a lot on technique and fitness, so that when we get in the boats, we are ready to row hard and well,” she explained. Epler continued, saying that team members are also working on building mental strength as they will need this to be able to train more rigorously later on. “When we are trying to win, we can know that we have worked harder—mentally and physically—than any other boat out on the water.”

The first regatta of the season, a race against Kent School, will prove to be difficult. “They have been on the water in boats for a while,” Baker said. “They have a training trip during their spring break and a lake that isn’t frozen, so they have an advantage right now.” However, she remains “confident” that Exeter will prove to be tough competition for Kent.

“We have a bunch of girls this year that came into the season really in shape and ready to row.”

Epler described the team’s loss to Kent last year. “Last year the four  got so close to beating them —but we still took the points trophy from them at NEIRA’s—so it would be great if we could crush them this season,” she said. Epler mentioned Andover as another regatta the team is looking forward to facing Exeter swept during the E/A regatta in last year’s season, Epler hopes for the same results. “The stakes are pretty high this year to do the same,” she said.

After rowing at the Head of the Charles Regatta with new captains and seniors Maya Blake and Honor Clements, Baker feels secure in their ability to lead the team to success. Baker also hopes to improve on an individual level. “I want to get better with my technique and get a lot stronger at the same time,” she said.”

Epler is also enthusiastic about the upcoming races. “We have a bunch of girls this year that came into the season really in shape and ready to row,” she said. “If we all improve from here, Exeter will be a pretty tough team to beat.

The girls’ varsity crew team will compete in its first race on Wednesday, Apr. 12.