Freshman Sportlight: Rowing

By Brady Busha

 

Emily Teerink is a coxswain in the Lawrence University Rowing Club.  The coxswain is the member of the team who is in charge of a boat’s steering, speed and timing. Bringing in her high school experience, Emily stepped up as a freshman and called for the Novice boat. She is now wrapping up her freshman year as a part of the Lawrence University Rowing Club with the regatta on Saturday, May 30, at Peabody Park against the Fox Valley Rowing Club. Emily has also taken a position as the recruiting chair for the team.

 

Where are you from? What drew you to Lawrence?

I am from Milwaukee, Wisc. I wanted to go to Lawrence because I was looking for a small, private liberal arts school.  When I visited, it felt like the right fit for me.  I’ve been really happy with all of the programs and all of my involvement.

 

How did you first get into crew?  What do you like most about it?

I started rowing in high school, the summer before my senior year, I was a part of the Milwaukee Rowing Club.  I tried it out and I fell in love with it. I knew that, coming into Lawrence, they had a rowing team, and I wanted to be a part of it.

The energy and the atmosphere are a lot of fun.  You meet a lot of people all over the place when you compete, and it’s a lot different from any other sport.  I like being on the water.  Everybody says the Fox River is really gross, but when you’re rowing on it, you get a different perspective.

 

What did you bring to the team this year? Do you think you’ll bring that back next year too?

I was one of the few people on the team this year who have had prior experience. So, I brought some experience in coxing to help the team out.  Next year, I’m looking forward to continuing being the coxswain for the team.

 

What’s one thing you’re really looking forward to next year?

I look forward to racing more.  I got the opportunity to go to only one regatta this year, so I’m looking forward to being more competitive next year.

 

What has your athletic career here at Lawrence taught you about being academically successful as well?

It takes a lot of balance.  It’s fun to be on a team, because you have a whole other set of people to be around and to hang out with, but at the same time, you have to figure out a way to balance athletics and academics.  For myself personally, academics is very important, so even though I love rowing and coxing, I make sure I get done what I need to do before I get on the river.

 

How have your teammates helped you with your first year as a collegiate athlete?

The seniors on the team have been very helpful.  Because it’s—for the most part—a student-run organization, they’ve organized all of the regattas, transportation, registration and workouts; it’s all on our own.  Next year, it’ll be a bit of a challenge without them here, but they’ve left us in good hands to continue racing and having fun.

 

What’s your current Netflix obsession?

Gossip Girl.  I’m only on the second season.  I have to control myself, though; it’s hard to stop myself when I start watching.