By George Koglmeier ’13, Contributor
Spanning two kilometers in length, a rowing race is one of the most grueling and strenuous competitions in the realm of high school sports. To succeed in such a demanding sport, one must be able to overcome the physical challenges it imposes. And Senior Emily Finch’10 has been able to rise to the occasion.
Finch has a true passion for rowing, as she “loves being a part of a team and the success of working together.” For four years Finch has rowed for Country Day. Competing on both local and national levels, she has performed well enough to continue her career at the University of Wisconsin. “I knew I definitely wanted to row in college, and the University of Wisconsin has the best lightweight program in the country. Their lightweight women’s team has won nationals five times in the past six years,” said the senior. Although Finch is not sure what she wishes to study during her time at the university, she has said that she’d “like to study a variety of areas to find out what [she] really like[s]. But right now [she’s] interested in sports medicine and possibly psychology.”
The University of Wisconsin offers a Division I rowing program, which is part of the Big 10 conference. In order to row at such an intense level, an athlete must have commitment and drive, both of which Finch unquestionably possesses. During the crew season, Finch usually has five to seven practices a week, depending on her regatta schedule. In the off-season, she follows a five to seven day per week erging program. For anyone who is not a rower, this regimen sounds very grueling, but Finch “love[s] being challenged, and with rowing you’re constantly being pushed to be better.”
During her time rowing in high school, Finch has become accustomed to major time commitments. However, both the commitment to a Division I varsity sport in college and succeeding academically will surpass any challenge that she has had to deal thus far. Finch is confident that the time management skills she has learned, as well as the great athletic support at Wisconsin will allow her to successfully manage her time and thrive both as an athlete and a student.
Finch’s goals for her college rowing career are “hopefully making it into the first Varsity boat and winning a national title before graduating.” After college, rowing is a lifelong sport and one that Finch can continue to do as long as she has access to the proper equipment. She may never compete in professional tournaments, but she can always enjoy her love for rowing.
Photo by Ilana Habib ’11, Photography Editor
