Synchronization is the key to success

Saturday, September 5, 2009

There is a scarce something that speeds one boat ahead of the others. The spectators may credit skill. The rowers may simply call it a “good day.” The trained eye knows that comfort lies with a familiar face on the boat.

Synchronization is the foundation to success in rowing. A standard race amounts to a lengthy 2,000 meters. A rower’s stroke rate approximates to 38-40 strokes per minute at the start of a race, descends to 28-34 in the middle of the race and can then swiftly accelerate to 42 strokes-per-minute to cap it all off. If an entire boat of eight rowers can gracefully glide as one, the result is a punishing tempo. To regulate this tempo stems from a tool mastered with time: experience.

Kansan file photo

This year’s KU rowing team is more experienced that in the past, leaving coach Rob Catloth with a tougher-than-usual time picking the varsity squad. The depth on the team leaves more time to focus on increasing speed and synchronization.

“The whole team is more experienced than we have been in the last three or four years,” coach Rob Catloth said.

It is this widespread experience that presents Catloth with a good problem to have. How will he pick the first varsity eight to represent the team?

“Competitiveness, determination and hard work — these are the things that get anyone a spot,” Catloth said.

Following the essentials are the intangibles. After 1,800 meters of pounding muscles all across your body, who can reach down into the depths and find that extra burst when you need it most?

“Everyone wants to be on that first boat,” senior Stacy Rachow said. “You have to come out and give it your all.”

If one rower isn’t keeping her pace with the rest, several other worthy suitors will be waiting.

“It’s not like anyone is thinking, ‘That’s how it’s going to be for the rest of the year,’” Rachow said. “Competition will keep the first boat the best.”

Catloth said that depth is a dangerous weapon for this year’s team.

“We have a good, strong group of women that will be vying for that first and second eight,” he said.

The fiery desire to creep into the cream stirred with years of rowing experience has translated into practices that are far more productive than they used to be. What was once reviewing technicalities has turned into pushing for more meters every day.

In adding the help of Catloth and his cronies, such as new assistant coach George Jenkins, to the concoction, the team looks poised for triumph.

“[Jenkins] is going to be a real benefit for our team, bringing different ideas and vocabulary and different ways to get better,” Rachow said.

Catloth believes that this year he will find the components of a true team to beat.

“Rowing is a team sport, not an individual sport,” he said. “It’s about finding twenty fast rowers.”

As the blades of eights oars hover over mysterious waters, sometimes knowing that your team is with you for the ride is that scarce something.

“When you depend on each other every practice, there’s no doubt in your mind that everyone else is giving it their all,” Rachow said.

— — Edited by Megan Morriss

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