Pacific Index

Pacific University’s rowing team had their second regatta of the season at Hagg Lake

   After a stretch of truly unfavorable rain and wind, the day of the regatta was calm and serene. Groups of Pacific students and families gathered around the dock, bundled up in coats and beanies, waiting as the boats line up for the first race. Clouds drifted slowly through the air, a good sign that the wind has slowed to a reasonable pace and the blue of the sky peaked out from behind the coverage. While this was the second regatta of the season, what makes it stand out from others on the roster is the fact that it took place on home waters— our very own Hagg Lake.

   Competing against both Lewis and Clark and University of Oregon’s club team, Pacific is fairly used to competition. After a slight delay in the varsity eight race, the rowers were off. While the varsity eight is often a boat consisting of more-seasoned players, coxswain Isabella McIver noted that the boat had a greater number of novice rowers than usual. “I think everyone did really well. We’ve already improved a lot from our first race,” says McIver. 

   While the varsity eight made it in third place, the team still greatly improved since their last race. McIver explained that the reason the team had improved in the second regatta was most likely attributed to, “The overall rowing team environment is very supportive and…each and every person wants other teammates to grow. So I think that that has really influenced like the exponential amount of growth we’ve had in the last week.”

   Though each race is no more than ten minutes, the rowers take ample time in between. Out on the grassy field to the left of the boat house, teams gathered to collect themselves in preparation for the varsity four. The four pulled through with an impressive spot in second place. Lorelei Schaal, a novice rower, notes that it was, “A little bit better for me towards the end of the varsity race.”

   Finally, it was time for the novice eight to compete, and while the task seemed daunting with some players having already been in two races, it went swimmingly, earning another second place spot. “I think we were a little bit more relaxed and we have been in practice,” says novice rower Riley Phillips. 

   Overall, the rowers left the Hagg Lake regatta feeling good about their upcoming races. “It was scary ’cause we’d never been on a lineup together, but I think it really prepared us for understanding how it is to race with more people,” said Schaal. 

   Philips and another novice rower, Ella Armstrong, agreed. McIver enthused that, “I think that we have good things to work on and that we’re already a really strong crew and we’re ready to go kick some ass.”

   Pacific University’s rowing team will be competing in the Blue Heron Regatta on March 28 in Arcata, Cali.