Rowing European Tour: Switzerland

The rowing team traveled through Europe for three weeks to four different countries, practicing, competing and learning about different cultures along the way. Student-athletes chronicled the team's journey. The third is by rising senior Kelly Bungard as the Eagles made the third leg of their journey to Switzerland and competed for the first time.

After leaving our legs on the mountains surrounding Lake Como, Italy, we made our way to Lucerne, Switzerland by bus. The drive took us through Northern Italy and the Alps, with stunning views on all sides. We checked into our hostel and went to row on the renowned world championship site on the Rotsee.

During our first full day in Switzerland, we competed in the Greifensee Regatta. The course was unbelievably beautiful, filled with windsurfers, sailors and rowers. The weather was rough when we got arrived in the morning, with a steady wind, which was only going to get worse. The first boats to attack the conditions were the two 8+s.

Crazy crosswinds at the starting line were pushing the boats in all directions, none of which happened to be towards the finish line. The officials recognized the struggle and announced (in a heavy German accent), "This will be a floating start!" The Swiss crews took this as an invitation to start the race, leaving us sitting on the starting line. However, the officials were quick to restart the race and tried to get everyone lined up again. Unfortunately, after three more false starts by all of the eager crews, the officials finally gave up hope and simply called "Go!" We started behind the other boats, but the Eagles were able to soar to first and second place! The first-place boat earned small golden oars, perfect for scooping gelato.

Later in the day, the double and pair boats successfully managed racing the conditions. This was more notable than is sounds, as they were in boat classes that we rarely get the opportunity to race. They steered down the course in the wind, with no coxswain to keep them in line, which was a huge accomplishment. They definitely learned a g 26683

reat deal from the experience.

The two 4s were the final race of the day. Right after the officials called the start, the rigger on the other BC 4 popped off and could not complete the race. While that one boat struggled, my boat was able to find our swing and win the race! Overall, I'd say it was a very successful first international regatta.

The following day we set out on conquering Mt. Pilatus. After the challenging Lake Como hike, we were told this hike would be walk in the park. While it was slightly easier, we were still drenched in sweat. We hiked for about three hours to the gondola stop, which we rode to the peak. The views from the top were stunning as looked over Lake Lucerne. We rode the steepest cog railroad in Europe down the mountain. It was so much easier than hiking! Once at the bottom, we took a scenic steamboat back to the city to have dinner by the water and explore the city of Lucerne. It was quite an unique experience!

The next day we attacked the water with hard training sessions. After our evening row, our team was invited to an awesome BBQ dinner hosted by Ruder-Club Reuss Luzern. We were served a delicious meal out of an old racing shell and were told stories by the club members.

The following morning we had an early final row on the Rotsee, checked out of the hostel and made our way to Zurich by train. After exploring the city and eating a delightful lunch that consisted entirely of cheese and bread, we made our way to the airport. Next stop: Amsterdam!

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