Today marked Day 1 of the New York State Collegiate Championship Regatta 2010. Despite the unfortunate weather conditions of previous years, today competitors from all over the state were bestowed with near-perfect rowing conditions. For most of the day, the weather was dry, ranging in temperature in the 80s (F), and with almost no signs of bothersome wind. For many of us, this was just about as good as we could all hope for.
The only finals event of the day (my event) was the lightweight men's four w/cox. With an official weight of 136.8 lbs, I think it's safe to assume I was the lightest rower of the pack. The competition was RPI, Binghamton, Stony Brook, Ithaca, and Vassar. We came to the start looking for a repeat of last year: gold. From the very beginning, the competition was fierce. We and Vassar traded seats for nearly 1600 meters, with RPI in a close third. Unfortunately, Vassar was able to inch by in the last 200 meters or so with a late surge to win by 1.6 seconds.
We were forced to settle for second (silver), but it was a good second. We threw just about everything we had and that's all anyone could ever ask for. The judges awarded us silver, but we felt like gold.
The anticipated rematch will be next Friday at the annual Dad Vails, where Binghamton, Stony Brook, and Vassar will again send their lightweights. It will also be my final regatta as a Binghamton rower. I think it's safe to say that we are all anxiously looking forward to that.
"Go home with gold, or go home dead."
- D.S.
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