After weeks of grueling practice, the Jesuit Crew team finally received the opportunity to showcase its talent at Saturday’s regatta in Oklahoma City. This 2012 group, like most Jesuit teams of previous years, shows great potential and hopes to achieve huge success during this upcoming year.
Since the beginning of the school year, the crew team has been diligently working toward Saturday’s event. Hoping to etch their names into the history books, these young men have spent tireless hours in the weight room, on the ergometers (rowing machines), and on the water. Because of all this work, Crew is usually regarded (at least at Jesuit) as one of the most difficult and tiring sports one can pursue: “The crew team has the hardest workouts out of all the sports,” praised Strength Coach, Jeremy Weeks, who does not often characterize workouts as difficult.
Anticipation for the 2012 season has been swirling for the past few weeks. Head Coach John Fife expressed his excitement for this year’s team, commenting that the guys have “approached this season with a lot of intensity and spirit.” The rowers truly have shown that they are willing to do anything to become the best, and in an attempt to give each kid the chance to prove himself, Fife set this weekend’s lineup based on a 20 minute test on the ergometers, which brought both energy and excitement.
Led by team captain Jesus Mathus’13, the team entered Saturday’s race with confidence in themselves and in their teammates. “We knew we were there to take care of business,” remarked Jorge Perez ’14, “and we left it all on the river.” Although competition was almost menacing, rowers focused on what they could control— their effort. The team knew that eying other boats or getting caught up in what others were doing would distract them during their race, so they kept their focus on themselves.
The heavyweight (Varsity) and lightweight (JV) teams each faced seven other boats in their races, and brought the attitude that they were the best. Because of this attitude, Jesuit Crew managed to bring home first place in both the heavyweight the lightweight division. Perez continued, “when we all work as hard as we can, no one can beat us,” and no was able to on Saturday.
Pleased with their victory, but not satisfied, the team pushes to perform even better in their next race, on October 13th. “This first win was a good way to start out the year,” said Mitch Mchugh ’14, “and I’m confident that we’re going to prove ourselves as one of the best teams in Jesuit’s history.” With several races left, these young men continue to work hard and strive to be the best in the state.
