Indiana University Athletics
Meet Erin Koers (2-11-03)
2/11/2003 12:00:00 AM | Women's Rowing
Bloomington, Ind. - Erin Koers is currently a senior on the Indiana University Varsity Rowing team. Koers, a native of Indianapolis, Ind., attended Cathedral high school where she competed on the volleyball team, earning Academic All-State honors and the Mental Attitude Award.
Koers joined the Novice team in the spring of 2000. At the SIRA's Koers rowed in the second Novice boat that received the silver medal. She was also a member of the Novice boat that finished fourth at Big Tens and placed sixth at the Central Regional Championships.
In the fall of her sophomore year Koers rowed with the Varsity 8 squad that finished first at the Chicago Chase Regatta and at the LemonHead Regatta and placed second at the Head of the Eagle. During the spring of that same year Koers was honored by the Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association as a National Scholarship Athlete as well as receiving Academic All-Big Ten accolades. Indiana University also awarded Koers with the Aline Robinson Award.
In 2001, the fall of Koers junior year, she was a member of the Varsity 8 boat that placed 10th out of 55 boats at the legendary Head of the Charles Regatta in Boston before she left in the spring to study at sea. During this experience Erin visited countries such as Cuba, Brazil, South Africa, Mauritius, India, Singapore, Vietnam, China and Japan.
This past fall Koers was a member of the Varsity 8 boat that finished tied for third in the LemonHead Regatta and placed third in the Varsity 4 event on that same day. Koers was once again a member of the Varsity 8 boat that traveled to Boston, Ma., for the Head of the Charles Regatta. This time the boat finished an impressive eighth out of 59 boats.
Do you have any brothers or sisters?
"I have one brother, Eric who is 25 and one sister, Lisa who is 16."
What is your favorite color?
"My favorite color is blue - the color of water."
Who is your favorite actor?
"Robin Williams."
What kind of music do you listen to?
"I like all kinds of music, however most recently I have been listening to international music."
What is your favorite food?
"Ice cream. My favorite flavor is cookie monster from Jiffy Treat."
What do you like to do in your spare time?
"I like to travel, do anything outdoors, like mountain bike, cycle, hike and back pack."
What is your all time favorite TV show?
"Golden Girls!"
If you could visit anywhere in the world where would it be?
"Well, I've been to Cuba and would like to go back. It's a very complex country and I want to explore more."
What is your favorite movie and why, favorite book and why?
"I love the movie "Life is Beautiful." Though it is very depressing, it's 'beautifully depressing.' It's amazing that a director can make such a depressing occurrence so uplifting at the same time. There's sadness and laughter, anger and happiness. And you must see it in Italian!"
"My favorite book is "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn." I love reading about the adventures of Huck (who was about my age the first time I read it). It reveals America's history in a practical light, providing insight to both sides of the story. It also takes place in a setting we Midwesterners can be quite familiar with. Mark Twain is a genius."
What do you aspire to be or do after graduation?
"I want to be an Epidemiologist. I want to investigate diseases internationally."
What three words best describe you?
"Honest, curious and inquisitive."
When did you start rowing?
"In the spring of 2000."
If you had to play another sport, what would it be and why? "Something outdoors. Right now, I am wanting to pursue cycling/mountain biking."
Why did you choose to attend Indiana?
"I selected IU for the wide range of opportunities that they offer.
It was a school with a little more diversity than I had been used to (coming from 13 years of private schooling). The campus is amazing, and I knew the first week I was here I had made the right decision."
What is your own personal best achievement in rowing?
"I feel particularly honored to have stroked an eight down the Charles River for the Head of the Charles. Finishing in the Top 10 at that race this past year was incredible."
How do you deal with the early morning practices?
"Knowing that by 9 a.m. I've done more than many people do all day is a good feeling. Working out is taken care of myself, and my body's awake and ready for the day. Waking up is no fun, but anticipating the sunrise (when we're on the water) and knowing I'll feel great in a little while gets me through."
What is your favorite season of the year and why?
"Spring. It's so inviting after the long, long, freezing cold, dreary winter. The flowers are beautiful, and everyone just seems to naturally cheer up."
Check back with IUHOOSIERS.com to learn more about the rowing team as they continue to prepare for its opening regatta in West Lafayette, Ind., where they will compete against Purdue and Notre Dame on Sunday, March 30.
