Indiana University Athletics
Racing Recap: With Ruby Leverington
3/19/2021 9:47:00 AM | Women's Rowing
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Junior Ruby Leverington recaps the season opening regatta at the Oak Ridge Cardinal Invite, where she along with the Second Varsity 8 boat swept all three races of the weekend and named the Big Ten Boat of the Week.
How would you describe your first race weekend back after last year's season cancellation?
I couldn't have asked for more fun weekend with my crew for the season opener. Our head coach, Steve, reminded us before we left that it was a miracle we were able to travel and compete in Tennessee and that stuck with me the whole weekend. At the back of everyone's minds was the daunting possibility that it could have been our last race of the year due to the uncertainty of the pandemic. I made sure not to take any moment for granted and to leave the regatta knowing I gave it my all.
In what ways do you think your boat progressed over the three races?
Our boat started strong racing against Michigan and Clemson, but we didn't quite emulate the sprint we had been able to find during practice. In the next races, we solidified our base pace rhythm, sharpened up our bladework, and refined our last 500m. Coach Luke (Wilhelm) and our awesome freshman coxswain, Katie Nelson, held the crew to a high standard and instilled in us the confidence that we could do it. Effective communication and positive attitudes were constant during the trip and every girl was focused when it mattered which made me proud to be a part of the team.
What are you and your teammates looking forward to for future races?
We are one week out from our next race in Ohio, so that is the main focus as of now. We know that we still have lots of speed to find on the water between now and June, so I think the exciting part is that if we keep moving at this momentum then who knows what IU Rowing can achieve.
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#GoIU
How would you describe your first race weekend back after last year's season cancellation?
I couldn't have asked for more fun weekend with my crew for the season opener. Our head coach, Steve, reminded us before we left that it was a miracle we were able to travel and compete in Tennessee and that stuck with me the whole weekend. At the back of everyone's minds was the daunting possibility that it could have been our last race of the year due to the uncertainty of the pandemic. I made sure not to take any moment for granted and to leave the regatta knowing I gave it my all.
In what ways do you think your boat progressed over the three races?
Our boat started strong racing against Michigan and Clemson, but we didn't quite emulate the sprint we had been able to find during practice. In the next races, we solidified our base pace rhythm, sharpened up our bladework, and refined our last 500m. Coach Luke (Wilhelm) and our awesome freshman coxswain, Katie Nelson, held the crew to a high standard and instilled in us the confidence that we could do it. Effective communication and positive attitudes were constant during the trip and every girl was focused when it mattered which made me proud to be a part of the team.
What are you and your teammates looking forward to for future races?
We are one week out from our next race in Ohio, so that is the main focus as of now. We know that we still have lots of speed to find on the water between now and June, so I think the exciting part is that if we keep moving at this momentum then who knows what IU Rowing can achieve.
Follow Indiana Rowing on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
#GoIU
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