Established in 2005, The Colorado State University Crew Team practices in the early morning from the Inlet Bay Marina at Horsetooth Reservoir. With about two major Regatta’s a semester, the team practices four days a week. The 20 members on the coed team worked hard to represent CSU this fall season. The mission: “to provide a fun and competitive rowing experience to novice and experienced rowers at Colorado State University. We emphasize team bonding and leadership in order to create a more cohesive team and provide opportunities for growth to both the team and each of our rowers,” demonstrates the team’s work ethic and passion for inclusion. It was humbling for me to wake up hours before dawn and observe this group of students train while the rest of Fort Collins slept. This story follows the team’s journey practicing on open water. During the winter season, with low water levels and frozen fingers, the team conditions on indoor erg rowing machines. The following photos were taken between September and early November when the reservoir was safe to row on.

Students at a lake

The Hill

Members head to the dock during a Saturday practice. On weekdays, practice begins at 5:00 a.m. “We walk down this hill in the dark!… If you’ve been on the team long enough, you’ve definitely fallen down that hill,” said treasurer and varsity rower Megan Daly.

Crew at dock

Colostate Crew

The CSU Crew team shares the dock with the Fort Collins Rowing Association. The team owns three 8-person boats. They also borrow a quad and a single from the FCRA.

Crew out on lake

Women’s Novice 8

The Women’s Novice 8 practices taking their first strokes as a crew. Rowing half of the boat at a time helps keep the boat set for the other rowers. This way, they can practice stroking techniques.

Crew members carrying boat

“Up and Over Heads!”

Mia Twinam and Claire Wilson walk the boat to the racks after a hot practice. Twinam and Wilson both joined the team at the same time, becoming close friends through their shared experience.

Crew member carrying boat at night

Years of Experience

Pieter Van Leeuwen is in his first semester at CSU, but has plenty of rowing experience behind him. He started in 8th grade in Littleton, Colorado. “This lady on the beach was like ‘why is there a child on the adult boat?!'” He later joined the youth boat league and rowed during all four years of high school. “I used to medal as a kid because no one’s like 6’5.”

Crew member carrying boat

Down to Shoulders

Sean Arnold, a junior geography major, helps place the boat on the rack. There are different commands the coxswain will say to help the team rack and rerack the boat:

  1. Hands-on
  2. Up and overheads
  3. Down to shoulders
  4. Down to waist
  5. One arm over
  6. Starting with bow go under
  7. Lift
  8. Onto racks
Student crew members lifting boat above their heads

Racking

This semester is Claire’s fourth season on the team. She is in charge of travel and safety. It is her duty to make sure the team is safe on and off the water. “Horsetooth acts like this wind tunnel, so the water can be really calm inside the inlet and then you’ll get whitecaps out on the reservoir. You can row, but you feel like a Viking. You can row through it, but you’ll get a good four inches of water at the bottom of the boat.”

Crew out on the lake at night

“Where is My Team?”

The Rocky Mountain Rowdown Scrimmage took place in Boulder. Rowing teams from across Colorado race to see where they stand against one another. CSU Crew does not own a trailer that can transport their boats, so they rely on the home team to provide boats to race in. This adds adversity at times because they are not always given the best boats.

Crew carrying boat on the dock

Boulder Boat

Megan Daly brings oars to the Men’s Novice 4 before launching for the race. The team must be quick to launch off the dock to maintain order and flow in the competition. It was sweet seeing so many parents and friends come out to support their rowers despite the cold.

Crew boat out on lake

Commitment

Amanda Potter coxes the Mixed 4 as they warm up for their race. Amanda commutes to practice and school every morning from Denver. The journey takes about an hour without traffic. When I found this out, any complaints I had about waking up early vanished.

Crew carrying boat on shoulders

Cold Shoulders

Despite a chilly 40-degree morning in Boulder, rowers must race in uniform. Getting backsplashed with cold water does not help. Meanwhile, I stayed warm by wearing three jackets and two pairs of pants.

Kassandra Krohn carrying boat

Kassandra

Kassandra Krohn is a junior majoring in environmental engineering. She grew up in Seattle, Washington, and was used to seeing people row on the river during high school. “Sophomore year came and Katie and I were just bored and wanted something to do. We tried rugby for a couple days and then joined the crew team!”

Crew practicing out on the lack

Final Strokes

Women’s Varsity came in with top times against CU Boulder and the University of Denver. “When I can’t do it for myself, I do it for someone else,” said Mary Ellendorf, motivating newer team members.

Claire Wilson picks up Mia Twinam before the post regatta breakfast

Post-Race

Claire Wilson picks up Mia Twinam before the post regatta breakfast. Both joined crew at the same time and Mia is the current Vice President of the team. This was Mia’s first time coxing during a race and the microphone on her boat was not working. “I had to yell really loud but its alright, we made it through. Coxing is much better than I initially thought… it definitely takes a learning curve.” Mia learned to cox with the varsity men’s boat last semester. “They had all done it for years so that was super helpful… they were willing to critique me as I was coxing them. I definitely think I’ve done a significantly better job this semester. I still have lots to learn, but I felt confident in the calls.”

The lake at night

Boats in the Night

The majority of practice is held in the dark. The white line of light on the right of this photo shows the trail of a team boat. Meanwhile, the other half of the team keeps warm on the dock by doing dynamic exercises. Practice is split in half because only a few boats can go out at a time. The scene is tranquil with the trailing voice of the coxwain commanding the boat. “Sometimes we just lay on the dock and look at the stars,” said Megan Daly.

To view the full photo story, visit https://www.chiaragarland.com/csu-crew

More information about the Colorado State crew team can be found here:

https://csurec.colostate.edu/programs/sport-clubs/csu-sport-clubs/crew/

A Month of Gratitude

Gratitude is in the air this November and Campus Recreation is loving the good vibes. This month, we are encouraging our patrons, employees, and ourselves, to take a moment to ask, what do I have to be grateful for this November? 

Grat·i·tude

/??rad??t(y)o?od/

Noun
The quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return the kindness.
“She expressed her gratitude to the committee for their support.”

Synonyms: gratefulness, thankfulness,  

At Campus Recreation we believe in wellness. Wellness comes in many forms, one of these is emotional wellness. This is our ability to understand and cope with life’s challenges as well as its positives. In order to understand ourselves more clearly, it’s important we share our feelings of anger, fear, and sadness, as well as hope, love, joy, and happiness. As we celebrate gratitude this month, we invite you to share your feelings of gratitude to the people around you. 

We are all on a journey fighting for wellness. Let’s celebrate the small victories when we have the opportunity.

There’s Plenty to be Thankful for,
Just Ask Around!

 

We took to the floors to ask Campus Recreation members what they are grateful for this November. This is what they said…


Family, Friends, and French Fries. -Kara Wachsman 

My Rec’ing Ram family. -Margot

Thankful for 300(ish) days of sun each year. -Cal Graffeo

We are thankful for health, wellness, and inspiring patrons! -Campus Rec

Krazy Karls, Horsetooth Reservoir, and the amazing community in Fort Collins, CO. #ProudToBeACSURam -Luke Reiner

I’m thankful for friends family and pets! -Erin  

I am grateful for all the opportunities that CSU has granted me and my friends and family.-Josh

 

I am thankful for having a job I adore at the best place on Campus, my goofy doggo, my supportive friends and family, my role models and mentors, my goals that push me to be better every day, and all of the bumps in the road that led me here. -Steff

PSL’s and Ugg’s… and all the dog parades. -Zee Howe 

My health and my ability to move and be outside. I’m grateful to be living in beautiful Colorado and get to experience amazing outdoor recreation year-round! -Amaia

Spending time with my brothers in the desert and snow up in the mountains. -Holli H. 

To have the privilege to travel home and spend time with the people I love!-Maria

Warm a Winter Wish Giving Opportunity

With the winter break approaching quickly, it’s a great time to get in the spirit of giving. Warm a Winter Wish is an event through Campus Recreation running from December 3 – December 14.

Everyone is invited to donate gift cards which will be given as holiday gifts to students in the Fostering Success Program.

An opportunity to donate gift cards of $20 to fellow Rams who are former foster youth through the Fostering Success program

What is CSU Fostering Success?

The CSU Fostering Success Program is designed to support students who are fully independent from backgrounds such as homelessness, orphanages, and foster care. The program will help these students receive the encouragement they need in order to be successful in their collegiate efforts. Each student is welcomed into a community of people who are also taking school on independently. The year-round support of other students is hugely appreciated, especially through the winter season.

How Can You Get Involved?

In order for this event to be successful, we are asking for your help in gathering gift cards of $20 increments to give as gifts. You can bring these gift cards to the Service Center located in the lobby of the Student Recreation Center, where they will given to students in this program. We are requesting gift cards to businesses with a variety of options for students to purchase what they need. Good examples including King Soopers, Target, Amazon, Walmart.

Brit H., a member at CSU Campus Recreation, participated in this event last year and is excited to participate again. “What is unique about this program to me is the fact that it is directly helping our CSU community. For students who may have grown up without a traditional family unit, Fostering Success provides a space for a support system of friends and peers. To be a part of that system in some small way that spreads joy at this time of year feels wonderful” she says.

Share some joy with a fellow Ram by bringing in a gift card to the Service Center by Friday, December 14, 2018, before 8:00 pm. You can also submit a cash donation through the Fostering Success Program website HERE.

 

We know that the ability to make monetary donations to others is a privilege that some of us may not hold, but if you are able to, we hope that you join us in the spirit of giving.

About Rec Cares

Rec Cares is a committee at Campus Recreation that is excited to give back to the community. They have organized Warm a Winter Wish for the past few years. This committee puts on events for students to participate in throughout the year including Adopt a Street, Cans Around the Oval, and Warm a Winter Wish. Rec Cares works hard to positively influence our department and foster community, but they need your help to continue with their success!
 

Fall Break Building Hours

  • Friday, November 16: 6:00 am – 8:00 pm
  • Saturday, November 17 & Sunday, November 18: 12:00 – 8:00 pm
  • Monday, November 19 – Wednesday, November 21: 6:00 am – 8:00 pm
  • Thursday, November 22 & Friday, November 23: Closed for the University holiday
  • Saturday, November 24: 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm
  • Normal hours resume Sunday, November 25

Fall Break Schedules:

The climbing wall at CSU Campus Recreation sees hundreds of faces each day, beginners and experts alike. One face that may be familiar to climbers throughout campus is Ben Leonard, a second year Journalism student at Colorado State University. Ben has found his Recreation home at the campus climbing wall. 

Ben grew up in Minnesota, where he spent much of his free time racing motorbikes. He began climbing intermittently with his father about three years ago. Ben didn’t have the opportunity to take his climbing interest seriously until he began taking classes at CSU slightly over a year ago. Living in Corbett Hall, Ben had quick access to the Student Recreation Center. As the semester progressed, Ben and his friends found a rhythm in the times they used the wall. By showing up consistently during the week, members created a community to climb with and to do life with. 

When asked his biggest climbing accomplishment, Ben replied, “I am proud that I have used climbing as a vehicle to meet people with similar interests to myself. I love being outside with other people, climbing has always just been one way for me to do that.” Climbing is more than a sport; it’s a way to meet new people, a way to challenge your mind, and a way to learn more about yourself. Ben says he is thankful the climbing wall connected him with people who are kind, welcoming, and passionate about cheering each other on… as well as passionate about the outdoors.  

Ben spent most of his time at the indoor climbing wall toward the beginning of his climbing journey. Over time, friends taught him more of the skills he needed to climb outside. Lead climbing, trad, multi-pitch, and outdoor bouldering are all abilities Ben has learned over the last year. Bens ability to climb outside is the result of friends willing to teach him patiently. Ben says outdoors is the best way to climb, so he finds a way to get out almost every weekend. His favorite places to climb are in the Poudre Canyon, Vedauwoo in Wyoming, and in Clear Creek Canyon. He also climbs at Horsetooth, because it’s practically CSU’s backyard. 

Climbing is more than just a way to stay physically active. Ben believes the skills he has learned seep into almost every aspect of his life. “You learn how to manage your own head. Fear and risk can carry over into everyday decision-making. Climbing is a quick process that has allowed me to grow and mature my mind, thanks to my experiences and the people I share them with.” Ben uses climbing to challenge his thinking, working at routes like individual puzzles. It also tests his strength, pushing him to become strong in order to find balance in unstable situations. Furthermore, climbing challenges flexibility, forcing Ben to reach new limits. He’s improved this skill by taking yoga classes at Campus Recreation. Climbing is a great way to get out of your comfort zone and learn discipline while having fun. 

“The times when you are least motivated are the times you need to get out most, getting moving may not always be fun, but you will never regret meeting people or going outside to be active. Might as well spend your time with people you care about.” – Ben Leonard

Climbing is for anyone, but starting somewhere is the most important part. Campus Recreation members can explore what climbing has to offer simply by taking the chance. Belay certification classes are offered weekdays from 5-8pm. Other, more advanced level classes, are listed on the Campus Recreation website. But as Ben reminds us, making friends at the climbing wall can be a great resource to learn new technical climbing skills. 

Ben Lenard is an inspiring Rec’ing Ram, and this is how the Rec’s. “Climbing has been one of the most rewarding and most fun things I have ever done, there is always something new to learn and see. You can make the experience whatever you want to be.” This is Ben’s climbing journey, but he challenges you to find your own climbing experience. If you see Ben at the climbing wall, be sure to say hello. 

 

You can also catch Ben at the upcoming Harvest Hang climbing competition on Oct. 29th. The competition costs $12 for pre-registration or $14 on the day of. Registration is open now so sign-up by the 19th to receive a T-shirt. 

 

Campus Recreation is thankful that we get to tell Ben’s motivating story. We want to tell your story too! If you or anyone you know is a passionate Rec’ing Ram, send their name and a little about their journey to campusreccommunications@gmail.com, or message us on social media to enter you and your friend into a giveaway drawing. 

 

Article by Bailey McCaffrey