University of Tennessee Athletics
LADY VOL DIARIES - JOVANNA VICK
March 31, 2005 | Rowing
March 31, 2005
While most of the students from The University of Tennessee were working on their tans on the beaches in Florida or some other exotic destination, many of the student-athletes had to stay behind and log two-a-day practices in the cold rain of Knoxville. One of those student-athletes, senior coxswain Jovanna Vick of the Tennessee Lady Vol rowing team, jotted down some notes from her spring break in this week's edition of the Lady Vol diary.
Dear Lady Vol Diary,
Monday, March 21, 2005
Today was our off day.. The only exception was that we got to eat a wonderful hot breakfast at the boathouse. Our coaching staff and managers served us a breakfast that was prepared by the Tennessee Grill (located on the third floor of our boathouse). We finished breakfast, packed a lunch and went our separate ways. I was off to the Thornton Center for some studying. After three hours of study, I was ready for a break. My mom and I went shopping at the mall. What a way to end the day!
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
Two-a-days started this morning. This just happened to be the last day that the seniors would do a full out lift with Colin (Schlosser). After today, we are doing full-time circuit training. We started out the day with lifting and then, not having to go to class, we hurried to the boathouse. This would be an on-the-water practice. We went on the water in fours and pairs for some steady state rowing. After the row it was off to pack a lunch, then home for a short nap. It seemed like only a few minutes until my alarm was going off, telling me it was time to get back to the boathouse for our afternoon practice. Upon arriving, coach (Lisa Glenn) told us that we were seat racing. Seat racing for the coxswains is riding along and just steering, we are not allowed to talk. After a long day it was time to go home and relax.
Wednesday, March 23, 2005
With only three days left until we race Louisville, we met with coach to learn what kind of practice we had before us, and yes, you guessed it, more seat racing. The weather was not cooperating. It was pouring rain which made the seat racing very, very long and very, very cold. After all racing was finished it was back home for a warm shower and a nap. Wednesday afternoon I found myself, again, sitting in a four, biting my tongue, not allowed to instruct the rowers how to get the boat to move faster. After our practice was over, some of us decided to go to a movie. We went to see "The Phantom of the Opera." Then it was time for bed.
Thursday, March 24, 2005
This morning we were in fours heading down the lane and pulling into each other and switching rowers and doing it over and over again. After seat racing it was time for the circuit training with Colin. This circuit was different because Colin came to our boathouse. It was a good one. I was extremely sore immediately! After our morning practice, it was time for some errands. I gave my first bridal shower that night, at the boathouse in our meeting room. The shower was for two of my best friends and fellow rowers, Marissa Allen and Andrea Bagwell. I was excited but nervous because this was not only my first shower to give but it was for two people. There was no time for a nap and not even time to sit down and relax. After running my errands, I went straight to practice. Once again, coach gathered us together and to everyone's excitement, we were in big boats, no more seat racing. This practice was going to be more relaxed but still working on each part of the stroke. We went to work on perfecting the drill, "no hands." The no hands drill was fun but at the same time it helped us understand the front end of the stroke. We started adding in claps and this really brought the energy and excitement up. After practice was over, my mind shifted to being a good hostess. I had to makeover our meeting room for a bridal shower. After decorating, it was back home for a quick shower. I rushed back to the bridal shower and made the final touches and then the guests started arriving. The shower was a huge success and the brides-to-be were showered with many nice gifts. Hopefully none of my other friends decide to get married anytime soon.
Friday, March 25, 2005
With all of our minds focused on Louisville, we set out in our race lineups. It is always an exciting practice on Fridays. There is an excitement and determination vibe floating through the boathouse. After a few 30's and starts, it was time to come in. This was our time to relax and rest. We all knew that in less than 24 hours we were going to be putting our hearts on our sleeves and racing. Our Friday afternoon practice is always our pre-race rows. Our pre-race rows are more for the rowers to give themselves over to the coxswain and row down the course a couple of times. My role as a coxswain is to make sure the rowers know our race plan and that they are mentally prepared for tomorrow morning's race. This week has been really long but we have worked hard on a lot of things that will make us successful in our races.
Saturday, March 26, 2005
Wow, it was finally RACE day! The weather was overcast with the sun peeking out from behind the clouds. The water was like glass. I sent my rowers on a warm up run while I gathered up my stuff (cox box, bag, recorder and most importantly, my race day blue hat). Now I was ready to lead my boat to a victory. My rowers had a short warm up on the ergo stretch and it was hands on time. I had a short talk with coach, we pinched our peeps and shoved off! We pulled to the line with confidence, knowing that our hard work together was about to pay off. Our Tennessee Lady Volunteers rowing team continued our strong spring season, sweeping Louisville, claiming victory in the Varsity 8+, the Second Varsity 8+, the Varsity 4+ and the Novice 8+. Doing so well, made us more excited and hungry for more racing. Now it's California, HERE WE COME!
-Jovanna Vick
