Player Profile: Sarah Fishman ’15
Major: Psychology
Years Rowing: 4 years
What got you interested in rowing?
I tore my ACL twice in high school. After the second time, my doctor strongly recommended I take up rowing (because how could you tear your ACL while sitting in a boat?) and put an end to my soccer days. When I was looking at colleges I was considering going somewhere that would allow me to walk on to the team and try it out. I applied to Conn ED and contacted Eva over the summer. On move in day, I met Eva for the first time and haven’t looked back since!
Favorite part about being on the crew team:
The laughter. I don’t know if it’s the crazy early mornings or the amount of time we spend together over spring break, but there is always a reason to laugh and people to laugh with.
What is one thing you wish people would better understand/know about crew?
It is such a unifying sport. At a boat meeting last week, Annie Scheer said that she can’t wait until the boat (8 rowers and 1 coxswain) gets to a point of breathing together. Although it sounds crazy and kind of cultish, she is absolutely right. Once a crew clicks, everyone does breathe and move together and there is no better feeling.
End of the Season Goal:
Have each boat leave New England’s with a medal and improve within the 8’s racing pool at ECACs.
Will you continue to row after graduating?
I don’t think this spring will be my last time in a boat, but I will certainly need a break from those early morning wake ups. You can only be a morning person for so long!
How do you get up so early for your crazy practices?
REALLY loud music and alarms. My neighbors and roommates have been true gems for putting up with me over the last four years. I’m living next to Grace Steward this year, so I have a built-in alarm clock right next door! I also usually leave my phone out of reach before I go to bed. When my alarm went off before 5am on Saturday morning, I had no choice but to get up and turn it off. •
Player Profile: Michael Clougher ’15
Major:
I am triple majoring in computer science, mathematics, and economics.
Years Rowing:
5 ½
What got you interested in rowing?
I had some friends on the team in high school who thought that I might be a decent rower, and so they convinced me to join.
What is your favorite part about being on the crew team?
There is no other feeling like getting out on the water when it’s really nice weather and just row for miles up the river.
What is one thing you wish people would better understand/know about crew?
I think few people realize how the sport is just as technically demanding as it is physically; it takes a lot of body awareness and control to row effectively, and smaller boats can easily become unstable on the water.
Goals for the season:
I want to help set the team up for a strong showing at our New England Championships, and I will also be competing after that in my single at the Dad Vail Regatta, which is the largest collegiate regatta in the country.
How has being on the crew team defined your time here?
It’s certainly been an integral part of my experience at Conn since I devote so much time and energy to it, but I really love it and I have found it to be incredibly rewarding.
Will you continue to row following college?
Yes, I am definitely going to continue rowing competitively after graduation. •
