By Robert Frankenstein
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The Crimson Tide’s rowing team is only weeks away from their opening meet of the season on February 29th right here in Tuscaloosa.
This much anticipated season opener comes off the heels of two amazing performances from the Tide at the Head of Oklahoma and Head of the Hooch competitions this past fall. Alabama had first place finishes at both events and also saw 14 top ten finishes overall.
The hype leading into this season can be contributed to last seasons success. Alabama finished the highest it ever had in program history last season, finishing second in the Big 12 conference championships. The team also became nationally ranked for the first time in program history at the end of last season.
After all of the previous season’s success, head coach Glenn Putyrae believes this team should have higher goals in mind. “We want to be better. The only thing better than second place is obviously first and the gap between them and us is a good distance right now,” said Putyrae. “Our goal this season is to keep working as hard as the last and if we keep improving at the rate, we have been then I could see us challenging for first in the near future.”
Putyrae is entering his second season as head coach of the rowing team. During his first year in charge, he was able to lead the Crimson Tide to the previously mentioned achievements. This season will be Putyrae’s first where he had full control of recruiting. The team’s roster features over 20 freshmen, several of whom Putyrae believes will make an instant impact. “Breaking into a new team is hard to do, most of them won’t be in our star boats right away, but some will be able to make our 2’s and 3’s by mid-season,” said Putyrae. The 2’s and 3’s our referring to the teams second and third fastest boats, both of which can score points in competitions.
The team is composed of over 50% freshmen, but also stars 16 seniors. These returning rowers are looking to make the next step towards the top this season. Senior rower Arielle Schafer said, “Our push this year is to make NCAA’s for the first time, with all the seniors coming back I think we have a great chance of getting a boat there.” Schafer is one of the top athletes on the Crimson Tide and is a member of the team’s top boat.
The team is very excited to kick the season off at the end of this month. Having such a different looking team this year has rejuvenated some of the seniors love for the sport. With all the new freshmen coming in, senior Rebekah Stewart is motivated to help mentor the team’s younger athletes. “The new freshmen are doing a great job this season. They really came in and are buying into all the hard work we’ve been putting in this offseason,” said Stewart. “They came in ready to work and everyone on the team is so happy to have them here.” Stewart loves the team’s morale and believes everyone is confident they can achieve their preseason goals.
The Crimson Tide want to make a strong first impression this season, because after the Power of Pink meet, the team while compete in five more competitions in just over a one-month period.
Rowing with Robert 