Allison Lashua guides the rowing team

by Cam Supple

A frigid, early morning wind swept off Pearly Pond, blowing into Allison Lashua’s face as she began to stretch on the dock. The rest of her rowing team took to their positions on the boat, getting ready for their daily 6 am practice.

Allison took her position as coxswain in the front of the boat. Her job is to steer the boat and guide the rest of her team. She may not have to put the same physical energy in as the rest of her team, but the coxswain is the leader of the boat and faces her team making calls on their direction. “Let it glide!” Allison called out to her team as they coast out into the pond. Allison’s voice pierced across the silent morning air as she guided her boats direction.

“I wanted to get involved on campus, and the rowing team offered me the coxswain position” Allison said. Allison’s small stature is another reason that rowing called to her. “The early practices and lifts are certainly hard work, but I love seeing the team continue to improve and get better.” Allison said, “It has put me in the best shape of my life.” Allison and the rowing team might not be competing until the spring, but they believe that the offseason work is very important.