Gina Galaszewski
Senior at Cedarburg High School
When/Why I Began Rowing:
I was a competitive Irish dancer for quite a few years but had to stop because of injuries and so I was trying to find a new sport that would keep me active. My uncle coxed at Madison and had mentioned that I should try rowing- up until he said something I honestly don't even think I knew rowing was available to me. I finally decided to take Learn to Row in the summer leading up to the fall season and decided that I would stick with it for at least one season to see how I liked it.. I love it!
Future plans:
Formally accepted my admissions to the University of Iowa, although they don't have a lightweight rowing team, I would love to be involved on the team!
Favorite workout:
Doing workouts on the water definitely beats being down in Fight Club erging everyday. I love the standup drill and especially the add a pair drill- it's fun to see how hard each person in your boat is working and I love the competitive aspect. As far as a specific workout? I don't really have one, I love most any kind of sprinting pieces because that's when the boat really starts to move and you know all the hard work from winter is paying off.
Favorite aspect of rowing:
My favorite aspect of rowing is definitely my team. I have always been a very team oriented person and so being surrounded by such a strong and motivated team of girls each day makes coming to practice something to look forward to.
Favorite rowing season:
This past weekend I competed in my first spring race and I absolutely loved it. Although a 2k takes every ounce of energy out of you and then some, it helps to have 7 other girls working just as hard to try and achieve the same goal as you, winning. I'm really excited to be going to Midwest this season. Even though I'm a novice, I'm really excited to have experience being in an even more competitive environment compared to a more "typical" race (and also to watch my teammates kick some booty of course).
Favorite race:
By far my favorite race so far has been the Milwaukee River Challenge. Being that I'm a novice, I was extremely intimidated by the fact that we would be racing against all varsity boats, however this was our home course and it definitely worked to our advantage. I think the best feeling during that race was when we got to the junction and were able to pass a few of the boats who were in the lead previous to the turn. I could tell the atmosphere in the boat had completely switched gears and our goal was to now hold them off until we got to the finish line, we were really proud of how we had placed against the varsity boats (especially since we rowed with 6 people for the last portion of the race because someone's foot-stretchers snapped).
Interests/hobbies outside of practice:
Outside of practice I enjoy traveling, hanging out with my friends, and shopping.