Spring Transition

By Victor Arcelus, Steering Committee

Over the course of the last year the men's program has been transitioning into the club-varsity classification at Bucknell, and this past month the team has been able to celebrate some significant advances. First, we are very pleased to anounce that a generous donor (who has requested to remain anonymous) has donated a new 2003 Hudson Elite midweight shell with 10 new Concept 2 oars. The shell has already been delivered and the team started rowing it this past week. The addition of this new shell significantly improves the equipment for the men, replacing the James King (an old, but storied boat of many golds and a trip to Henley) as the teams fastest boat.

In other news, the rowers moved into their new locker room (with 50 lockers) which is one of many team specific locker rooms for varsity athletes built as part of the athletics center renovation and construction. The fact that the crew team, as a club-varsity program, was assigned one of these rooms demonstrates the university's commitment to the team's success and legitimacy. Coach Derek Updegraff has been working closely with Jerry Shreck, Strength and Conditioning Coordinator, to develop a strength training program for the team. With Jerry's support the team has been given access to the new varsity athlete weight room which was recently completed. Derek has also recently moved into his office in the athletics center.

New Hudson Varsity Eight	Morning Practice, Cold Day
New Men's Crew Locker Room	New Varsity Gym