Written by Mary Shepherd '17
SANTA CLARA, Calif. – After finishing in first and third place at the WIRA Championship event in the Freshmen 8 and Varsity 8 boats last month, Freshman Sepehr Araghi talked with Santa Clara Broncos (SCB) about his love for rowing and shared his excitement for what lies ahead for his team.
SCU: How did you choose Santa Clara?
SA: I chose Santa Clara because I considered it an ideal location for my major. I also saw a rising team that I wanted to be a part of in college. The amazing weather and beautiful campus are a plus as well.
SA: My first strokes were taken in 8th grade and I immediately fell in love with the sport. Freshman year I joined our local club team, Marin Rowing, and have been committed to the sport ever since.
SA: I would be lying to say I love waking up at 5 am for practice; but once I get into the boat and begin taking strokes I am reminded as to why I do this sport. The amount of training we go through is all worth it. The unique thing about this sport, that not many other sports have, is the true teamwork that is required and expected from one another. Having eight people row together in near perfect unison is easier said than done, but once this is achieved it is a feeling that words can't really be describe. Crossing the finish line in first place at any race with your boat is one of the greatest feelings. It is a testament to the months of hard work finally paying off, and whether we receive medals or not I know that I can always count on everyone else in my boat to give their all, whether it be training or racing.
SA: Typically before we launch, I roll out, stretch, and jog to get warmed up. Once we're at the starting dock and about to go, I take deep breaths followed by visualizing the race and mentally preparing for the pain that's about to come.
SCU: What kind of music gets you pumped up before a race?
SA: It usually varies between alternative music and higher beat dance music. A popular song that gets the team going is "Runaway" by Galantis.
SCU: The Santa Clara men's rowing team won three metals in the last race at the WIRA Championships last month. How did it feel being a part of this event?
SA: I had the privilege of rowing in both the Freshman 8, which placed first, as well as the Varsity 8, which placed third. I believe that winning the Freshman 8 category was a first for Santa Clara since the teams founding, and the Varsity 8 performed better than it had in previous years along with a great performance from our Novice 4. It is exciting to be part of a team that is making history and knowing that this is only the beginning to an even faster 2016 season. I am excited to see what the future holds for this team.
