University of Minnesota Athletics
Get to Know the Rowers: Captain Jenna Schuder
1/29/2010 12:00:00 AM | Rowing
As the Gopher rowing team gears up for the spring season, gophersports.com caught up with team captain Jenna Schuder in this short question and answer session.
The most challenging thing I've had to do in college so far is:
Can I sum it up with "Surviving Senior Year?" The most challenging thing has been learning how to be an effective captain of a prestigious Division I college team comprised of 40 plus elite athletes along with succeeding in the classroom and figuring out a plan for post graduation.
My most memorable sports experience was:
Standing on the very edge of shore, bursting with excitement and cheering at the top of my lungs along with all the other Minnesota fans for the 2V8 as I watched them win the 2007 National Championship in Oak Ridge, TN!! I get goosebumps every time I think back to that moment!
What is your favorite part of a 2k race and why?
I get the most excited when I hear the coxswain, almost out of breath, say "Kick in 2...1,2." The last 250 meter sprint is the most exciting part of the entire 2k race because I feel this uncontrollable rush of adrenalin. We are so close to the end and during the sprint is when you can empty out every last ounce of strength, giving everything you have to help your teammates cross that finish line first. Once you hear the buzzer, and your legs are on fire and you are gasping for air...you reach for the hand of your pair partner to give an unspoken "nice work"...that is the absolute best part of racing.
If you were to compete in a different sport at the U, what would it be and why?
The track team. They're good at everything. I've always had this secret dream to be able to pole vault as well as run the 100m hurdles. I love to sprint.
Hardest rowing workout that you've done both on the water and on land?
There's always that one workout that seems to be the turning point for athletes. When you finish with what seemed to be the most daunting, unattainable workout, and feel successful about it, that's when you look at all other workouts and think, "oh, piece of cake, bring it on." The hardest workout I've ever done on the erg was 2x2k. I PR'd on the first one and then 10 minutes later, rowed another 2k. Now one 2k seems like nothing. On the water, the turning point was a workout we did one spring afternoon. One minute, 2 minutes, 3 minutes, 2 minutes, 1 minute...all at stroke rate 40. After that, anything is possible.
What is a goal that you'd like to accomplish during your lifetime?
I would love the opportunity to travel to Senegal and meet the little boy I sponsor. I'd like to build orphanages in Africa and I'd like to find a cure for AIDS as well.
If you could have an endless supply of any food, what would you get?
No question. Super Target Long John donuts covered with chocolate frosting. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.
Who has been the most inspiring person in your life and why?
In general, I am inspired by people who give everything they have to help other people succeed; like my parents.
If you were stranded on a desert island and you could bring 3 things, what would they be?
My endless supply of donuts (because I love donuts), my best friend because she loves to be in the sun and would be really jealous if I didn't bring her, and a flashlight because I'm afraid of the dark.
Favorite psych-up or workout music?
Josh Groban. Just kidding! On steady state days I like calming music like Jack Johnson. On 2k days, I don't really hear the music...it's blocked out by the amount of all-consuming pain.
Players Mentioned
