June 11, 2012

LEWISBURG, Pa. - The Bucknell women's rowing team is nearly a week into its trip to England and there is much to report. In addition to competing at this past weekend's Reading Amateur Regatta, the Bison have had daily practices, rowed through the locks on the Thames River and gotten a chance to do some sightseeing.

The Bucknell traveling party arrived in England last Wednesday and after taking the first day to settle in to their surroundings in Henley-on-Thames, went through two practice sessions last Thursday. Additional practice time was scheduled for Friday, but windy conditions led to a short time on the water. Instead, the team visited Windsor Castle and made a trip to the Marlow Rowing Club, one of the largest rowing groups in England.

On Saturday, the team rowed up the Thames River from Henley-on-Thames to Reading. The three-hour journey brought them through four different locks on the river. After arriving in Reading, the varsity eight raced wire-to-wire against the Vesta Boat Club, finishing second in the head-to-head race.

Sunday was a day off for the team in London and the student-athletes and coaches visited a number of famous landmarks, including Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Parliament and Hyde Park. Some people took in a cricket match and others observed the Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace.

Monday marked the return to the water for the team as it got a special treat. The squad paid a visit to Dorney Lake, which will be the site of the rowing competition at this summer's Olympic Games in London. The Bison got the chance to practice on the course.

Bucknell's England trip continues this week. The Bison will row at the Henley Women's Regatta this coming weekend, June 15-17, before returning home during the early part of next week.