By Sarah Balkiewicz
Sophomore Cecily Fritz came into Thomas Jefferson University as a pre-medical major with aspirations of a career in dermatology. However, when she decided to walk-on to Jefferson’s rowing team, she soon learned the difficulties that come with balancing school and sports. Still, she is dedicated to everything she does, and enjoys what goes into being successful as a student-athlete. Though many students come into college playing their sport, Fritz picked up rowing after she enrolled.
“I wanted to try something new in college. During my first year, I saw that rowing was accepting walk-ons, so I tried out,” said Fritz.
Source by Ellen Miller, 2015 Jefferson Alumnus
Shannon Cavanagh, Cecily Fritz, and Olivia Liebsch row on the Schuylkill River.
It is well known that college athletes have a lot on their plate. A student-athlete must know how to navigate their busy schedule; going to classes, making time for studying and homework, while also setting aside time for practices, the gym, and matches. In addition, it is important they balance all of that with a healthy social life. Fritz’s typical week consists of five to six practices each week.
“On average, I dedicate about 15 hours a week to rowing, including practices, extra workouts, and team activities,” said Fritz.
Jefferson’s rowing team practices at 5:30 a.m., and on a typical Monday, the team leaves campus at 5:15 a.m. to meet at Boathouse Row, which is located on the Schuylkill River near the Philadelphia Art Museum. The practices typically run until 7:30 a.m., so students can make it back on time for their 8:00 a.m. classes.
“Jefferson’s rowing team practices at 5:30 a.m., and on a typical Monday, the team leaves campus at 5:15 a.m. to meet at Boathouse Row...”
Fritz has class at 9:30 a.m., so she has ample time to eat and get ready right after her practice. After her class, she has a two-hour break, which she uses to complete her team lift, which is a required personal workout specifically for rowing. She then has another class from 2:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m., and finishes her day doing homework and studying until 9:00 p.m. Outside of her weekly practices, she must complete three of her own personal workouts, including two lifts and a 45 minute row, by herself.
“I think rowing is very demanding and time consuming. It is hard adjusting to waking up so early and completely flipping your sleep schedule when you first start, but once you get into a groove it becomes much easier.”
Fritz’s advice for students who are looking to become student-athletes or who are struggling as student-athletes is to rely on scheduling. She believes that the easiest way to maintain your academics and athletics is to create schedules and plan out the week, since vigilantly scheduling ensures that everything that needs to get done, does. Although being a student-athlete is difficult at first and can still be stressful at times, as long as one manages and schedules out their days, it is possible and extremely rewarding.
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