Taking on 'terminal illnesses'

By Erin Hussey

'We like to call it a terminal illness," a 1965 Alumnus and ex-Santa Clara rower said last Saturday regarding his love of the sport. Instead of wearing our usual spandex and muddy tennis shoes, coaches and athletes from the past and present all gathered to celebrate Santa Clara Crew's 40th anniversary and kick off the 2005 season.

Black Velvet, as it is called, is traditionally the hardest practice of the year. The crews are on the water for four hours followed by a two-hour land workout. We then have a few hours to shower, eat, and transform ourselves from sweaty, smelly rowers, to men in ties and women in high heels.

This year's Black Velvet was a bit more special than previous ones. The original crew, the crew from 1965, was present.

It was amazing to hear how they used to store 12½-foot oars, launch motors and gas cans in their dorm rooms. But it was even more amazing to hear about how their friendships have continued despite distance and time.

As they passed around the microphone, each man had a sparkle in his eye. They all seemed to light up as they talked about racing or bus rides or pranks or being in each other's weddings. But out of all of the comments and stories and words, the phrase that rang through my ears was "terminal illness."

Now, I know that may sound ironic, but it's the perfect definition for crew or any sport, for that matter.

Once you catch that bug, live that love-hate relationship, feel the pain, share the joy, break your heart and the fuel your desire, there is no going back. No matter how much you hate it or how much you just want to walk away from it, you can't. It's terminal and it will be with you forever.

The crew of '65 didn't share every single win or loss, but they did share the highs and the more important lows that helped to shape the rest of their lives.

My wish for you all is to catch a 'terminal illness.' Whether it be in athletics or painting or studies. Find something that makes your blood both hot and cold. That stretches you further than you ever thought your soul could go and then pushes it even more. Find something that you love so much at times you hate it.

In 40 years I won't remember everything about crew, but I will remember the water, the work, and the teams that helped shape me.

* Contact Erin Hussey at (408) 551-1918 or ehussey@scu.edu.