Corr Looking to End Career on a High Note as PU Women's Lightweights Row in IRAs

Bill Alden

For Caitlin Corr, serving as the captain of the Princeton University women's lightweight crew is hardly an all-work and no-play proposition.

"Being a leader of this team is really easy," said the senior who hails from Buffalo, N.Y. "Everyone is really dedicated and works really hard. I just try to keep them relaxed. It's important to be focused but it's also important to have fun."

The Tigers have had a lot of fun this spring, going 7-0 in the regular season and then finishing second to top-ranked Wisconsin in the Eastern Sprints earlier this month.

This weekend, Princeton will get a shot at having the ultimate fun as it competes in the Intercollegiate Rowing Association (IRA) championships on Cooper River in Camden.

In Corr's view, the loss to Wisconsin at the sprints could prove to be a blessing in disguise as the Tigers row for a national title.

"We are hungry after the sprints," said Corr. "We want to row a complete piece. They caught us offguard in the last part of the race. It was a good experience. I think we will be better prepared for the IRAs. No one is going to give us a lead. We have to fight all the way through the race."

The Tigers' fighting spirit was steeled by a three-week stretch at the end of the regular season that saw them compete at the Windermere Crew Classic in California, at Georgetown, and then at Harvard-Radcliffe.

"We built our toughness by going on the road," asserted Corr. "It compresses the week; you have to get schoolwork and things like the laundry done by Friday afternoon. You learn to race when you're not at your best and you're tired from travelling."

In the weeks since the Eastern Sprints, Corr and her teammates have had to utilize those time management skills. "People have done a good job of juggling training with exams," asserted Corr. "I don't think training has been compromised. I look forward to the training everyday, it's refreshing."

Corr is making the most of everyday with her teammates as she goes through the pre-graduation whirlwind. "It's a little hard to be nostalgic when you're training for the IRAs," asserted Corr.

"We have the IRAs on Saturday and then we graduate the next Tuesday. It's been amazing to be part of the team. It's a group of hard-working and smart people; everybody brings something to the table. The team has become my best friends and family. It still feels like it isn't going to end.

After a disappointing end to the 2006 season which saw Princeton place fourth in both the Eastern Sprints and the IRA championships, Corr is hoping finish things on a high note.

"Last year was tough; it is great to have bounced back," said Corr. "For the seniors, this season has been our best. It's a great way to go out."

Return to Previous Sports Story | Return to Top | Go to Next Sports Story