By Payton Moore
Sophomore setter
Sitting next to Sarah, we simultaneously make a disgusted face as a cloud of smoke encircles the kitchen we sit in. We have managed to burn eggs to a brown and black marbled crisp. It is only the start of the long day we have ahead of us.
Our team woke up for a light jog that turned into a sprint against the elements as the rain became heavier. Kim instructed us to sit in the grass and start with a circuit of ab workouts that left most of us soaked and confused if it was from sweat or the rain. We finished up our crispy breakfast and prepared ourselves for the next big adventure on our schedules – our five-hour expedition whitewater rafting down the Ohiopyle River.
Climbing int cars with anxious looks on our faces, I couldn’t help but become utterly terrified of what lay in front of me. I’m not the fastest swimmer, and like my mom, water has always made me scared. Not to mention it was 60 out and pouring rain.
Into the rafts we went despite the downpour, and as I called out to the others, “20 bucks says I’ll be the first one in the river,” I clutched on to dear life to my paddle and hurriedly got the hang of directing the boat and spotting out racks to Kaylee, our captain.
Kim referred to our boat as most improved for obvious reasons – we nearly got stuck on every single rock on the first rapids.
It took two guides yanking us this way and that to continue the journey, and finally we were out … But not for long.
It only took one more rushing rapids to have me flying off, miserable and soaked, clutching onto the raft with dear life. I had to quickly collect my bearings and get back into the rhythm we set before I flew off.
We continued down the river with Kaylee flying off next, sprawling onto a rock and gaining her composure quickly to continue directing us. For us, that was the hardest part – having our captains or key lead figures not able to see imminent danger and stepping in calmly to direct others.
The rafting adventure left us soaked, a little scraped up and more sore than we thought possible. But despite the pouring rain and cold wind, later in a meeting, every single one of us declared how much fun we had against all of the odds. We discovered ways to look past the twists and turns the river threw at us and continue with “swag”, a happy smile and physical superiority.
Although we agreed we’d have enjoyed it a smidgen more with 80 degree weather and blasting sunshine, the rain only added to the adventure, making things more slippery and unstable, like the fine line we balance whenever we play matches.
The river symbolized more than just a crazy adventure … It was everything we needed to know and master before Kent State Volleyball makes its official return to domination.
For more pictures from our team-bonding retreat, visit our Facebook page by CLICKING HERE.
No comments:
Post a Comment