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April 26, 2007

The Washington men's and women's rowing teams host West Coast rival California in their annual dual regatta, Saturday, April 28. Racing begins at 9 a.m. on the Montlake Cut near the UW campus.

Junior Kim Armstrong (Snohomish, Wash./Snohomish) rows in Washington's varsity eight crew. She spent a few minutes with GoHuskies.com, talking about the season and describing his thoughts on the upcoming race against Cal.

GoHuskies: How is the season going so far?

Kim Armstrong: "The season's been going really well. We've really been working as a boat to come together and just pushing everyday. We're really excited to go out and race against Cal. It's going to be a strong race."

GoHuskies: To this point what would you consider the varsity eight crew's best race?

KA: "I think our best race was against the University of Central Florida at the Windermere Classic in Redwood Shores. We really came together and pushed really hard."

GoHuskies: How difficult was the Windermere Classic format, with three races in essentially a day, 26 hour period?

KA: "It's hard on your body, but that's all we're there to do. So, we basically race, sleep, eat and hang out together. So it's doable."

GoHuskies: Now that you're back on your home course, what are your thoughts on rowing on the Montlake Cut?

KA: "I love The Cut. There are so many markers. You know where you're at. Coming into The Cut is just great, hearing everyone, going through the bridge. It really pumps you up and gets you excited."

GoHuskies: What are your thoughts on Saturday's race against California?

KA: "It's going to be a tough race. I think we definitely have a shot to go through. We've been working really hard. This is something we're all getting ready for and that's what we train for all year."

GoHuskies: The men have been racing against Cal for much longer and it is an intense rivalry, but it seems like the women's one has turned into quite a rivalry as well. Is that accurate?

KA: "Yes that is, Cal and UW have always been strong teams They've been really strong in the national ranking, so we really want to go out and have our shot at them."

GoHuskies: Is there a difference in how you approach a match-race, with two teams versus a more traditional race with several teams across?

KA: "Not really. We try really hard to run an internal race to not let what's going on outside affect you. Obviously there's not as many people to line up and push for, but it just gives us one goal, to focus on that team."

GoHuskies: You are in the middle of a stretch of six straight weekends of racing. Do you like having big races week after week, or would you prefer a break in between?

KA: "I like racing every weekend. It really gives us a chance to see how we're improving and it just gives us more experience to get ready for the Pac-10's and nationals. It's a fun part of the spring."

GoHuskies: What are you majoring in?

KA: "I'm a Biology, Physiology major with maybe a minor in Norwegian."

GoHuskies: What are your plans after graduation?

KA: "I'm looking at grad school and some sort of medical profession."

GoHuskies: How do you manage your time, balancing a difficult academic course load with rowing?

KA: "It's hard. I'm definitely going all the time. But I think crew and rowing have definitely given me the tools to plan out my day and everything. It's down to the minute."

GoHuskies: What has Washington Rowing meant to you?

KA: "We have the best water and the greatest place to row. Washington has a great tradition and I have wonderful teammates.