After that first Earth test, there was a celebration in the boathouse for the novices who made the team.

Our coach, Mr. Shantz, materialized and made a speech about the seriousness of the sport.

And it required hard work and focus, and we weren't allowed to drink.

Then he disappeared.

And it was me, Ron, and the half dozen or so other freshmen,

awkwardly mingling among the varsity members of the team.

I heard you lost your lunch.

Bussy?

I don't know that I've ever done anything as physically rigorous as the ark.

I'm guessing you guys are in the varsity eight?

What gave it away?

You look like linebackers, and you seem to be attached at the hip with captain.

I hope you like punishment, fail, son.

Yo, yo, yo, you're ready for news.

I can not do another squat.

My back is going to give out.

Engage your core.

That's what captain said.

I'm fucking sick of listening to captain.

When are we actually going to row?

It's been a week, and the closest I've come to working in water is pissing in the shower.

Captain said, improving our strength avoids injury.

...