Mother knows best: Eshuis wins Schoolboy
What a difference a year made for Ingrid Eshuis.
In 2022, the Grade 12 student at Eden placed last in the final of the senior women’s single at the Canadian Secondary School Rowing Association championships. On Sunday, she was wearing a gold medal around her neck and holding the championship trophy in her hands.
“It was a very competitive final (last year) and all the girls were incredible. The majority of them graduated and one didn’t compete this year.”
Eshuis pointed to one main factor in her ascend from last to first.
“Michele Fisher is my coach and she has taught me everything that I know. She is incredible and that is why I have got so much better in the last couple of years.”
She never took Schoolboy gold for granted at any time during the regatta.
“Honestly, you never know what is going to happen and I go in racing my own race and whatever the outcome is the outcome. After the time trial, being ranked first was very encouraging but the I knew the other girls were all very talented.”
Because of Saturday’s weather conditions, there was no final race Sunday. Instead two heats were held and the fastest time from the heats was declared the winner.
“I was standing on the dock and my coach was anxiously checking the results and she said, ‘I think you won.’ I was like ‘Oh my goodness.’ It was a total surprise.”
Eshuis is heading to Boston University this fall on a rowing scholarship after committing last October.
It was an easy choice to make.
“It was the team. It was such a supportive environment, they have great goals and they want to be better. The coaching staff and everyone is just incredible there.”
Before she heads to Boston, there are some huge adventures ahead this summer.
Two weeks ago at time trials for the national junior team, Eshuis and her partner, Makaeda Harrison from Sir Winston Churchill, were the top boat in the pair. The 2022 Henley-winning duo will go into selection camp starting Monday as the top-ranked boat in the pair. Their goal is to make the team for junior worlds.
“That would be incredible,” the St. Catharines resident said. “If it happens it would be an amazing opportunity. If not, I am going to keep working hard.”
Eshuis started the learn to row program in the summers of Grades 6, 7 and 8 at the St. Catharines Rowing Club.
“I did it purely for fun. My mom (Mari Shantz) told me I needed to get off the couch and do something active. She send me here and I haven’t quit since. I love it,” she said. “It is the community that I love here so much; the people, the coaches, the athletes. Everyone is just awesome.”
It was only fitting that her mom was on hand Sunday to pose for pictures with her champion daughter.
“My mom is my No. 1 cheerleader and supporter. When I wanted to quit rowing because I was tired or anxious, she reminded me why I love it so much. She wants to see me be happy and succeed and she is everything to me.”
