May 26, 2004

In the days leading up to the NCAA National Championships, members of Cal Crew are highlighted. Each member discusses some of their favorite things, and what they do in preparation for a race. Today, senior Jessica Patak is highlighted.

Patak, an integrative biology major, transfered to Cal from UCSB after her freshman year. She was an integral part of the 2003 second varsity eight boat that won Pac-10's, and finished third at NCAAs. Currently she rows in the three seat in the Pac-10 champion and No. 1 ranked varsity eight boat and is gearing up for her last NCAA championships.

Nickname: J.P.
Position: 3 seat
Favorite...
	Movie: Life of Brian, Blazing Saddles, The Godfather
	TV show: Scrubs
       	Sport to play (other than crew): waterskiing
	Sport to watch (on TV or in person): UCSB men's
                                               volleyball
	Food: almost anything with pasta in the title
	Band/Artist: Aerosmith

Q: How did you get involved in crew?
A: Joined the rowing club at UCSB to meet people and see
what the sport was about. I didn't know if I would last
the whole year of morning practices, afternoon practices,
and weekend races with a full course load as a freshman.
Turns out I could handle a more competitive and intense
program, and transferred to Cal the following year.

Q: Why did you choose to come to Cal?
A: It's public prestige and the outgoing, fun, and successful
crew team.

Q: At the beginning of the season, what is the one
thing you most look forward to? What is the thing you
dread the most?
A: I look forward to the competitions on the water, in
the erg room, and on the racecourse. I dread the entire
month of February.

Q: What is your pre-race routine/superstition?
A: The night before I visualize the race and call my brother
up to hear some jokes. On race day, I stretch, stay hydrated,
and listen to music. I'm not one to get nervous or anxious
before a race so I try to distract teammates from the knots
in their stomachs when possible.

Q: What are the last 3 CD's you bought?
A: I haven't purchased a CD in years.

Q: What is your greatest achievement in crew?
A: Winning Pac-10's in the JV last year. Snapping Washington's
winning streak in the dual is a close second.

Q: What do you do in your spare time?
A: When not sleeping, I try to hang out with housemates and
partake indulgent activities such as watching old TV shows
or attending open mic session. When you live with 126 people,
there's always a discussion or house event happening.

Q: If you could trade places with anyone (celebrity or not)
who would it be? Why?
A: A Supreme Court justice. That body interprets the Constitution
for this country thus validating our rights and laws. To be apart
of that process would be awesome

Q: Who/what inspires you?
A: For crew, realizing that this team can make history this season
is such an inspiration.

Q: What is the one song/type of music that you think should be
banned from the erg room?
A: country and anything by Michael Jackson ('Beat It' was played
one too many times at erg tests).