With the weather heating up, the Kansas State Collegian decided to cool down as with former K-State rower and recent alum Meggie Murray. Murray was recently named the Big 12 Scholar-Athlete of the Year for women’s rowing, and was nominated for the 2015 NCAA Woman of the Year award.
We caught up with her off the lake to get her thoughts on the award and life in general.
Q: How did it feel to be named Big 12 Scholar-Athlete of the Year?
Murray: I was very surprised first of all, but receiving the award is a huge blessing just because of how much support I’ve received while I was on the rowing team. It’s cool to just see all of it pay off and to see something come from it. I know there are many people who work just as hard as I do and don’t get recognized for it. It’s an honor to receive it.
Q: Now that your rowing career is over, what was your favorite rowing moment?
Murray: I don’t know if I can pick one. Just over the years I’ve had favorite memories from each time. A lot of times it’s smaller things that I remember, like crazy bus rides out to Tennessee or going out to eat with all of my other teammates or even eating at (the) training table. A lot of stuff happens in between that just makes all of it more enjoyable than it could have been.
Q: What would you say is your favorite Disney or Pixar movie?
Murray: If I can be honest, I’m not a huge cartoon person. I don’t watch cartoons that much. I know “Toy Story” is Pixar, but I haven’t seen that in like 15 years. I’d probably go with “Tangled.” I like the more modern ones. Maybe “Beauty and the Beast.” I don’t know.
Q: To the best of your knowledge, what was the last song you listened to?
Murray: The last song that I listened to was probably on the last Jason Mraz (album), I was listening to (it) in the car yesterday.
Q: What would you say are some of your personal heroes?
Murray: I would say I’ve always looked up to my parents. They’ve been phenomenal role models for me growing up and I’ve very lucky for that.
Q: What would you say is the hardest thing about rowing that people might not realize?
Murray: I think when I came in, I was extremely naive to how difficult it was and how much of a team sport (it is). I remember having seen people and thinking that it just looked effortless when really it’s grueling and the worst pain that I’ve ever been through in my life.
Q: What does the future look like for Meggie Murray?
Murray: I am actually starting my dietetic internship and masters degree at KU Med in August.
