A Rookie to be Reckoned With
This is another sub-installment in the Watercross Season we will be following this summer. Please check the Category: Watercross 2017 Season to read the full series.
We sat down with Emma Godeen to get the insider look on her successful season thus far. Emma currently leads the 600 Drag class in points. As we head into Grantsburg's World Championship Emma has proven to be a formidable opponent and despite being in her rookie year, she is a force to be reckoned with.
Your family is immersed in the IWA; are there any specific people besides your family that act as an inspiration or that you respect a great deal?
"A person that I definitely am inspired by is Scott Martinson; it's not just for the effort and the energy that Scott puts into the sport but for what he does for the team and the people he cares for," said Emma. We acknowledged that other Yard Apes had stated that they found Scott to be quite inspirational as well and she followed it up with, "it's no surprise, he's just so into the sport. He really gives everything he has to offer to it."
With your family's involvement in the IWA theres no doubt that you have support for your racing; is there anyone that you wish would better understand your passion?
Emma responded with, "My friends. They are a bit apprehensive about coming to a race weekend or even a race for the day; because I race during the day, it is tough to spend time with them... But some of them did say they'd come down Friday to see me race since it's my birthday."
What are your goals/aspirations for this season and future seasons?
Emma explained that her father is the reason she got into the sport. Growing up watching him she said, "I just knew I wanted to do that."
Emma told us that she really wants to continue to have the attitude of "Do it myself". When I asked her to elaborate, she stated that occasionally when it comes to tearing down the machine after a race the guys on the team are so quick to get everything done but she would like the opportunity to do it herself. Additionally, when I asked her what she thinks about being one of the youngest watercross atheltes there are and one of the only females in the sport, she had a self-effacing response. Emma said, "I want to be an image for younger girls; I want girls to do whatever makes them feel happy, if that means they're inspired by me racing, then that's cool. But I also just want to do my own thing and focus on my races." Mainly Emma just wants to succeed and do well in this sport; she is on the right track by continuing to lead the 600 Drag Class.
Do you have any sponsors or any people you'd like to thank?
Without hesitation Emma stated, "I really want to extend the deepest thank you and heartfelt appreciation I can to Lance Gravelle of Lance Gravelle Racing for allowing me to use his sled. Thank you for seeing the potential in me and choosing me to race a championship sled this year." She also stated she'd like to thank Marty's Fab Shop and her parents for all their support.
How do you train for watercross on all levels: physically, mentally, and mechanically?
Emma told us that on a mental level it requires so much energy; there is so much demand from so many different people that she really does her best to focus on herself. Another thing that she mentally has to practice is not to get hung up on the minor mistakes or to sweat the small stuff. Physically, Emma has noticed from practices in 2016 that there is a high demand for upper body strength in this sport. Emma stated that she spent quite a bit of time in the gym at school working on improving and strengthening her upper body in the past year. Mechanically, she goes over a lot of things with her dad and with his help they really come prepared with the essentials to make every weekend a successful one when Emma is racing.
Do you wish to expand in the sport at all?
Emma expressed intrest in running in the Semi Pro Open Class sometime down the road. However, this year she will be sticking to just the 600 Drag Class.
What do you consider to be a successful season for you or your team?
"Personally, I want to take the season points and take the cup at Grantsburg for this to be a successful season," said Emma. She also told us, "Scott and I are the only ones to take home hardware this season; I really want to see my dad do the best he can in his new Pro Class and I'd really like to see Jerry win a few this season."
Are there any events you like to watch particularly besides your own?
"I had an ex that was in Snocross.." Emma laughed and followed it up, "so I got into that for a while but I really enjoy everything Watercross and love to watch hockey."
Currently do you see anyone as a specific threat to you in the sport or how do you feel about the overall comeptition?
Emma was quiet for a brief moment before answering this question; when she finally did she said, "I really feel like the main competitor I have is Jocelin Schellbach but with Grantsburg coming up this weekend, I could find out I have more competition that I am used to. It's going to be about racing smart and making it to the line; if I can do that, I'm gonna be alright."
Emma has proven herself a fierce competitor her Rookie year as she continues to lead the 600 Drag Class. Emma acknowledges the great team she has to work with and is very proud of her family's invovlement in the IWA. Look for her and her teammates in our upcoming posts as they compete at the 41st Annual Grantsburg World Championship.