Spring has Sprung! The Crew team is striving for success while instilling appreciation and love for the sport. Coaches and athletes have a lot to say about the upcoming season.

Coach Compy is the Head Coach of the Crew team here at Woodbridge. He said that his main goal for the season is success. “We always strive to do well at regattas, place at States, and qualify for Nationals. However, we also strive to help our student-athletes to be successful in all facets of their life.” He also mentioned that last month Woodbridge Coaches attended the US Rowing Convention. “We were able to hear from successful Olympic, Collegiate, and Scholastic Coaches, not only from the U.S. but from around the world on what made them successful.”

Coach Compy says that their greatest strength as a team is the student athletes. “They are some of the most dedicated, hardworking, and trustworthy people I know. I can’t think of any other sport where we have 14 – 18-year-olds responsible for upwards to $60,000 of equipment on a daily basis.” In the first regatta of the season the top varsity boats played in the “Polar Bear” and placed very well.

The athletes’ bonds this season have never been stronger. Girls Captain Kaitlyn Weis says, “the team seems to really blend” and “we are like a family.” Boys Captain Kline Howell mentions that the boat’s close capacity allows the team to grow and connect, and they often spend time together outside of practice. When asked about their predictions for this season, Howell says the team is getting out of the rebuilding stage after COVID-19. “I think that our boats are going to go very fast and improve drastically throughout the season.” Weis expresses her excitement towards growth and improvement for states this season.

The mental side of Crew plays as much of a role as the physical part of the sport does. Weis says that Crew engages all the major muscle groups and during a race your mind gives up before your body does. Howell adds that “If you aren’t focused the entirety of each stroke, you’ll affect the whole boat.” Weis says, “Crew hurts, but you have to have a strong positive attitude.” “When you finish a race, you receive the best feeling. A mix of both accomplishment and pride.”

Clearly, the Crew team is deeply passionate about what they do. They are putting in the work this season and it is amazing to see. These athletes are a great representation of our school and its values. Everyone should come out and support as this team puts all their dedication into a new season.