Updates for athletes, parents, and supporters of Woodson Rowing.
Questions, ideas or feedback? Just reply to this newsletter!
Reminder: for the rest of the season, newsletters will follow this schedule:
Tuesday newsletters (today) will focus on action items.
Thursday newsletters will focus on regatta information.
What matters this week:
💪 There will be Friday practice this week
🐻❄️ First regatta next weekend (3/21)
🌸 Spring Break schedule released
🔗 QUICK LINKS
💪PRACTICE ON FRIDAY, 3/20
There will be practice this Friday, 3/20 at the regularly scheduled time. Although this is Eid, the team received permission from FCPS to hold practice. If athletes have conflicts, they should discuss them with their coaches.
🐻❄️POLAR BEAR REGATTA, 3/21
Thursday’s newsletter will include everything you need to know about the Polar Bear Regatta on March 21, including parking, timing and lineups.
THANK YOU to all volunteers who signed up to work at the regatta. All slots are currently filled! If you have any questions or last minute concerns, please contact Lisa, our Volunteer Coordinator via Slack.
While novice boats do not race at this regatta, novice athletes are highly encouraged to attend. The coaches have arranged for a scrimmage after the regatta so that the novices can get some racing experience before we go race at St. Andrews. Athletes should direct any regatta-related questions to their coaches.
🤓 REGATTA ETIQUETTE AND MORE
Regattas are a unique experience, and becoming familiar with how they run helps athletes prepare for their first race. Seeing the mechanics and rhythms of a regatta before participating builds confidence and experience.
Plus, it’s fun to watch your teammates race without dealing with your own nerves!
For spectators, this regatta is also a great opportunity to:
• Learn the off-site parking process
• Walk to the grandstands
• Experience the energy of a regatta
This regatta is typically shorter than others since only varsity boats race.
Please plan to set aside Saturday morning (or arrange carpools now) to get athletes and spectators to Sandy Run.
If you’re new to the sport of rowing, we have many helpful resources on our website:
• Regatta Spectator Tips: How to dress, what to expect and more!
• Regatta Viewer’s Guide: General information about rowing and rowing parlance
• Regatta Information: General info on the types of regattas we attend as a team
• Sandy Run Park: info on the world-class facility where we get to train and race!
🚨 VOLUNTEER NEEDS🧹St. Andrews Regatta, 3/28
Cleanup and takedown volunteer spots still available. You’ll likely already be there — get volunteer credit while helping the team.
👉Sign up here
Visit the Volunteer Hub to see all available roles
Volunteer Credit Requirements:
Each family must complete 5 volunteer credits
- One shift = one credit
- At least 1 credit must be a VASRA Workday or regatta-day shift
🌸 Spring Break Schedule
The spring break practice schedule below is for both the men’s and women’s teams:
Monday, 3/30: 8:30a – 12:30p
Tuesday, 3/31: 8:30a – 10:45a AND 4 – 6:30p
Wednesday, 4/1: 8:30a – 12:30p
Thursday, 4/2: 8:30a – 10:45a AND 4 – 6:30p
Friday, 4/3: 8:30a – 1p
Sat 4/4 & Sun 4/5: No practice
Regular practice resumes on **4/6**, despite school being closed that day.
🎓 Senior Night – DATE CORRECTED
It seems early to be talking about how our very large group of seniors (14!) will be moving on next year, but planning has already begun.
Parents of seniors — please mark your calendars.
📅 Senior Night
Friday, April 24 at the team dinner
7:00 PM
👉 RSVP here: Senior Night Sign Up Genius
📝 ALLERGY & DIETARY FORM STILL OPEN
We are leaving the allergy and dietary form open until March 26. Please complete the form if your athlete has any allergies or dietary restrictions. If we don’t have your response, we may not be able to accommodate your athlete’s needs.
👉 Fill out form: Team Dinner Dietary Restrictions & Allergies Form
❓Questions? Contact Gloria Totten via Slack
👖LOOKING TO UPGRADE YOUR REGATTA DAY OUTFIT?
Check out the newest addition – sweatpants for $45.00!
Order through Monica (Sportswear Chair) via Slack.
Limited availability but more can be ordered.
If you need more than warm pants, don’t forget about our other branded spirit wear. Browse and buy online:
📷 MEDIA DAY PHOTOS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE
Media day photos can be viewed and purchased through Victor O’Neill via the links below:
Boys Team: https://shop.imagequix.com/s1974936448
Girls Team: https://shop.imagequix.com/s1206143003
Any questions re: these photos should be directed to the Victor O’Neill Studios customer service team at [email protected]
📅 CALENDAR AT-A-GLANCE
✅ Bookmark these dates–your quick reference for the season.
MARCH
Mar 21: Polar Bear Regatta (varsity), Sandy Run – Volunteer HERE
Mar 28: St. Andrews Regatta, Middletown, DE – Volunteer HERE
Mar 30: Spring Break practice 8:30a – 12:30p
Mar 31: Spring Break practice 8:30a – 10:45a AND 4 – 6:30p
APRIL
Apr 1: Spring Break practice 8:30a – 12:30p
Apr 2: Spring Break practice 8:30a – 10:45a AND 4 – 6:30p
Apr 3: Spring Break practice 8:30a – 1p
Apr 4: No practice
Apr 5: No practice
Apr 6: Regular practice schedule resumes (4:15-6:45p)
Apr 10: Athlete team dinner (Cafe B)
Apr 11: Tri-Meet Scrimmage, Anacostia Boathouse, DC
Apr 17: Athlete team dinner (Cafe B)
Apr 18: Ryz Obuchowicz Regatta, Sandy Run – Volunteer HERE.
Apr 24: Senior night at athlete team dinner (Cafe B)
Apr 25: Al Urquia Regatta, Sandy Run – Volunteer HERE.
MAY
May 1: Athlete team dinner (Cafe B)
May 2: Virginia State Champs, Day 1, Sandy Run – Volunteer HERE.
May 8: Athlete team dinner (Cafe B)
May 9: Virginia State Champs, Day 2, Sandy Run – Volunteer HERE.
May 15: Stotesbury (select boats), Philadelphia, PA
May 22: Nationals (qualifiers only), Oak Ridge, TN
🌊 STAY INVOLVED
Recruitment • Sponsors • Spirit Wear • Photos
Follow Us:
📸 Instagram | 📘 Facebook | 🐦 X
💭 QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“Racing is life. Everything else is just waiting.”
— Steve McQueen