Program Overview
The Woodson Rowing Program is a club sport affiliated with Woodson High School in Fairfax, Virginia. The core philosophy of Woodson Rowing is teaching student-athletes how to achieve excellence through discipline, hard work, and perseverance. This is done by providing a structured, safe, and comfortable environment for them to interact and learn about the sport. Opportunities are provided for students with a wide range of athletic abilities to become highly trained, competitive, and successful student-athletes. Team members build strength and endurance, develop time-management and self-discipline skills, and gain the confidence that comes with being a student-athlete.
Program Goals
Rowing is a sport of discipline and teamwork where each student-athlete learns to synchronize their movements in perfect harmony with one another on the water. Woodson Rowing follows a student-athlete centered and coach driven structure. The coaching staff maintains a competitive environment, one where the athletes want to win races, but realize this goal intrinsically.
Specific program goals include:
- To field as many competitive boats in as many categories as feasible
- To have the maximum number of boats reach finals and medal in the Virginia Scholastic Rowing Championships (VSRC)
- To enter competitive lineups at the annual Stotesbury Cup Regatta in Philadelphia, PA.*
- To qualify the maximum number of boats to race in the Scholastic Rowing Association of America (SRAA) National Championships*
* NOTE: There are currently no Novice, 2nd Four, or 3rd Eight categories at the Stotesbury Cup Regatta or SRAA National Championships. Race entries are made at the discretion of the Woodson Rowing Head Coach.
C.G. Woodson High School Rowing Boosters Association, Inc.
The C.G. Woodson High School Rowing Boosters Association, Inc. (aka “the Association”) is an incorporated, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) that was established to support the Woodson High School Rowing Program. The Association is governed through formal by-laws, which may be found on the By-Laws page. The Association is managed by a Board of Directors and Committee Chairpersons. Members of the Board of Directors are elected by voting members of the Association at the Annual Association Meeting held in late spring. Voting members of the Association include parents/guardians of Woodson Rowing student-athletes. Non-voting members include, but are not limited to, the Woodson coaching staff, the Principal, and the Director of Student Activities (DSA).
Board of Directors responsibilities include, but are not limited to, hiring coaches, fundraising, financial management, logistical support, the purchase and maintenance of program equipment, and, of course, staffing the Woodson Rowing cheering section at regattas. The Board is NOT a supervisory body responsible for the day-to-day management of the coaching staff, training program, or student-athlete boat assignments. The Board of Directors hosts a monthly board meeting where all members are welcome and encouraged to attend. See the weekly emails for details.
Season Overview – 3 phases
PHASE 1: Fall Experience “Green Days”
In accordance with VHSL Rule 27-8-1 (“Out of Season Practice Rule”), per FCPS guidelines and with the approval of the Woodson DSA, the Woodson Rowing Program is authorized up to 34 Experience Days or “Green Days.” These “on-the-water” sessions focus on rowing familiarization, drills, and technique, and will typically be scheduled in the fall. A program cannot use more than six Green Days in a 14 day period. Participation and registration requirements are detailed in Section 3 of this Handbook and on the Woodson Rowing website. All workouts are voluntary and open to any bona fide Woodson High School student. Attendance is taken for liability purposes, but attendance will not affect the selection of spring lineups. There are no associated fees with these fall sessions. Student-Athletes in season with another Woodson sport should not participate without approval of both coaches and the Woodson Director of Student Activities (DSA). Practice transportation to and from the Occoquan is the responsibility of parents/guardians.
Questions about Green Days? See our Green Days FAQ.
PHASE 2: Winter Conditioning
Winter conditioning is normally held each day after school beginning in November and continuing through mid-February. The purpose of winter conditioning is to build fitness, technical skills, and foster team spirit. Conditioning consists of ergometer training, weight lifting, running and circuit training. Participation and registration requirements are detailed in Section 3 of the Handbook. Attendance at conditioning is voluntary and open to any bona fide Woodson High School student, as long as they have completed a physical that is on-file with the activities office. Attendance is taken for liability purposes, but attendance will not affect the selection of spring lineups. History shows that the student-athletes who participate in conditioning or other winter sports are best prepared for the competitive season. Our program strongly encourages our student-athletes to stay active outside of the spring racing season. There are no associated fees with winter conditioning. Student-Athletes in season with another Woodson sport should not participate in these out-of-season workouts without approval of both coaches and the DSA.
PHASE 3: Spring Racing Season
The Spring Racing or “on-the-water” season officially begins mid-February and runs through the end of May. Participation, registration, and transportation requirements are detailed in Section 3 of the Handbook. Practice during the spring season is held every day after school and on Saturdays. All practices are held at the Woodson Boat House at Sandy Run Regional Park. Practice sessions are primarily held on the water in racing shells but may be supplemented on land with ergometers, running, and circuit training. Coaches and/or team captains supervise the student-athletes when on land; however, only coaches supervise student-athletes on the water. Practice attendance throughout the spring racing season is mandatory. When a student-athlete misses practice their lineup cannot practice on the water. For example, an eight-person boat cannot practice with seven rowers. Absences can often be accommodated when a coach is given sufficient advance notice; however, attendance does play a role in the selection of lineups. If a student-athlete misses practices without providing advanced notice they may be removed from the racing lineup.