April 18, 2024 – Ryz Obuchowicz Special

This weekend is the Ryz Obuchowicz Regatta at Sandy Run. This regatta is named after a local legend, Ryszard “Ryz” Obuchowicz, who was recognized by USRowing in 2007 as the recipient of the Julian Wolf Award for his contributions to rowing. It looks like beautiful weather for racing, with partly sunny skies and the temperature between 65-70 degrees by race time. Please keep in mind that the grandstands are generally not covered. Spectators and athletes should, as always, be prepared for all weather (to include blazing sun).

1. TEAM DINNER, FRIDAY APRIL 19
2. REGATTA VOLUNTEERS ALWAYS NEEDED
3. RYZ OBUCHOWICZ REGATTA THIS SATURDAY, APRIL 20
A. ATTENDANCE
B. OFF-SITE PARKING FOR SPECTATORS
C. ONSITE PARKING
4. PLEASE SHARE YOUR PHOTOS AND VIDEOS
5. MASON INVITATIONAL VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY, 4/21
6. AT-A-GLANCE AND OTHER LINKS

  1. TEAM DINNER, FRIDAY APRIL 19
    Friday Night Team Dinner will be in Cafeteria B at Woodson. There is still ONE volunteer slot available for Chaperone and Clean Up. Please sign up here.

The dinner is for athletes only and will be served around 7:15p. Catering is provided by Noodles & Co. The tentative menu is as follows:

  • Spaghetti (Meatballs on the side)
  • Mac & Cheese (Meatballs on the side)
  • Pesto Cavatappi (Parmesan chicken on the side)
  • Bread
  • Gluten free items

 For your ease, here is the Noodles & Co. website for allergen information: https://noodles.mymenuhd.com/MyMenu/Allergen

Also provided from Costco:

  • Salad (dressings are on the side)
  • Dessert (usually cookies + a gluten-free option)

Other items of note:

  • NO DRINKS WILL BE PROVIDED. Athletes should bring refillable water bottles.
  • All athletes must plan to help clean up before leaving. Plan to pick up athletes around 8:30p
  1. REGATTA VOLUNTEERS ALWAYS NEEDED
    Gentle reminder that if you sign up, you’re expected to volunteer. If it is a regatta weekend and you are unable to fulfill your duties, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Lisa Veigel, so that she can try to help you find a replacement for your shift.

All volunteer slots for the regatta this weekend are full. THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS! Sign up here to help at future regattas (we do still have some open slots during each day of States that will need to be filled).

REMINDER TO ALL REGATTA VOLUNTEERS: You will be required to sign an acknowledgement form (located at the sign-in table) indicating that you are aware of the USRowing Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies (MAAPP) and how to report a potential violation of these policies. In order to save time on the day of your shift, please review this policy ahead of time so that you can quickly sign the required acknowledgement and head to your post. Please reach out to Lisa Veigel, Volunteer Coordinator, with any questions.  Thanks for your help and diligence in protecting our athletes.

  1. RYZ OBUCHOWICZ REGATTA THIS SATURDAY, APRIL 20
    Stay tuned to Slack for specific race times, which will be finalized and shared with coaches late tonight. According to the tentative event list, varsity boats will race first, with novice boats closing out the racing of the day. Athletes should anticipate hearing more about specific timing by tomorrow.

Feel free to check here for general regatta information:
Regatta Central
VASRA website

A. ATTENDANCE: Unless told otherwise by a coach, athletes are advised to be at the boathouse no later than two hours before their scheduled race, and coxswains must be there for the coxswain’s meeting. More specific timing information will be communicated via Slack as it becomes available.

B. OFF-SITE PARKING FOR SPECTATORS: There is no spectator/visitor parking at Sandy Run. Off-site parking is located at a local commuter parking lot for this regatta.

  • Parents driving athletes can drop off at Sandy Run and then proceed to the off-site parking located at:
    SOUTH COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL
    8501 Silverbrook Rd., Lorton, VA 22079
  • Shuttle buses will run between South County High School and Lot C at Sandy Run. The cost of the shuttles is $15 CASH, round trip, paid upon boarding at South County. Athletes in uniform can ride the shuttle for free. Families should plan for a 15-20 minute hike to the grandstand.
  • There is an ADDITIONAL shuttle bus that runs from Lot C to the finish line for those who are not able to make the 1 mile hike to the grandstands. Please be aware that even with this method, there is a short walk from the finish line to the grandstands. Please plan accordingly. Cost is $5 CASH each way.
  • The shuttles are scheduled to begin at 7:00 am (2 hours before the first race) and will conclude running from Sandy Run NLT 1 hour after the last race.

C. ONSITE PARKING: Onsite parking is limited to the groups below only. There is no fee for these groups to park at Sandy Run.

  • ATHLETES: Loisvale Lot. Plan for the 10 minute walk to the boathouse!
  • VOLUNTEERS: Lot D.
  • COACHES: Lot D. Please display your green coach hangtag.
  • STAFF / LOC: Lot B, second row from the back.
  • HANDICAPPED: Lot C, as designated. It is requested that you contact [email protected] prior to the regatta to ensure all accommodations can be met.

Get ready to PULL FOR WOODSON this weekend and we will see the student-athletes at the pre-regatta dinner tomorrow night!


4. PLEASE SHARE YOUR PHOTOS AND VIDEOS
Thank you to so many parents and athletes who are taking photos and videos at practice and regattas! Find the EASY UPLOAD LINKS for all your 2024 photos on our website: Woodson Rowing photo upload links.

Questions, problems or photos from previous years to upload? Contact our team photographer, Colin, via Slack or email ([email protected]).


5. MASON INVITATIONAL VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY, 4/21
VASRA is looking for volunteers for Mason Invitational this Sunday, April 21. See a collegiate regatta up close and satisfy your VASRA volunteer requirement at the same time. Athletes are also encouraged to volunteer. See the Sign Up Genius for more information: Mason Invitational.


6. AT-A-GLANCE AND OTHER LINKS
On-the-water practice – click the link for schedule, logistics and more!
2024 Racing Schedule

APRIL

  • Fri. 4/19: Team dinner. Athletes & Volunteers. Woodson Cafe B, 7p.
  • Sat. 4/20: Ryz Obuchowicz Regatta, Sandy Run
  • Wed. 4/24: Panera restaurant fundraiser, 4-8p
  • Fri. 4/26: SENIOR NIGHT & Team dinner. Woodson Cafe B, 7p.
  • Sat. 4/27: Al Urquia Regatta, Sandy Run

MAY

  • Wed. 5/1: tentative Stotesbury Q&A meeting. Details TBD.
  • Fri. 5/3: Team dinner. Truro Clubhouse (note new location).
  • Sat. 5/4: Virginia State Championship (Day 1), Sandy Run
  • Fri. 5/10: Last Team dinner. Cafe B, directly after practice.
  • Sat. 5/11: Virginia State Championship (Day 2), Sandy Run
  • Fri-Sat. 5/17-18: Stotesbury Cup Regatta, Philadelphia, PA
  • Fri-Sat. 5/24-25: SRAA National Championships Regatta, Camden, NJ
        (Only qualifying boats attend.)