April 25, 2024 – Senior Night and Al Urquia Special

Tomorrow is our SENIOR NIGHT! We will celebrate our graduating seniors at the team dinner. On Saturday, the Al Urquia regatta will be another day of potential double racing as heats and finals are part of the tentative plan. Prepare for a long-ish day. The forecast currently calls for cloudy with a *slight* chance for rain and a high of 64 degrees. So, it will be on the cooler side for this time of year. As always, spectators and athletes should be prepared for all types of weather.

1. TEAM DINNER and SENIOR NIGHT, FRIDAY APRIL 26
2. REGATTA VOLUNTEERS ALWAYS NEEDED
3. AL URQUIA REGATTA THIS SATURDAY, APRIL 27
A. ATTENDANCE
B. OFF-SITE PARKING FOR SPECTATORS
C. ONSITE PARKING
4. PLEASE SHARE YOUR PHOTOS AND VIDEOS
5. AT-A-GLANCE AND OTHER LINKS

1. TEAM DINNER and SENIOR NIGHT, FRIDAY APRIL 26

      Friday Night Team Dinner will be in Cafeteria B at Woodson. There is still ONE volunteer slot available for Set Up and Chaperone. Please sign up here.

      This team dinner is a special one because we are also celebrating our seniors. We are going to do our best to kick off the festivities right at 7p, so please do your best to be there on time. Principal Greata will be in attendance, so let’s all put on our best manners.

      Catering is provided by Chipotle. The tentative menu is as follows:

      • Chicken, steak, cilantro-lime white rice, fajita vegetables, salsas, sour cream, cheese, beans, lettuce, and flour tortillas all in separate containers.
      • Dessert: Costco cakes and something for the GF people.
      • BYOB. PARENTS ATTENDING TAKE NOTE: We do not provide beverages. There are water refilling stations in the cafeteria, so please plan to bring your own refillable water bottle.

       For your ease, here is the Chipotle website for allergen information: https://www.chipotle.com/allergens

      2. AL URQUIA REGATTA VOLUNTEERS

        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 an open slot on day 1 of States that will need to be filled. It’s for a Stakeboat Holder, which is arguably one of the most fun positions offered during regatta season!

        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.

        3. AL URQUIA REGATTA THIS SATURDAY, APRIL 27

          Stay tuned to Slack for specific race times, which will be finalized and shared with coaches late tonight. 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. AT-A-GLANCE AND OTHER LINKS

                On-the-water practice – click the link for schedule, logistics and more!
                2024 Racing Schedule

                APRIL

                • 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
                  (select boats attend)
                • Fri-Sat. 5/24-25: SRAA National Championships Regatta, Camden, NJ
                      (Only qualifying boats attend.)