Sit back with your favorite beverage or a snack because we have a LOT to share. If you saw last week’s newsletter, you know that things are ramping up quickly. LOTS of official dates, sign up geniuses and information below. Please help us as we help you get a kick start on the season.
If you know someone who might be interested in learning more about our team, feel free to forward them this newsletter, or have them shoot an email to [email protected] to be put on the newsletter distribution list. And don’t forget: you can always find the newsletter archives on our website.
1. SPREAD THE WORD
2. SPORTS PHYSICALS AND WOODSON ATHLETICS REGISTRATION
3. SAVE THE DATES & MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
A. ATHLETE INFORMATION SESSION, WED 9/4, 3p, Room B109
B. GREEN DAYS, MON 9/9, 4:45-6:45p. SIGN UP NOW!
C. NOODLES & CO. RESTAURANT NIGHT, THU 9/19, 4-8p
D. NEW RECRUIT SWIM TEST, SAT 9/21 and SAT 9/28, 11a-12p.
E. PARENT & ATHLETE ORIENTATION, TUES 9/24, 7:30p
F. RENTAL ERG RETURN, SAT 10/19, 10a-12p
G. TAG DAYS, SAT 10/26 and SAT 11/2. SIGN UP NOW.
H. 31st ANNUAL CRAFT SHOW, SAT 11/9
4. WE ARE LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS!
A. VASRA CLEAN-UP DAYS, SAT 8/31, 9/7, 9/14, 9/21, & 9/28
B. SWIM TEST VOLUNTEERS, SAT 9/21 and SAT 9/28, 11a-12p
C. ERG SHED WORKDAY, SAT 10/19, 10a-1p
D. FOOTBALL CONCESSIONS VOLUNTEERS, FRI 10/18
5. SPONSORS
6. CALENDAR AT-A-GLANCE
ACTION ITEMS
- Mark your calendars for the new athlete information session on Wed, Sep 4 at 3:00p in Coach Tylander’s room, B109.
- Sign up for:
– Green Days
– Swim Test (if you’re a new athlete)
– Tag Days
1. SPREAD THE WORD
Recruitment should be at the top of our minds and in full swing! Coach Tylander is hosting an information session for prospective athletes on Wednesday, Sept 4 at 3:00p in his classroom, B109. Bring or send your friends or anyone interested to learn more! You can also direct interested athletes and their parents to our interest form or have them send an email to our membership team at: [email protected].
2. SPORTS PHYSICALS AND WOODSON ATHLETICS REGISTRATION
Remember that all athletes will need a sports physical turned into the Woodson front office before the season begins. Also the Woodson Athletics registration needs to be completed for all athletes. Don’t delay with these critical pieces of information. Take care of it now!3. SAVE THE DATES & MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
A. ATHLETE INFORMATION SESSION, WED 9/4, 3p, Room B109
Have a friend that is interested in learning more about rowing? Bring them to meet Coach Tylander, our Director of Rowing, after school on Wednesday, September 4, Room B109. Coach Tylander will talk a little bit about the requirements for rowing, green days, and more!
B. GREEN DAYS, MON 9/9, 4:45-6:45p. SIGN UP NOW!
Green Days are out of season opportunities for coaches to instruct their student athletes. Rowers and Coxswains are encouraged to attend as many Green Days as possible. For more information, visit our Green Days FAQ.
Green days begin September 9 and will take place after school, from 4:45p-6:45p, at Sandy Run Regional Park (10450 Van Thompson Road, Fairfax Station, VA). Participants are responsible for their own transportation, and carpooling is highly recommended.
Green Days Schedule:
Sep 9 – Sep 26: Mondays and Thursdays
Sep 30 – Oct 29: Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays
BEFORE participating, all athletes MUST (without exception) have:
- A VHSL physical dated after May 1, 2024, on file with the Woodson Athletic trainers.
- Completed a swim test, AND
- Submitted the Woodson Activity Registration.
First-time athletes (those who have NOT previously been on the water in a Woodson Rowing boat) should register for their first day on the water on a MONDAY in order to receive a more thorough orientation. After your first day, you are welcome to come on any and all days that fit your schedule. Let us know what days you will be attending on the Green Days Sign Up.
C. NOODLES & CO. RESTAURANT NIGHT, THU 9/19, 4-8p
Feed friends and family all while benefiting the team on Thursday, September 19 from 4-8pm at Noodles & Company, 10296 Main Street. Valid for pickup, delivery and in-restaurant. Let’s make our first, of many, restaurant nights a successful one! Please mention you are supporting the fundraiser or use “GIVING25” in the Coupon Code line at online checkout or via the Noodles Rewards app.
D. NEW RECRUIT SWIM TEST, SAT 9/21 and SAT 9/28, 11a-12p. SIGN UP NOW.
Swim Tests are scheduled for September 21st and September 28 from 11a-12p at Audrey Moore Rec Center, 8100 Braddock Road, Annandale, VA. Let us know you’re coming by signing up here: Swim Test Sign Up.
Every new rower and coxswain is required to pass a swim test certified by a Woodson Rowing Coach prior to participating in green days and on-the-water practices. Passage of this test is required only once so if you have completed a swim test in prior seasons, you don’t need to do it again.
The swim test consists of:
- 100 yard swim, any stroke or combination of strokes, in a swimsuit and;
- two minutes of treading water with clothes on to simulate a boat capsizing during cold water practice. Clothing should be a long-sleeved shirt and long pants (sweatpants or leggings are acceptable).
- Putting on a personal flotation device (life vest) while in the water.
E. PARENT & ATHLETE ORIENTATION/INFORMATION SESSION, TUES 9/24, 7:30p
New and returning parents and athletes, join us for an information session on the 2024-2025 season of Woodson Rowing, Wednesday, September 27 in Woodson Cafe A, starting at 7:30p. We’ll walk through the plan for the upcoming season, go over dues, transportation, winter conditioning, uniforms and preview what happens on the water in the spring. Bring anyone who is interested in learning more about our sport.
F. RENTAL ERG RETURN, SAT 10/19, 10a-12p
Athletes – keep on erg-ing!! Erg rental return will take place on SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19, 10a-12p. Location will be the erg shed at the back of the school (near the senior parking lot). Stick around to help with the erg shed workday and get some volunteer credits started! Erg Shed Workday Sign Up
G. TAG DAYS, SAT 10/26 and SAT 11/2. SIGN UP NOW.
Tag Days are the Woodson Rowing team’s most important fundraiser of the year. The dates for Tag Days are set in conjunction with all of the teams/clubs at Woodson. For this season, Woodson Rowing has been assigned Saturday, October 26 and Saturday, November 2 as our authorized Tag Days. Please sign up here – we need all hands on deck to make this event work!! Stay tuned for more information as the dates get closer, but if you have general questions please see our Tag Days webpage for information.
H. 31st ANNUAL CRAFT SHOW, SAT 11/9
Our annual craft show is back! Mark your calendars now for Saturday, November 9, 2024 from 10a-4p. Set up for the event will begin Friday, November 8 and we will need all hands on deck to make it a success! Planning has already begun and a signup genius for volunteers will come out soon. Helping out at set-up, the day of, and SHOPPING are all ways to help out this large fundraiser for our team.
We are always looking for new and returning VENDORS for the Craft Show! Please contact any artisans/crafters/makers in your life and let them know you’d love to see their wares on site at Woodson. All Vendors can sign up here: 2024 Craft Show Vendor Registration.
4. WE ARE LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS!
Be the first to get your volunteer credits knocked out before the season even begins! Lots of opportunities to get involved now or as the season progresses. There are options for every schedule and every skill level. Never tried a particular task before? No worries – there will always be people on hand to guide and help. Remember, many hands make light work. Now, let’s get to it!
A. VASRA CLEAN-UP DAYS, SAT 8/31, 9/7, 9/14, 9/21, & 9/28
Sign up here: VASRA Work Days Sign Up
VASRA needs our help! Get some volunteering in early and help prep the race course and surrounds for the upcoming season. No experience necessary. Each school is expected to send one volunteer for each clean up day; e.g. 4 or more Woodson volunteers total. The current dates are: August 31 and September 7, 14, 21, and 28.
Curious what clean up days entail? Here’s the info straight from VASRA:
August 31 Pre Work Day: For persons who are up for fairly strenuous activity who are comfortable on the water and willing to get dirty. Only 8 persons per shift required. This will involve pulling the majority of the course lines
7 September Work Day #1: Pull any remaining lane lines. Cleaning; this activity involves the removal and cleaning of lane lines and buoys that have been in the water since February, they have algae, fish eggs and other organic matter attached. Refurbishing and respooling lane lines.
All these activities are messy, dirty, smelly work. Dress in your worst gardening gear, but make sure to have fully covered shoes, not flip flops.
Work Days #2 – #4: Should be primarily cleaning and refurbishing in preparation for the 2025 season. Though there may be some anchors that need to be pulled.
Make sure you note your affiliation with Woodson here: VASRA Work Days Sign Up
B. SWIM TEST VOLUNTEERS, SAT 9/21 and SAT 9/28, 11a-12p
Each day of the swim test (11a-12p on Sat., Sep 21 and Sat., Sep 28) we need one parent volunteer to help the coaches with logistics. You do not need to have any experience to take on this position – just a willingness to help things run smoothly. Sign up on the swim test sign up genius: Swim Test Sign Up
C. ERG SHED WORKDAY, SAT 10/19, 10a-1p
This is for you ESPECIALLY if you rented an erg for use over the winter! Turn in your erg and then help service all of our units – and get the erg shed cleaned up and in order before winter conditioning kicks off. Saturday, October 19 from 10a-1p. Sign up here: Erg Shed Workday Sign Up.
D. FOOTBALL CONCESSIONS VOLUNTEERS, FRI 10/18
Each season, Woodson Crew is responsible for working the concession stand at a Woodson Football game. Woodson Rowing is responsible for staffing concessions for the homecoming football game on Fri., October 18. There are two shifts – 6:15-8:00 and 8:00-9:45 PM. We need 9 volunteers for each shift. This is a fun opportunity to get some volunteer credits early AND get to watch the game. Sign up here: Football Concessions Sign Up.
5. SPONSORS
As we embark on a new rowing season, we want to extend a hearty thank you to our 2024 sponsors. Their generous donations enabled us to focus on our most important asset: Our Athletes. When surveying the vast number of vendors in our area, please consider these local businesses first. If you’re interested in finding out how you can become a sponsor of our state and nationally ranked team, visit our website at https://woodsonrowing.org/sponsors/
GOLD level sponsors
Main Street Home Loans – Ana Tolentino is a mortgage industry leader with 18 years of experience committed to helping families purchase a home. Licensed in Virginia, Maryland, DC, Florida and North Carolina. Ana is also mom to coxswain Alessia!!
William Westman and Associates, LLC – boutique consulting firm.
FPP Wealth Advisors – serving multigenerational families in innovative ways, helping them plan for what matters most. With their experience and personalized approach, they aim to make your financial journey a seamless and rewarding experience.
VAA Construction – Contact Victor Argueta at 703-350-6453 to discuss your project today!
Tango Pet Depot – Every imaginable premium pet food, treats, pet accessories and more! If they don’t have it – they will get it for you. Veterinarian Juan Castro is the father of rower Bianca Castro!
Gute Leute Coffee Bar – A Korea-based coffee chain in Ballston (800 N. Glebe Road). The cafe’s menu offers a variety of teas and coffee drinks, including espressos and lattes. A unique highlight is a weekend-only, three-course tasting event, available only with a reservation. Sang Moon, co-owner of Gute Lute is father to rower Alex Moon!
SILVER level sponsors
Kilroy’s and The Electric Palm – Hometown favorite restaurants for friends and family.
BRONZE level sponsors
Blaisdell Wealth Management – Everything you need to help you raise the bar when it comes to your financial affairs.
Donovan & Wagner, P.C. – Donovan & Wagner has been a proud sponsor for many years. Please visit them for any of your accounting needs.
Insura Pro Advisors – Independent Insurance Broker that offers Property, Auto & Life Insurance products.
Supertravelistic – Specializing in Disney vacations, they can help with all your travel needs! Owner Tre Krupnick is the mom of rower Cooper Krupnick!
Titan Title – an innovative approach in a traditional industry. We transform the settlement experience by leveraging the best of technology, a vast industry experience and customer insights
Once again, a big THANK YOU to our current sponsors for helping us lay the foundation for another successful season!
6. CALENDAR AT-A-GLANCE
This calendar is constantly updated as events are added. Scroll here for a quick rundown of what’s up and coming. Where relevant and/or available, links are provided for more information.
SEPTEMBER:
- Wed, 9/4: NEW athlete information meeting, 3p, Room B109
- Sat, 9/7: VASRA work day
- Mon, 9/9: Green Days begin at Sandy Run, 4:45p
- Sat, 9/14: VASRA work day
- Thu, 9/19: Noodles & Co. restaurant fundraiser, 4-8p
- Sat, 9/21: Swim test for new athletes, 11a-12p at Audrey Moore Rec
- Sat, 9/21: VASRA work day
- Tue, 9/24: Parent & athlete information meeting, 7:30p, Woodson Cafe A
- Sat, 9/28: Swim test for new athletes, 11a-12p at Audrey Moore Rec
- Sat, 9/28: VASRA work day
OCTOBER:
- Fri, 10/18: Football concessions volunteers needed
- Sat, 10/19: Erg Shed Work Day and return rented ergs, 10a-1p
- Sat, 10/26: First Tag Day
- Tue, 10/29: Final Green Day, 4:45p
NOVEMBER:
- Sat, 11/2: 2nd Tag Day
- Fri, 11/8: Set up for the craft show, details TBD
- Sat., 11/9: 31st Annual Craft Show, 10a-4p
DECEMBER:
- Mon, 12/2: Winter Conditioning Begins
JANUARY 2025:
- Winter Conditioning will continue.
FEBRUARY:
- Fri, 2/21: last day of Winter Conditioning
- Tue, 2/25: first day of on-the-water practice!
MARCH:
- Fri, 3/21: First team dinner, directly after practice, place TBD
- Sat, 3/22: Polar Bear Regatta (Varsity Only), Sandy Run