Slack is our main hub for quick updates, carpool coordination, and team chatter.
Parents: Email [email protected] with 1️⃣ Your name 2️⃣ Your email 3️⃣ Your athlete’s name
You’ll get an invite link!
Athletes: Coaches will add you to the team Slack. 🧠 Use a non-FCPS email address to join!
This newsletter is our other major information source. If you were forwarded this newsletter or are reading it online and would prefer it to arrive in your inbox, visit https://groups.google.com/g/woodsonrowingupdates/ and ask to join the group.
📅 CALENDAR AT-A-GLANCE October
Oct 23: Final Green Days
Oct 25: 1st Tag Day
Oct 31: Craft Show setup
November
Nov 1: 32nd Annual Craft Show
Nov 7: Football concessions
Nov 8: Boat-house workday
December
Dec 1: Winter Conditioning begins. See schedule here
Slack is our main hub for quick updates, carpool coordination, and team chatter.
Parents: Email [email protected] with 1️⃣ Your name 2️⃣ Your email 3️⃣ Your athlete’s name
You’ll get an invite link!
Athletes: Coaches will add you to the team Slack. 🧠 Use a non-FCPS email address to join!
This newsletter is our other major information source. If you were forwarded this newsletter or are reading it online and would prefer it to arrive in your inbox, visit https://groups.google.com/g/woodsonrowingupdates/ and ask to join the group.
Updates for athletes, parents, and supporters of Woodson Rowing.
We’re testing out a new format to make this newsletter easier to read in your inbox. Have feedback or ideas? We’d love to hear them! Email us at [email protected].
Silent Auction: Commit by October 24. [Sign Up →] HERE
Tag Day: October 25. All athletes & adult drivers needed. [Sign Up →] HERE
Craft Show: We need BAKE SALE items! 👨🏼🍳[Sign Up →] HERE
👉 View all open volunteer shifts Volunteering isn’t just a box to check — it’s a chance to meet other families, share laughs, and be part of something bigger that benefits all our athletes!
💬 In this issue: last chance Green Days!, registration info, required forms, new swag and staying connected
🌊 LAST CHANCE TO GET ON THE WATER!
Let’s face it — “Green Days” sounds more like a band than a rowing event. But they’re actually one of our best recruitment tools! They give new athletes a relaxed chance to try rowing and returning athletes a way to get back in rhythm. Plus, they’re way more fun than winter erging (sorry, erg loyalists 😅).
💬 Talk to friends, classmates, and neighbors — and invite them to try a Green Day. ONLY 3 days left, so let’s fill those boats while we can!
Forms must be submitted EVERY year – new or returning families! We know it feels tedious, but do it now to save yourself some ⏳and avoid 💔. We will only have a limited number on hand at Tag Days.
🔐Direct questions or feedback to Monica, Sportswear Chair. You can also get more info here.
💬 STAY CONNECTED
Slack is our main hub for quick updates, carpool coordination, and team chatter.
Parents: Email [email protected] with 1️⃣ Your name 2️⃣ Your email 3️⃣ Your athlete’s name
You’ll get an invite link!
Athletes: Coaches will add you to the team Slack. 🧠 Use a non-FCPS email address to join!
This newsletter is our other major information source. If you were forwarded this newsletter or are reading it online and would prefer it to arrive in your inbox, visit https://groups.google.com/g/woodsonrowingupdates/ and ask to join the group.
Craft Show: October 31 & November 1. [Sign Up →] HERE
💬 In this issue: recruiting help, fall event reminders, volunteering info, and winter training updates.
1. HELP US FIND OUR FUTURE ROWERS!
Let’s face it — “Green Days” sounds more like a band than a rowing event. But they’re actually one of our best recruitment tools! These sessions give new athletes a relaxed chance to try rowing and returning athletes a way to get back in rhythm. Plus, they’re a lot more fun than winter erging (sorry, erg loyalists).
Because rowing is still a new sport to many high schoolers, our team grows mainly through word-of-mouth. That’s where you come in!
💬 Talk to friends, classmates, and neighbors — and invite them to try a Green Day! After today, there are only 6 left, so let’s fill those boats while we can!
2. SUCCESSFUL PARENT LEARN-TO-ROW
We raised $500 for the team — and some parents now have a whole new respect for what our athletes do after our 2nd annual Parent Learn-to-Row!
Thank you to our nine brave guinea pigs (ahem volunteers) for jumping in. We hope to make this an annual tradition that brings families closer — and maybe recruits a few new fans of the sport along the way!
3. REGISTER YOUR ATHLETE FOR AN EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT
Registration for the 2026 Woodson Rowing season opened on October 1, 2025! Sign up before December 31 to snag the $25 early bird discount.
Need a little help with registration costs? The Occoquan Boat Club (OBC) Julia Shew Memorial Rowing Scholarship offers awards of up to $1,000 for eligible athletes.
It takes a village — and a few volunteer credits! Each family is asked to complete 5 volunteer credits per season. Any unfulfilled credits will be assessed at $200 per credit at the end of the season.
But we hope you’ll see these hours not as a checkbox, but as a chance to meet other families, share laughs, and be part of something bigger than race day.
Time to bring those ergs home! Please return your rented erg on Saturday, Oct 18, from 9–10 a.m. at the erg shed behind the school (near the senior parking lot) so we can prep for winter conditioning.
8. EARLY MORNING LIFTING & GREEN DAYS
Early Morning Lifting Mondays & Wednesdays, 6:30–7:30 a.m. at Woodson (enter through Door 4). All athletes must have a valid sports physical on file before participating.
Green Days Continue! Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 4:45–6:45 p.m. at Sandy Run Regional Park. These relaxed, out-of-season sessions let coaches instruct student athletes in a low-pressure environment.
New athletes should start on a Tuesday for a full orientation before joining any day that fits their schedule. Learn more in our Green Days FAQ.
9. STAY CONNECTED ON SLACK
Slack is how we share quick updates, weather changes, and team logistics. It’s like texting — but more organized!
Parent/Guardian Slack: Join for updates, carpool coordination, and team chatter. To join, email [email protected] with: 1️⃣ Your name 2️⃣ Your email address 3️⃣ Your athlete’s full name
You’ll then receive an invitation from Slack.
Coach/Athlete Slack: Coaches will ensure athletes are added. If your athlete isn’t yet on Slack, remind them to tell a coach at Green Days or lifting. Note: Athletes must use a non-FCPS email address.
10. CALENDAR AT-A-GLANCE
Mark your calendars! Here’s a snapshot of what’s coming up. (Full, regularly updated calendar available here.)
OCTOBER
Green Days — Tues/Wed/Thurs through Oct 23
Sat, Oct 18: Erg rental return & service work day
Thu, Oct 23: Final Green Day, 4:45p
Sat, Oct 25: 1st Tag Day
Fri, Oct 31: Craft Show setup, 5–7p
NOVEMBER
Sat, Nov 1: 32nd Annual Craft Show, 10a–4p
Fri, Nov 7: Football concessions volunteering
Sat, Nov 8: Winterize boats & boathouse workday (details TBD)
“Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.” — Elizabeth Andrews
As life picks up speed and we race toward the holiday season, we want to take a moment to say a heartfelt THANK YOU to all of our volunteers.
Whether you’re a board member, a launch driver, a baker for the Craft Show, or someone who quietly shows up to lend a hand—you make all the difference.
Your time, effort, and energy keep us running, and we truly could not do it without you. Every hour you give matters, and every bit of your work is seen and appreciated.
1. REGISTRATION IS OPEN 2. SCHOLARSHIP FUND 3. ARE YOU A NERVOUS NOVICE? 4. WE NEED YOU! A. *NEW THIS YEAR* SILENT AUCTION B. EVERYONE IS NEEDED FOR TAG DAY, 10/25 C. 32nd ANNUAL CRAFT SHOW, 10/31 and 11/1 5. PLEASE SUBMIT FORMS 6. PWCA NEEDS MORE HELP ON SUN 10/5 7. RENTAL ERG RETURN, SAT 10/18 8. EARLY MORNING WEIGHT LIFTING & GREEN DAYS ONGOING 9. CALENDAR AT-A-GLANCE
WAIT – THERE’S MORE?
ACTION ITEMS
Parent Learn-To-Row on 10/4 is a go! We need parents/guardians interested to sign up HEREby NOON on 10/3 so we can ensure we have enough support. Those who have signed up, stay tuned for a donation link and waiver form.
1. REGISTRATION IS OPEN Hopefully you received yesterday’s newsletter with all the instructions on registering for the team. If you didn’t, find all you need to know at: woodsonrowing.org/registration.
There are multiple benefits to registering early, not the least of which is spending the money now before the holidays creep up! To encourage early registration, there is a $25 discount applied through December 31, 2025.
2. SCHOLARSHIP FUND If the cost of registration is getting you down, consider applying for the Occoquan Boat Club (OBC) Julia Shew Memorial Rowing Scholarship. Scholarships up to $1000 are available to eligible athletes. Details can be found here: https://www.rowobc.org/home/scholarships.
3. ARE YOU A NERVOUS NOVICE? We’ve all been there! If the thought of registration and winter conditioning and the long season is stressing you out, check out the novice tips on our website. These were curated by our current membership chair, Cindy Tomlinson, so reach out to her (or any of us, really!) if you have questions, concerns or need reassurance.
4. WE NEED YOU! Our rowing program runs on the spirit and energy of our families. Volunteering is how we stay connected, support our athletes, and make the season fun for everyone. Whether you’re driving athletes to and fro, helping at regattas, or pitching in behind the scenes, your presence makes a real difference.
Each family is asked to complete 5 volunteer credits per season (or contribute $200 per unfulfilled credit). But our hope is that you’ll see these hours not as a box to check, but as a chance to laugh, meet other families, and be part of something bigger than the races themselves.
With that spirit in mind, here are our current CRITICAL volunteer needs:
A. *NEW THIS YEAR* SILENT AUCTION We are hoping to hold a silent auction this season. Based on past experience with silent auctions, this could be a HUGE fundraiser for the team! In order to make this happen, WE NEED YOUR HELP! We need commitments BY OCTOBER 24. If we get enough volunteers, we can make this happen! Sign up here: Silent Auction Sign Up. Questions? Please reach out to Alexis Sutter or Bahar Salimova via Slack.
B. EVERYONE IS NEEDED FOR TAG DAY, 10/25 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 25 (we are still working with the administration to secure our second day). Please mark your calendars as we need all hands on deck to make this event work. Sign up here: Tag Day Sign Up. Check out our Tag Days webpage for information.
C. 32nd ANNUAL CRAFT SHOW, 10/31 and 11/1 Our annual craft show is back for its 32nd year. This is a very big fundraiser for our team and is also a very important event in our community. Mark your calendars now for Saturday, November 1, 2025 from 10a-4p. Set up for the event will begin Friday, October 31.We have already secured all of our vendors for this prestigious event, so now it comes down to getting the help we need to pull it off. Please sign up to volunteer HERE. Please reach out to Gail Lee via Slack for info.
6. PWCA NEEDS MORE HELP ON SUN 10/5 There are still a lot of spots available to be filled! Satisfy a volunteer requirement AND earn some money for our team!!! The Prince William Crew Association (PWCA) is hosting The Occoquan Challenge and the Regatta is still in need of support to ensure it is run efficiently and safely. The Regatta will make a donation, in the volunteer’s name, to the organization of your choice in the amount of $50 – $100, depending on the position filled. Please indicate in the comments that you would like the donation to go to Woodson Rowing. Sign up HERE.
7. RENTAL ERG RETURN, SAT 10/18 If you rented an erg to stay fit in the off season, it’s time to return it to the team in preparation for winter conditioning. Erg rental return will take place on SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18 from 9-10a. Location will be the erg shed at the back of the school (near the senior parking lot).
8. EARLY MORNING WEIGHT LIFTING & GREEN DAYS ONGOING The coaches are holding early morning lifting sessions at Woodson on Mondays and Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30a. All athletes participating in early morning lift sessions MUST have a valid sports physical on file PRIOR to participation.
Green Days are out of season opportunities for coaches to instruct their student athletes. Sign up to attend on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 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. For more information, visit our Green Days FAQ.
First-time athletes (those who have NOT previously been on the water in a Woodson Rowing boat) should try, if possible, to register for their first day on the water on a TUESDAY 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.
9. 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. Check out and subscribe to our online calendar here: https://woodsonrowing.org/calendar/
Welcome to a special edition newsletter about ALL THINGS REGISTRATION!! The full newsletter will come out tomorrow, but get your athlete registered to take advantage of our early bird discount and feel free to share this newsletters with others so they can take advantage of our no-obligation green days.
1. HOW DO I GET STARTED?
2. ENSURE YOU COMPLETE ALL THE STEPS! FIRST STEP: Register and pay for Woodson Rowing. SECOND STEP: Complete the Woodson High School Activity Registration THIRD STEP: Complete Required Forms
A $25 discounted early bird pricing is in effect until December 31, 2025. Don’t delay to take advantage of this discount.
2. ENSURE YOU COMPLETE ALL THE STEPS! Registration is a multi-step process. All parts are vital to ensure your athlete’s eligibility to participate in crew. Some items are required for winter conditioning, but ALL are required prior to on-the-water practice. To ensure your athlete is eligible to participate in all aspects of training, please follow the guidance provided below.
If you have more than one student-athlete competing for Woodson Rowing this season, please note that you will only be able to register one rower at a time. After registering your first rower, you will be given the opportunity to link back to the homepage to register your second rower. There is a $50 sibling discount added on-top of the early bird discount, so it’s worth it to get them all registered at the same time.
SECOND STEP: Complete the Woodson High School Activity Registration
This is a separate registration required for all athletes at Woodson with required concussion training. If your athlete has already participated in another sport at Woodson this year, you may have already completed this step.
THIRD STEP: Complete Required Forms
VHSL Physical form. The VHSL Physical form is REQUIRED prior to beginning winter conditioning. If this has not already been completed for another sport, please do so as soon as possible! The appropriate form can be found on the Woodson Athletics website. The Rowing team does not keep a separate file or copy of the form. Click here for instructions on how to submit your completed forms.
FCPS Travel Forms: These forms allow students and parents to drive athletes to regattas and other events related to crew. Please fill out one driver form for each possible driver (student, parents, step-parents, etc.). The 3 forms can be found on the Woodson Rowing website at: https://woodsonrowing.org/physicals-and-required-documents-for-rowers/
NEW PROCEDURE ALERT: Emailed/electronic copies of the forms ARE accepted this year. Completed forms should be emailed to the Woodson Rowing Membership Chair, Cindy at: [email protected]
4. TRY ROWING WITH NO OBLIGATION – GREEN DAYS!! Not sure you’re ready to register but want to know what rowing is all about? Green Days are happening now through October 23! It’s the perfect opportunity to get hooked on rowing with no financial obligation!
Green Days are out of season opportunities for coaches to instruct their student athletes. Sign up to attend on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 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. For more information, visit our Green Days FAQ.
First-time athletes (those who have NOT previously been on the water in a Woodson Rowing boat) should try, if possible, to register for their first day on the water on a TUESDAY 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.
If you are a new athlete and have NOT completed a swim test, don’t fret. We will be planning more. Please send an email to [email protected] so that we know whether we need to hold another swim test during green days. Otherwise, we will hold another test closer to on-the-water practice in February.
Don’t skip Green Days just because you haven’t done your swim test, either. Feel free to show up on Tuesday and talk to the coaches. They may be able to get you in a boat with a life vest so that you can try it out!
5. JOIN SLACK Slack is a communications tool combining the best elements of text messaging and email. We use Slack for more immediate communications than this newsletter. There are 2 separate Slack spaces: one for coach and athlete communications and a separate space for parent/guardian communications.
Parent / Guardian Slack: In addition to push notifications for team related information such as weather or other cancellations, Slack creates a space for parents to be able to coordinate carpools, and other team related logistics. If you are a parent or guardian and are not yet on Slack, please send an email to [email protected] with the following information: (1) your name, (2) your email address, and (3) the full name of your athlete. Once your request is processed, you will receive a separate invite link from Slack to join. There is an app you may download on your mobile devices to access Slack or you may log-in using any browser.
Coach / Athlete Slack: Coaches will ensure that all athletes are added to this Slack space. Athletes not currently on Slack should let coaches know at green days or optional strength training. Please note that you must have a NON-FCPS email to join this space. Parents and guardians do not have direct access to this space. This is your athlete’s responsibility and an opportunity for them to learn to communicate more readily and effectively with their teammates and coaches.
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. Check out and subscribe to our online calendar here: https://woodsonrowing.org/calendar/
As always – a news filled newsletter! Get comfy and catch up on what’s going on with Woodson Rowing. Have extra time on your hands? You can always find the newsletter archives on our website.
1. REGISTRATION OPENS NEXT WEEK! 2. EARLY MORNING WEIGHT LIFTING & GREEN DAYS ONGOING 3. PARENT INFO SESSION SLIDES 5. *NEW* PARENT LEARN TO ROW, SAT, 10/4 6. UNIQUE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY, SUN 10/5 7. RENTAL ERG RETURN, SAT 10/18 8. SIGN UP FOR TAG DAY, SAT 10/25 9. WE NEED HELP FOR THE 32nd ANNUAL CRAFT SHOW, SAT 11/1 10. VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES 11. SCHOLARSHIP FUND 12. CALENDAR AT-A-GLANCE WAIT – THERE’S MORE?
ACTION ITEMS
ALL ATHLETES: new and returning, meet on Monday, 9/29, 3p, room B109.
PARENTS/GUARDIANS: Sign up for parent learn-to-row event on 10/4 HERE
1. REGISTRATION OPENS NEXT WEEK! There are a lot of steps that athletes need to take to participate in sports at Woodson. We know. In an attempt to clear up any confusion, here is a short primer. Follow the directions below and you’ll be set up for success. All of the below can be done BEFORE registration with the team opens on October 1, 2025.
A. ALL ATHLETES (new AND returning) Whether this is your first time doing athletics with Woodson or your 4th year, you must have the following on file BEFORE you’re allowed to participate in any activity with the team:
A valid sports physical on file with the Woodson athletic trainers. Instructions for filing HERE.
Fill out the Woodson Athletics registration. Once you create an account and/or log in, scroll down to the bottom of the sports list and locate “FCPS Physical Activities Crew – Crew Boys (spring)” or FCPS Physical Activities Crew – Crew Girls (spring)” and select the appropriate category. Then follow the instructions to fill out the remainder of the form.
Fill out the THREE (3) forms under the “FCPS Transportation Forms” header on the Woodson Rowing website HERE. Submit those forms to our Membership Chair.
B. NEW TO ROWING: SWIM TEST REQ’D We have already held 2 swim tests. If you are a new athlete and have NOT completed a swim test, don’t fret. We will be planning more. Please send an email to [email protected] so that we know whether we need to hold another swim test during green days. Otherwise, we will hold another test closer to on-the-water practice in February.
Don’t skip Green Days just because you haven’t done your swim test, either. Feel free to show up on Tuesday and talk to the coaches. They may be able to get you in a boat with a life vest so that you can try it out!
2. EARLY MORNING WEIGHT LIFTING & GREEN DAYS ONGOING The coaches are holding early morning lifting sessions at Woodson on Mondays and Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30a. All athletes participating in early morning lift sessions MUST have a valid sports physical on file PRIOR to participation.
Green Days are out of season opportunities for coaches to instruct their student athletes. Sign up to attend on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 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. For more information, visit our Green Days FAQ.
First-time athletes (those who have NOT previously been on the water in a Woodson Rowing boat) should try, if possible, to register for their first day on the water on a TUESDAY 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.
3. PARENT INFO SESSION SLIDES We had a productive information session for returning and new parents and athletes last week. If you could not attend or want to look over the materials at your own pace, check out the slide deck here.
4. NEXT ATHLETE INFORMATION SESSION, MON 9/29 Coach Bryan Tylander held an information session for new athletes at Woodson on 9/10 after school. If you’re a prospective athlete and you missed it, NO WORRIES! Track down Coach in his classroom (B109) or come to the NEXT meeting on Monday, September 29 in room B109.
5. *NEW* PARENT LEARN TO ROW, SAT, 10/4 We would like to gauge interest in a Parent Learn to Row session on Saturday, 10/4. If there are enough willing to participate, we will ask for a $50 donation to the team to participate. Last year’s event was a lot of fun (and humbling for the parents involved)! Coaches will teach willing parents/guardians the techniques. There will be 6 adults and 2 athletes per boat so you won’t be going it alone. SIGN UP HERE.
6. UNIQUE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY, SUN 10/5 The Prince William Crew Association (PWCA) is hosting The Occoquan Challenge and the Regatta is still in need of support to ensure it is run efficiently and safely. The Regatta will make a donation, in the volunteer’s name, to the organization of your choice in the amount of $50 – $100, depending on the position filled. Please indicate in the comments if you would like the donation to go to Woodson Rowing or the PWCA Scholarship Fund. Sign up HERE.
7. RENTAL ERG RETURN, SAT 10/18 Athletes – keep on erg-ing!! Erg rental return will take place on SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18 from 9-10a. Location will be the erg shed at the back of the school (near the senior parking lot).We also need volunteers to help service our fleet of ergs, so sign up to help here: Erg Workday.
8. SIGN UP FOR TAG DAY, SAT 10/25 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 25 (we are still working with the administration to secure our second day). Please mark your calendars as we need all hands on deck to make this event work. Sign up here: Tag Day Sign Up. Check out our Tag Days webpage for information.
9. WE NEED HELP FOR THE 32nd ANNUAL CRAFT SHOW, SAT 11/1 Our annual craft show is back for its 32nd year. This is a very big fundraiser for our team and is also a very important event in our community. Mark your calendars now for Saturday, November 1, 2025 from 10a-4p. Set up for the event will begin Friday, October 31 and we will need all hands on deck to make it a success! We have already secured all of our vendors for this prestigious event, so now it comes down to getting the help we need to pull it off. Please sign up to volunteer HERE.
ALSO, as noted below, we are actively seeking someone to shadow our current craft show coordinator, Gail Lee, because her athlete will be graduating this year. This position directly supports our fundraising efforts and has been a major part of our team’s community representation for decades. Please reach out to Gail via Slack for info.
10. VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES Part and parcel of being on Woodson Rowing means volunteering. Throughout the year/season there will be ample opportunities to get involved and to earn volunteer credits for your family, at a pace and time that is most convenient for you. Athletes that volunteer will, more often than not, be able to get service credits for any time they spend volunteering. The team tracks participation by assigning “credits” each time a family or athlete volunteers. One shift (regardless of the duration of the shift) = one credit.
Each family is required to do 5 volunteer shifts/credits (e.g., a Fri night dinner, boathouse workday, football concessions, tag day, craft fair, etc.), at least one of which should be a VASRA task (e.g. one of the jobs at the regattas or one of the VASRA workdays).
Athletes are also expected to volunteer as their schedule and studies allow.
Failure to meet your volunteer credits by the end of the season will result in a $200 per credit charge. Questions about the status of your family’s fulfillment of volunteer requirements should be sent to our Volunteer Coordinator.
11. SCHOLARSHIP FUND If you’re already thinking about the financial output that comes with participating in a high school sport, consider applying for the Occoquan Boat Club (OBC) Julia Shew Memorial Rowing Scholarship. Scholarships up to $1000 are available to eligible athletes. Details can be found here: https://www.rowobc.org/home/scholarships.
12. 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. Check out and subscribe to our online calendar here: https://woodsonrowing.org/calendar/
SEPTEMBER: Green Days T, W, Th through Oct 23 Mon, 9/29: returning student interest meeting, 3p, Woodson, Rm B109 Tue, 9/30: Board meeting via Zoom, contact President for more info
OCTOBER Sat, Oct 4: TENTATIVE Parent learn to row fundraiser Sun, Oct 5: Occoquan Chase regatta volunteer opportunities Sat, 10/18: erg rental return and service work day Thu, 10/23: final Green Day, 4:45p Sat, 10/25: 1st Tag Day Fri, Oct 31: Set up for the craft show, details TBD
Thanks to those of you that attended the parent interest meeting yesterday. If there is interest in having another meeting (since sometimes its just easier to talk things out in person), please contact us at [email protected] or reach out on Slack!
Curious or have time on your hands? You can always find the newsletter archives on our website.
1. TONIGHT! THERE’S STILL TIME! NOODLES & CO, 4-8PM 2. REGISTRATION OPENS 10/1 – GET FORMS DONE NOW! A. ALL ATHLETES (new AND returning) B. NEW TO ROWING ATHLETES: SWIM TEST REQ’D 3. EARLY MORNING WEIGHT LIFTING TIME CHANGE 4. GREEN DAYS ONGOING 5. PARENT INFO SESSION SLIDES 6. WOODSON ATHLETIC BOOSTER GOLF TOURNAMENT, MON 9/22 7. NEXT ATHLETE INFORMATION SESSION, MON 9/29 8. UNIQUE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY, SUN 10/5 9. RENTAL ERG RETURN, SAT 10/18 10. SIGN UP FOR TAG DAY, SAT 10/25 11. WE NEED HELP FOR THE 32nd ANNUAL CRAFT SHOW, SAT 11/1 12. VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES 13. BOARD AND CHAIRPERSON POSITIONS AVAILABLE A. BOARD SECRETARY B. CRAFT SHOW CHAIR 14. SCHOLARSHIP FUND 15. CALENDAR AT-A-GLANCE
WAIT – THERE’S MORE?
ACTION ITEMS
NEW ATHLETES: Swim test on Saturday. Sign up and more info: HERE
ALL ATHLETES: let the coaches know you’re coming by signing for Green Days
1. TONIGHT! THERE’S STILL TIME! NOODLES & CO, 4-8PM What’s for dinner?! Set up your order online as you’re coming home from Green Days (or just stop by on your way back home). No need to plan, shop or cook! Visit or order from Noodles & Company, 10296 Main Street between 4-8p. Benefit the team with your purchase AND be your family’s hero. Valid for pickup and in-restaurant. Please mention you are supporting the fundraiser or use “GIVING25” in the Coupon Code line at online checkout or via the Noodles Rewards app.
2. REGISTRATION OPENS 10/1 – GET FORMS DONE NOW! There are a lot of steps that athletes need to take to participate in sports at Woodson. We know. In an attempt to clear up any confusion, here is a short primer. Follow the directions below and you’ll be set up for success. All of the below can be done BEFORE registration with the team, which will open October 1, 2025.
A. ALL ATHLETES (new AND returning) Whether this is your first time doing athletics with Woodson or your 4th year, you must have the following on file BEFORE you’re allowed to participate in any activity with the team:
A valid sports physical on file with the Woodson athletic trainers. Instructions for filing HERE.
Fill out the Woodson Athletics registration. Once you create an account and/or log in, scroll down to the bottom of the sports list and locate “FCPS Physical Activities Crew – Crew Boys (spring)” or FCPS Physical Activities Crew – Crew Girls (spring)” and select the appropriate category. Then follow the instructions to fill out the remainder of the form.
Fill out the THREE (3) forms under the “FCPS Transportation Forms” header on the Woodson Rowing website HERE. Submit those forms to our Membership Chair.
B. NEW TO ROWING: SWIM TEST REQ’D Whether you have participated in another sport at Woodson or not, rowing athletes MUST complete a swim test certified by a Woodson Rowing Coach. 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. Doing this test earlier rather than later allows athletes to spend the most time possible on-the-water with the team.
If you are NOT able to attend this swim test, please send an email to [email protected] so that we know whether we need to hold another swim test during green days. Otherwise, we will hold another test closer to on-the-water practice in February.
3. EARLY MORNING WEIGHT LIFTING TIME CHANGE The coaches are holding early morning lifting sessions at Woodson on Mondays and Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30a. This is a 15 minute later start time. All athletes participating in early morning lift sessions MUST have a valid sports physical on file PRIOR to participation.
4. GREEN DAYS ONGOING 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. This is true especially if you are new to rowing because it is a sport unlike any other. For more information, visit our Green Days FAQ.
Green days began this week and we’ve already had boats out on the water! Sign up to attend on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 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.
First-time athletes (those who have NOT previously been on the water in a Woodson Rowing boat) should try, if possible, to register for their first day on the water on a TUESDAY 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.
BEFORE participating, all athletes MUST (without exception) have:
A valid VHSL physical, on file with the Woodson Athletic trainers.
In addition, if your athlete will be traveling with another adult or student to the water, you will need to submit the forms located on our website to our Membership Chair.
5. PARENT INFO SESSION SLIDES We had a productive information session for returning and new parents and athletes on Wednesday. If you could not attend or want to look over the materials at your own pace, check out the slide deck here.
6. WOODSON ATHLETIC BOOSTER GOLF TOURNAMENT, MON 9/22 The Booster Board is looking for golfers to play in its fundraising golf tournament on 9/22 at the Country Club of Fairfax. If this is your jam, please sign up here: Tournament Sign Up. More info here: Woodson Athletic Booster Golf Tournament.
7. NEXT ATHLETE INFORMATION SESSION, MON 9/29 Coach Bryan Tylander held an information session for new athletes at Woodson on 9/10 after school. If you’re a prospective athlete and you missed it, NO WORRIES! Track down Coach in his classroom (B109) or come to the NEXT meeting on Monday, September 29 in room B109.
8. UNIQUE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY, SUN 10/5 The Prince William Crew Association (PWCA) is hosting The Occoquan Challenge and the Regatta is still in need of support to ensure it is run efficiently and safely. The Regatta will make a donation, in the volunteer’s name, to the organization of your choice in the amount of $50 – $100, depending on the position filled. Please indicate in the comments if you would like the donation to go to Woodson Rowing or the PWCA Scholarship Fund. Sign up HERE.
9. RENTAL ERG RETURN, SAT 10/18 Athletes – keep on erg-ing!! Erg rental return will take place on SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18 from 9-10a. Location will be the erg shed at the back of the school (near the senior parking lot).We also need volunteers to help service our fleet of ergs, so sign up to help here: Erg Workday.
10. SIGN UP FOR TAG DAY, SAT 10/25 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 25 (we are still working with the administration to secure our second day). Please mark your calendars as we need all hands on deck to make this event work. Sign up here: Tag Day Sign Up. Check out our Tag Days webpage for information.
11. WE NEED HELP FOR THE 32nd ANNUAL CRAFT SHOW, SAT 11/1 Our annual craft show is back for its 32nd year. This is a very big fundraiser for our team and is also a very important event in our community. Mark your calendars now for Saturday, November 1, 2025 from 10a-4p. Set up for the event will begin Friday, October 31 and we will need all hands on deck to make it a success! We have already secured all of our vendors for this prestigious event, so now it comes down to getting the help we need to pull it off. Please sign up to volunteer HERE.
ALSO, as noted below, we are actively seeking someone to shadow our current craft show coordinator, Gail Lee, because her athlete will be graduating this year. This position directly supports our fundraising efforts and has been a major part of our team’s community representation for decades. Please reach out to Gail via Slack for info.
12. VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES Part and parcel of being on Woodson Rowing means volunteering. Throughout the year/season there will be ample opportunities to get involved and to earn volunteer credits for your family, at a pace and time that is most convenient for you. Athletes that volunteer will, more often than not, be able to get service credits for any time they spend volunteering. The team tracks participation by assigning “credits” each time a family or athlete volunteers. One shift (regardless of the duration of the shift) = one credit.
Each family is required to do 5 volunteer shifts/credits (e.g., a Fri night dinner, boathouse workday, football concessions, tag day, craft fair, etc.), at least one of which should be a VASRA task (e.g. one of the jobs at the regattas or one of the VASRA workdays).
Athletes are also expected to volunteer as their schedule and studies allow.
Failure to meet your volunteer credits by the end of the season will result in a $200 per credit charge. Questions about the status of your family’s fulfillment of volunteer requirements should be sent to our Volunteer Coordinator.
13. BOARD AND CHAIRPERSON POSITIONS AVAILABLE Serving on the Board of Directors for the Woodson Rowing team is fulfilling. Our all volunteer board and chairpersons are critical for the success of our team! Volunteering for a board position means all of your volunteer credits are covered for the season AND you’ll play a vital role in the smooth operation of the team.
We are currently looking for people to fill TWO (2) CRITICAL ROLES:
A. BOARD SECRETARY The Woodson Rowing Board Secretary position is now vacant because Andi Knopp, our former Secretary, will be taking on a different role with the Board! As a result, the Board is looking for someone to take on this critical position. This position entails finalizing agendas for monthly board meetings; recording, preparing, and distributing meeting minutes; and maintaining a file of all meeting minutes. The Secretary is a voting member of the Executive Committee and also coordinates the Annual End-of-Year Party/Meeting. If you are interested or have questions about the position, please contact Tim Schnelle or Andi Knopp via Slack or email.
B. CRAFT SHOW CHAIR We are seeking someone to shadow Gail Lee for our MAJOR FUNDRAISER, the Woodson Craft Show. Unfortunately, Gail’s athlete will be graduating this year so we are looking for a new Craft Show Chair. This position directly supports our fundraising efforts and has been a major part of our team’s community representation for decades. Please reach out to Gail via Slack for info.
14. SCHOLARSHIP FUND If you’re already thinking about the financial output that comes with participating in a high school sport, consider applying for the Occoquan Boat Club (OBC) Julia Shew Memorial Rowing Scholarship. Scholarships up to $1000 are available to eligible athletes. Details can be found here: https://www.rowobc.org/home/scholarships.
15. 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. Check out and subscribe to our online calendar here: https://woodsonrowing.org/calendar/
SEPTEMBER: Green Days T, W, Th through Oct 23 Thu, 9/18: Noodles & Co. restaurant fundraiser, 4-8p Sat, 9/20: new athlete swim test, Providence Rec Center, 1-2p Sat, 9/20: VASRA Workday #3 Mon, 9/22: Booster Club Golf Tournament Sat, 9/27: VASRA Workday #4 Mon, 9/29: returning student interest meeting, 3p, Woodson, Rm B109 Tue, 9/30: Board meeting via Zoom, contact President for more info
We’ve had our first interest meeting and are rolling straight into the first swim test of new athletes this Friday. It can feel like drinking from a fire hose when you first start getting these newsletters – but it is worth the read to stay up-to-date. Please reach out if you have questions.
Curious or have time on your hands? You can always find the newsletter archives on our website.
1. FORMS, REQUIREMENTS AND MORE FORMS!! A. ALL ATHLETES (new AND returning): B. NEW TO ROWING ATHLETES: SWIM TEST REQ’D 2. EARLY MORNING WEIGHT LIFTING 3. GREEN DAYS BEGIN, TUE 9/16 4. PARENT & ATHLETE INFORMATION SESSION, WED 9/17 5. RESTAURANT FUNDRAISER, NOODLES & CO, THU, 9/18 6. WOODSON ATHLETIC BOOSTER GOLF TOURNAMENT, MON 9/22 7. NEXT ATHLETE INFORMATION SESSION, MON 9/29 8. RENTAL ERG RETURN, SAT 10/18 9. SIGN UP FOR TAG DAY, SAT 10/25 10. 32nd ANNUAL CRAFT SHOW, SAT 11/1 11. VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES 12. BOARD AND CHAIRPERSON POSITIONS AVAILABLE A. BOARD SECRETARY B. CRAFT SHOW CHAIR 13. SCHOLARSHIP FUND 14. CALENDAR AT-A-GLANCE
WAIT – THERE’S MORE?
ACTION ITEMS
NEW ATHLETES: First swim test on Friday. Sign up and more info: HERE
ALL ATHLETES: let the coaches know you’re coming by signing for Green Days
1. FORMS, REQUIREMENTS AND MORE FORMS!! There are a lot of steps that athletes need to take to participate in sports at Woodson. We know. In an attempt to clear up any confusion, here is a short primer. Follow the directions below and you’ll be set up for success:
A. ALL ATHLETES (new AND returning): Whether this is your first time doing athletics with Woodson or your 4th year, you must have the following on file BEFORE you’re allowed to participate in any activity with the team:
A valid sports physical on file with the Woodson athletic trainers. Instructions for filing HERE.
Fill out the Woodson Athletics registration. Once you create an account and/or log in, scroll down to the bottom of the sports list and locate “FCPS Physical Activities Crew – Crew Boys (spring)” or FCPS Physical Activities Crew – Crew Girls (spring)” and select the appropriate category. Then follow the instructions to fill out the remainder of the form.
Fill out the THREE (3) forms under the “FCPS Transportation Forms” header on the Woodson Rowing website HERE. Submit those forms to our Membership Chair.
B. NEW TO ROWING ATHLETES: SWIM TEST REQ’D Whether you have participated in another sport at Woodson or not, rowing athletes MUST complete 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. Doing this test earlier rather than later allows athletes to spend the most time possible on-the-water with the team.
2. EARLY MORNING WEIGHT LIFTING The coaches are holding early morning lifting sessions at Woodson on Mondays and Wednesdays, 6:15-7:30a. All athletes participating in early morning lift sessions MUST have a valid sports physical on file PRIOR to participation.
3. GREEN DAYS BEGIN, TUE 9/16 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. This is true especially if you are new to rowing because it is a sport unlike any other. For more information, visit our Green Days FAQ.
Green days begin September 16 and will take place Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 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.
BEFORE participating, all athletes MUST (without exception) have:
A valid VHSL physical, on file with the Woodson Athletic trainers.
In addition, if your athlete will be traveling with another adult or student to the water, you will need to submit the forms located on our website to our Membership Chair.
First-time athletes (those who have NOT previously been on the water in a Woodson Rowing boat) should try, if possible, to register for their first day on the water on a TUESDAY 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.
4. PARENT & ATHLETE INFORMATION SESSION, WED 9/17 The Board will be holding an information session for returning and new parents and athletes on Wednesday, 9/17. 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. The meeting will be held at 7:30p in Woodson Cafe A.
5. RESTAURANT FUNDRAISER, NOODLES & CO, THU, 9/18 Mark Thursday, 9/18 as your easy dinner night! Set up your order online as you’re coming home from Green Days (or just stop by the restaurant). No need to plan, shop or cook!
Visit or order from Noodles & Company, 10296 Main Street between 4-8p. Benefit the team with your purchase AND be your family’s hero. Valid for pickup and in-restaurant. Please mention you are supporting the fundraiser or use “GIVING25” in the Coupon Code line at online checkout or via the Noodles Rewards app.
The Booster Board is looking for golfers to play in its fundraising golf tournament on 9/22 at the Country Club of Fairfax. If this is your jam, please sign up here: Tournament Sign Up. More info here: Woodson Athletic Booster Golf Tournament.
7. NEXT ATHLETE INFORMATION SESSION, MON 9/29
Coach Bryan Tylander held an information session for new athletes at Woodson on 9/10 after school. If you’re a prospective athlete and you missed it, NO WORRIES! Track down Coach in his classroom (B109) or come to the NEXT meeting on Monday, September 29 in room B109.
8. RENTAL ERG RETURN, SAT 10/18 Athletes – keep on erg-ing!! Erg rental return will take place on SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18 from 9-10a. Location will be the erg shed at the back of the school (near the senior parking lot).We also need volunteers to help service our fleet of ergs, so sign up to help here: Erg Workday.
9. SIGN UP FOR TAG DAY, SAT 10/25 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 25 (we are still working with the administration to secure our second day). Please mark your calendars as we need all hands on deck to make this event work. Sign up here: Tag Day Sign Up. Check out our Tag Days webpage for information.
10. 32nd ANNUAL CRAFT SHOW, SAT 11/1 Our annual craft show is back for its 32nd year. This is a very big fundraiser for our team and is also a very important event in our community.
Mark your calendars now for Saturday, November 1, 2025 from 10a-4p. Set up for the event will begin Friday, October 31 and we will need all hands on deck to make it a success! We have already secured all of our vendors for this prestigious event, so now it comes down to getting the help we need to pull it off. Please sign up to volunteer HERE.
ALSO, as noted below, we are actively seeking someone to shadow our current craft show coordinator, Gail Lee, because her athlete will be graduating this year. This position directly supports our fundraising efforts and has been a major part of our team’s community representation for decades. Please reach out to Gail via Slack for info.
11. VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES Part and parcel of being on Woodson Rowing means volunteering. Throughout the year/season there will be ample opportunities to get involved and to earn volunteer credits for your family, at a pace and time that is most convenient for you. Athletes that volunteer will, more often than not, be able to get service credits for any time they spend volunteering. The team tracks participation by assigning “credits” each time a family or athlete volunteers. One shift (regardless of the duration of the shift) = one credit.
Each family is required to do 5 volunteer shifts/credits (e.g., a Fri night dinner, boathouse workday, football concessions, tag day, craft fair, etc.), at least one of which should be a VASRA task (e.g. one of the jobs at the regattas or one of the VASRA workdays).
Athletes are also expected to volunteer as their schedule and studies allow.
Failure to meet your volunteer credits by the end of the season will result in a $200 per credit charge. Questions about the status of your family’s fulfillment of volunteer requirements should be sent to our Volunteer Coordinator.
12. BOARD AND CHAIRPERSON POSITIONS AVAILABLE Serving on the Board of Directors for the Woodson Rowing team is fulfilling. Our all volunteer board and chairpersons are critical for the success of our team! Volunteering for a board position means all of your volunteer credits are covered for the season AND you’ll play a vital role in the smooth operation of the team.
We are currently looking for people to fill TWO (2) CRITICAL ROLES:
A. BOARD SECRETARY The Woodson Rowing Board Secretary position is now vacant because Andi Knopp, our former Secretary, will be taking on a different role with the Board! As a result, the Board is looking for someone to take on this critical position. This position entails finalizing agendas for monthly board meetings; recording, preparing, and distributing meeting minutes; and maintaining a file of all meeting minutes. The Secretary is a voting member of the Executive Committee and also coordinates the Annual End-of-Year Party/Meeting. If you are interested or have questions about the position, please contact Tim Schnelle or Andi Knopp via Slack or email.
B. CRAFT SHOW CHAIR We are seeking someone to shadow Gail Lee for our MAJOR FUNDRAISER, the Woodson Craft Show. Unfortunately, Gail’s athlete will be graduating this year so we are looking for a new Craft Show Chair. This position directly supports our fundraising efforts and has been a major part of our team’s community representation for decades. Please reach out to Gail via Slack for info.
13. SCHOLARSHIP FUND
If you’re already thinking about the financial output that comes with participating in a high school sport, consider applying for the Occoquan Boat Club (OBC) Julia Shew Memorial Rowing Scholarship. Scholarships up to $1000 are available to eligible athletes. Details can be found here: https://www.rowobc.org/home/scholarships.
14. 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. You can also see a visual representation of our calendar on our website: https://woodsonrowing.org/calendar/
SEPTEMBER: Fri, 9/12: new athlete swim test, Providence Rec Center, 6-7p Sat, 9/13: VASRA Workday #2 Tue, 9/16: Green Days begin (T, W, Th through Oct 23) Wed, 9/17: parent info meeting, 7:30p, Woodson Cafe A Thu, 9/18: Noodles & Co. restaurant fundraiser, 4-8p Sat, 9/20: new athlete swim test, Providence Rec Center, 1-2p Sat, 9/20: VASRA Workday #3 Mon, 9/22: Booster Club Golf Tournament Sat, 9/27: VASRA Workday #4 Mon, 9/29: returning student interest meeting, 3p, Woodson, Rm B109 Tue, 9/30: Board meeting via Zoom, contact President for more info
We hope you had a wonderful summer and are enjoying your day off from classes. While rowing is a spring sport, things are already moving at full speed behind the scenes to bring new and returning athletes together and to grow our team. There is lots of information here so buckle up for the ride!
Curious or have time on your hands? You can always find the newsletter archives on our website.
1. SPREAD THE WORD 2. SPORTS PHYSICALS, REGISTRATION AND OTHER FORMS 3. ATHLETE INFORMATION SESSIONS 4. SWIM TEST (FOR NEW RECRUITS ONLY) 5. GREEN DAYS BEGIN TUE, 9/16 6. RENTAL ERG RETURN SAT, OCT 18 7. OCTOBER 25 IS OUR FIRST TAG DAY! 8. MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR THE 32nd ANNUAL CRAFT SHOW
9. CURRENT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES A. SEEKING A BOARD SECRETARY B. WOODSON BOATHOUSE WORKDAY, SAT 9/6 C. VASRA CLEAN-UP DAYS D. FOOTBALL CONCESSIONS, FRI 11/7
1. ATHLETES: Plan to attend the following info sessions at 3:00p in Coach Tylander’s classroom, B109: – NEW athletes: Wed, Sep 10 – RETURNING and/or NEW athletes: Mon, Sep 29
2. Review volunteering opportunities and start signing up now!
1. SPREAD THE WORD Recruitment should be at the top of our minds and in full swing! Please share your enthusiasm for our team. Speak to other students and parents; encourage them to check us out. Direct interested athletes and their parents to our woodsonrowing.org or have them send an email to our Membership Chair!
2. SPORTS PHYSICALS, REGISTRATION AND OTHER FORMS All athletes (new or returning) will need a valid 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!
If you’re an overachiever, you can also fill out and submit the forms located on our website to our Membership Chair. Get organized now and simply enjoy watching your athlete in the spring!
3. ATHLETE INFORMATION SESSIONS NEW ATHLETES: Interested in learning more about rowing? Meet Coach Tylander, our Director of Rowing, after school on Wednesday, September 10, Room B109. Coach Tylander will talk a little bit about the requirements for rowing, green days, and more!
RETURNING and/or NEW ATHLETES: Meet with Coach Tylander after school (approx 3p) on Monday, September 29 in room B109. He’ll give you a brief rundown of what to expect for the season. Have a friend that’s interested in learning more about rowing at Woodson? Bring them!
4. SWIM TEST (FOR NEW RECRUITS ONLY)
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.
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 16 and will take place Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 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.
BEFORE participating, all athletes MUST (without exception) have:
A valid VHSL physical, on file with the Woodson Athletic trainers.
In addition, if your athlete will be traveling with another adult or student to the water, you will need to submit the forms located on our website to our Membership Chair.
First-time athletes (those who have NOT previously been on the water in a Woodson Rowing boat) should try, if possible, to register for their first day on the water on a TUESDAY 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.
6. RENTAL ERG RETURN SAT, OCT 18 Athletes – keep on erg-ing!! Erg rental return will take place on SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18 from 9-10a. Location will be the erg shed at the back of the school (near the senior parking lot).We also need volunteers to help service our fleet of ergs, so sign up to help here: Erg Workday.
7. OCTOBER 25 IS OUR FIRST TAG DAY! 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 25 and Saturday, November 15. Please mark your calendars as we need all hands on deck to make this event work. Sign up here: Tag Day Sign Up. Check out our Tag Days webpage for information.
Our annual craft show is back for its 32nd year. This is a very big fundraiser for our team and is also a very important event in our community. Mark your calendars now for Saturday, November 1, 2025 from 10a-4p. Set up for the event will begin Friday, October 31 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.
Please also 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: 2025 Craft Show Vendor Registration.
9. CURRENT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Part and parcel of being on Woodson Rowing means volunteering. Throughout the year/season there will be ample opportunities to get involved and to earn volunteer credits for your family, at a pace and time that is most convenient for you. Athletes that volunteer will, more often than not, be able to get service credits for any time they spend volunteering. You can always review current volunteering opportunities and review requirements on our website!
A. SEEKING A BOARD SECRETARY The Woodson Rowing Board Secretary position is now vacant because Andi Knopp, our former Secretary, will be taking on a different role with the Board! As a result, the Board is looking for someone to take on this critical position. This position entails finalizing agendas for monthly board meetings; recording, preparing, and distributing meeting minutes; and maintaining a file of all meeting minutes. The Secretary is a voting member of the Executive Committee and also coordinates the Annual End-of-Year Party/Meeting. Volunteering for this critical job means all of your volunteer credits are covered for the season AND you’ll play a vital role in the smooth operation of the Board! If you are interested or have questions about the position, please contact Tim Schnelle or Andi Knopp via Slack or email.
B. WOODSON BOATHOUSE WORKDAY, SAT 9/6 Mark your calendars for next Saturday morning, 9/6. We could use some help at the boathouse getting the launches in the water and ready for upcoming Green Days. Parents and athletes are welcome. Sign up here: Boathouse Workday.
C. VASRA CLEAN-UP DAYS VASRA has scheduled the Fall clean up days for the next 5 Saturdays! Each school is expected to send one volunteer for each clean up day; e.g. 5 or more Woodson volunteers total. The current dates are: September 6, 13, 20, 27 and October 4. When you sign up, please indicate your affiliation with Woodson: VASRA Workdays Sign Up.
D. FOOTBALL CONCESSIONS, FRI 11/7 Each season, Woodson Rowing is responsible for working the concession stand at a Woodson Football game. There will be two shifts to volunteer – 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.
10. PARENT & ATHLETE INFORMATION SESSION, WED, 9/17 The Board will be holding an information session for returning and new parents and athletes on Wednesday, 9/17. 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. The meeting will be at 7:30p with location TBD.
11. WOODSON ATHLETIC BOOSTER GOLF TOURNAMENT, MON 9/22 The Booster Board is looking for golfers to play in its fundraising golf tournament on 9/22 at the Country Club of Fairfax. If this is your jam, please sign up here: Tournament Sign Up. More info here: Woodson Athletic Booster Golf Tournament.
12. 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. You can also see a visual representation of our calendar on our website: https://woodsonrowing.org/calendar/
SEPTEMBER: Sat, 9/6: Woodson Boathouse Workday, Sandy Run Sat, 9/6: VASRA Workday #1 Wed, 9/10: new rower interest meeting, 3p, Woodson, Rm B109 Fri, 9/12: new athlete swim test, Providence Rec Center, 6-7p Sat, 9/13: VASRA Workday #2 Tue, 9/16: Green Days begin (T, W, Th through Oct 23) Wed, 9/17: parent info meeting, 7:30p, Details TBD Sat, 9/20: new athlete swim test, Providence Rec Center, 1-2p Sat, 9/20: VASRA Workday #3 Mon, 9/22: Booster Club Golf Tournament Sat, 9/27: VASRA Workday #4 Mon, 9/29: returning student interest meeting, 3p, Woodson, Rm B109 Tue, 9/30: Board meeting via Zoom, contact President for more info
