Author: VP Communications

We had an amazing showing at the Polar Bear Regatta! All 3 women’s boats swept their categories, taking 1st overall. The Men’s 1V also placed 1st while the Men’s 3V placed 3rd. You can find all the results from the regatta here: Polar Bear Regatta 2023. Let’s take this energy into the rest of the season! THANK YOU to all the parents, athletes and volunteers for helping us start the season off with a bang!

1. *NEW* TEAM DINNER LOCATION CHANGE – THIS WEEK ONLY
2. *NEW* TEAM PHOTOGRAPHY
3. ONGOING VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
4. PRACTICE REMINDERS
5. SPRING BREAK SCHEDULE
6. SPIRIT WEAR – GET IT NOW!
7. AT-A-GLANCE
8. SPREAD THE WORD

ACTION ITEMS FOR THIS WEEK
None

1. *NEW* TEAM DINNER LOCATION CHANGE – THIS WEEK ONLY
   Our first team dinner went wonderfully. Thank you to all the volunteers that fed our very hungry athletes. Must be why we had such a great result at the Polar Bear Regatta!
   
   TEAM DINNER ON FRIDAY, MARCH 24 will take place at Mantua Elementary School (9107 Horner Ct). We need ONE more chaperone for the 7:45-9:00p time slot this Friday. Sign up here.
   
   REMINDERS:
   Dinner is for athletes only and will be served around 7:15p.
   NO DRINKS PROVIDED. Athletes bring your refillable water bottles.
   Athletes: plan to help clean up at the end of the meal.
   Pick up athletes between 8:30-9:00p.
   
2. *NEW* TEAM PHOTOGRAPHY
   Wonder how you can get those cool racing photos of your kids post regattas? Check out our collection of team photos on SmugMug. Whether you’re a professional, hobbyist or amateur photographer, we want to collect all your photos for everyone’s enjoyment. There are 2 ways to share photos with the team:
   (1) join the #photo-sharing channel on slack
   (2) send photos to our Team Photographer, Colin, at [email protected] AND [email protected] (please send to both email addresses for now) so he can upload the photos into SmugMug.

3. ONGOING VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
   Gentle reminder that if you sign up for a volunteer job, we need you to be there! If you are unable to fulfill a job at the last minute, please put out a notice on Slack so that your shift can be filled as quickly as possible. Questions? Contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Michelle Byman.

• VASRA REGATTA JOBS. Feel free to check back frequently, even if shifts appear to be full, in case others are unable to fulfill their duties. If you sign up to drive a launch, you must have completed the recent launch driver training and additional practice as necessary.
  
• TEAM DINNERS: In order for Friday night dinners to run smoothly, we need parent volunteers to help set up, chaperone, clean, and pick up our meal order.

4. PRACTICE REMINDERS
   If an athlete is going to be late or miss practice, it is their responsibility to contact their coaches via Slack. Practice times are: Mon-Fri: 4-6:45p AND Sat: 8:30-10:30a.

5. SPRING BREAK SCHEDULE
   There is an away regatta scheduled on April 1. More details to follow, but families will be responsible for providing their own transportation to Middletown, Delaware for the St. Andrews Invitational. This is a great chance for athletes to race teams they do not usually compete against in different conditions.

The tentative spring break practice schedule below is for both the men’s and women’s teams:

Day	Date	Time
Monday	4/3	8:30a – 12:30p
Tuesday	4/4	8:30a – 10:45a AND 4p – 6:30p
Wednesday	4/5	8:30a – 12:30p
Thursday	4/6	8:30a – 10:45a AND 4p – 6:30p
Friday	4/7	8:30a – 12:30p

There is no regatta and no practice on Saturday, 4/8.
Practices will resume at the regularly scheduled time on Monday, 4/10.

6. SPIRIT WEAR – GET IT NOW!

Be ready for regatta season with your WT Woodson Crew spirit wear. A portion of the proceeds goes directly to the team, so you will benefit the team while showing off your team pride. Shop for items for rowers, as well as for parents, family, and friends. Visit the store today!

7. AT-A-GLANCE

March

• Team Dinner @ Mantua ES (9107 Horner Ct): 7:15p, Mar 24
• REGATTA – Regional Park at Sandy Run: Mar 25
• Restaurant Fundraiser – &Pizza: Mar 29, 5-9pm

April

• Team Dinner @ Woodson Cafeteria A: 7:15p, Mar 31
• REGATTA – Invitational at St. Andrews, Middletown, DE: Apr 1
        – (families provide own transportation)
• Spring break: Practice scheduled as above Mon-Fri: Apr 3 – Apr 7
• Restaurant Fundraiser – Toby’s Ice Cream in Vienna: Apr 5, 5-9p
• Restaurant Fundraiser – Chipotle: Apr 12, 5-9pm
• Team Dinner @ Woodson Cafeteria A: 7:15p, Apr 14
• REGATTA – Tri-Meet at Anacostia River: Apr 15
• Team Dinner @ Woodson Cafeteria A: 7:15p, Apr 21
• REGATTA – Ryz Obuchowicz at Sandy Run: Apr 22
• Team Dinner @ Woodson Cafeteria A: 7:15p, Apr 28
• REGATTA – Al Urquia at Sandy Run: Apr 29

May

• Team Dinner @ Woodson Cafeteria A: 7:15p, May 5
• REGATTA – VSRC (State Championship) at Sandy Run, Day 1: May 6
• Team Dinner @ Woodson Cafeteria A: 7:15p, May 12
• REGATTA – VSRC (State Championship) at Sandy Run, Day 2: May 13
• Restaurant Fundraiser – Noodles & Co: May 17, 4-8p
• REGATTA (Qualifiers only) – Stotesbury Cup at Philadelphia, PA: May 19-20
• REGATTA (Qualifiers only) – SRAA Championships at Oak Ridge, TN: May 26-27
• End-of-Season Banquet for athletes and families @ Woodson Cafe A: May 31

8. SPREAD THE WORD

Continue to share the enthusiasm for your team as you speak to other students and encourage them to join! Please direct any questions about joining the team to [email protected].

Contact [email protected] to get signed up for our weekly communication and our Slack community. 

Follow us on Social Media!¶

Welcome to a special edition newsletter as we head into our first regatta! Lots of details below, especially if this is your first regatta. The weather is set to be partly cloudy and cold. Spectators should plan accordingly – lots of layers – as the grandstands are open to the elements.

1. TEAM DINNER, TOMORROW, FRIDAY, MARCH 17!
2. *IMPORTANT* US ROWING REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS
3. POLAR BEAR REGATTA THIS SATURDAY!
4. VASRA REGATTA VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
5. SPIRIT WEAR – GET IT NOW!
6. AT-A-GLANCE
7. SPREAD THE WORD

1. TEAM DINNER, TOMORROW, FRIDAY, MARCH 17!
   Our first Friday Night Team Dinner is this Friday, March 17 at 7:15p in Cafeteria B at Woodson.

• All the volunteer slots for this Friday are full. THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS!. Sign up here to help with future Friday night dinners.
• Dinner is for all athletes only and will be served around 7:15p (plenty of time to get to the school after practice).
• NO DRINKS WILL BE PROVIDED. Athletes should bring their refillable water bottles.
• All athletes must plan to stay for the duration of the meal and for a quick clean up afterwards. Plan to pick up athletes around 8:30-9:00p.

2. *IMPORTANT* US ROWING REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS
   Everyone who is not in compliance with US Rowing registration requirements (either filling out a US Rowing waiver or completing SafeSport verification for athletes 18 years old or older) has been notified by the team. Coach Tylander posted a list of outstanding requirements in the athlete slack. Please complete your requirements ASAP. If they are not complete in time for the regatta, your athlete will not be able to compete. Email Jenn Ros with questions: [email protected]

3. POLAR BEAR REGATTA THIS SATURDAY!
   Our first regatta for our varsity boats is this Saturday. Woodson will be racing five boats between, approximately, 10:15a and noon. Specific race times will be finalized and shared with coaches late tonight. Athletes should anticipate hearing more about timing by tomorrow. 

Feel free to check here for more information: Regatta Central – Polar Bear Regatta

ATTENDANCE
While no novice boats row at this regatta, novice athletes are highly encouraged to attend, if available. Regattas are a unique experience and familiarity with how they run will help the athletes as they prepare for their first regatta, next weekend. Learning the mechanics and rhythms of a regatta before they participate builds confidence and experience. Plus, it’s fun to watch your teammates race without dealing with your own nerves!

• NOVICES: plan to be at the boathouse about 1 hour before Woodson boats hit the water.
  
• RETURNING ATHLETES: You should already know which boat you will be on. 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.
  
• ATHLETES and PARENT/GUARDIANS:We will communicate specific timing information via Slack as it becomes available.

OFFSITE PARKING FOR SPECTATORS
There is no spectator/visitor parking at Sandy Run. As a result, families should plan accordingly.

• Parents driving athletes can drop athletes off at Sandy Run and then proceed to South County High School to park. South County High School is located at 8501 Silverbrook Rd, Lorton, VA 22079.
• Spectators will park at South County High School and take a shuttle bus to the regatta. The cost of the shuttles is $15 round trip paid at South County prior to boarding the bus. Athletes in uniform can ride the shuttle for free.  Families should plan for a 15-20 minute walk or a shorter shuttle ride between where the buses stop (Lot C) and the grandstand.
• 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. 

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

• ATHLETES: you will have parking available at Sandy Run in the Loisvale Lot. Please plan for a short walk from parking to the water!
• VOLUNTEERS: Lot D (larger gravel lot that is to the right as you pass the gated entry to the park)
• COACHES: Lot D. There will be designated parking. Please display your green coaches hangtag.
• STAFF / LOC: B lot, second row from the back. This is the paved lot closest to the water on the right.
• HANDICAPPED: Lot C, as designated.This is the smaller gravel lot to the left as you pass through the gated entry.

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

4. VASRA REGATTA VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
   Thank you so much for already volunteering for so many VASRA shifts! 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, Michelle Byman, 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. Feel free to check back frequently, even if shifts appear to be full, in case others are unable to fulfill their duties. If you sign up to drive a launch, you must have completed the recent launch driver training.

• We are still looking for a dedicated volunteer or two to serve in a recurring role on the dock during regattas. Each team has a responsibility to identify a parent to perform these duties during all the regattas we attend. We usually split it between 2 or 3 folks to accommodate schedules, and we have one parent returning from last season. This job gives you a great view of the action on the water, directs traffic at the busy docks and helps keep regattas organized under the close instruction of VASRA regatta officials. If you would consider serving in the position during some of our regattas, please contact Bill Westman – VASRA Rep at [email protected] and Michelle Byman – Volunteer Coordinator at [email protected].

5. SPIRIT WEAR – GET IT NOW!
   Be ready for the remainder of regatta season with your WT Woodson Crew spirit wear. A portion of the proceeds goes directly to the team, so you will benefit the team while showing off your team pride. Shop for items for athletes, as well as for parents, family, and friends. Visit the store today!

6. AT-A-GLANCE
   March

• Team Dinner @ Woodson Cafe B: 7:15p, Mar 17
• REGATTA – Polar Bear at Sandy Run: Mar 18
• Team Dinner @ Mantua ES (9107 Horner Ct): 7:15p, Mar 24
• REGATTA – Regional Park at Sandy Run: Mar 25
• Restaurant Fundraiser – &Pizza: Mar 29, 5-9pm

April

• Team Dinner @ Woodson Cafe A: 7:15p, Mar 31
• REGATTA – Invitational at St. Andrews, Middletown, DE: Apr 1
        – (families provide own transportation)
• Spring break: Practice scheduled as above Mon-Fri: Apr 3 – Apr 7
• Restaurant Fundraiser – Toby’s Ice Cream in Vienna: Apr 5, 5-9p
• Restaurant Fundraiser – Chipotle: Apr 12, 5-9pm
• Team Dinner @ Woodson Cafe A: 7:15p, Apr 14
• REGATTA – Tri-Meet at Anacostia River: Apr 15
• Team Dinner @ Woodson Cafe A: 7:15p, Apr 21
• REGATTA – Ryz Obuchowicz at Sandy Run: Apr 22
• Team Dinner @ Woodson Cafe A: 7:15p, Apr 28
• REGATTA – Al Urquia at Sandy Run: Apr 29

May

• Team Dinner @ Woodson Cafe A: 7:15p, May 5
• REGATTA – VSRC (State Championship) at Sandy Run, Day 1: May 6
• Team Dinner @ Woodson Cafe A: 7:15p, May 12
• REGATTA – VSRC (State Championship) at Sandy Run, Day 2: May 13
• Restaurant Fundraiser – Noodles & Co: May 17, 4-8p
• REGATTA (Qualifiers only) – Stotesbury Cup at Philadelphia, PA: May 19-20
• REGATTA (Qualifiers only) – SRAA Championships at Oak Ridge, TN: May 26-27
• End-of-Season Banquet for athletes and families @ Woodson Cafe A: May 31

7. SPREAD THE WORD

Continue to share the enthusiasm for your team as you speak to other students and encourage them to join! Please direct any questions about joining the team to [email protected].

Contact [email protected] to get signed up for our weekly communication and our Slack community. 

Follow us on Social Media!

Hope you are recovering from the daylight savings “Spring Forward” that happened at 2:00am yesterday. This week we are headed into our first team dinner and first regatta of the season! Expect an email on Thursday this week with more information re: the regatta. Meanwhile, there are a lot of things to do. Please read below to find out more.

1. *NEW* PRACTICE EXTENDED TO 6:45p
2. *NEW* TEAM DINNER: VOLUNTEERING AND OTHER INFO
3. *NEW* US ROWING REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS
4. *NEW* SPRING BREAK SCHEDULE
5. *NEW* VASRA REGATTA VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
6. SPIRIT WEAR – GET IT NOW!
7. AT-A-GLANCE
8. SPREAD THE WORD

ACTION ITEMS FOR THIS WEEK

1. Sign US Rowing express waiver per item #3 below.
2. Sign up here to help with Friday night dinners
3. Athlete dietary restrictions to [email protected].
4. Item #5 below re: a recurring VASRA volunteer opportunity.

1. *NEW* PRACTICE EXTENDED TO 6:45p
   Beginning today, Monday, March 13, practice will be extended by 15 minutes due to Daylight Savings giving us more sunlight on the water!  Practice times for both the Women’s Team and the Men’s Team will be:
   Mon-Fri: 4-6:45p
   Sat: 8:30-10:30a

2. *NEW* TEAM DINNER: VOLUNTEERING AND OTHER INFO
   Our first Friday Night Team Dinner is this Friday, March 17 at 7:15p in Cafeteria B at Woodson.

• In order for Friday night dinners to run smoothly, we need parent volunteers to help set up and clean, and 1 parent to pick up our meal order.  Sign up here to help with Friday night dinners.
• Dinner is for athletes only and will be served around 7:15p (plenty of time to get to the school after practice).
• NO DRINKS WILL BE PROVIDED. Athletes should bring their refillable water bottles.
• All athletes must plan to stay for the duration of the meal and for a quick clean up afterwards. Plan to pick up athletes around 8:30-9:00p.
• Please contact [email protected] with any dietary restrictions by Monday, March 13.

3. *NEW* US ROWING REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS
   The WTW Crew Boosters has purchased a US Rowing membership for your rower. In order for them to be eligible to race, parents must sign an express waiver. No further purchase is necessary! Please follow the directions below:

To sign the US Rowing e-waiver, follow these instructions:

1.     Visit https://membership.usrowing.org and hover your mouse over the ‘Log In’ button under ‘Individuals.’  Select ‘Express Agreement.’

2.     On the Express Waiver page, choose the email tab. Enter the email address of the parent who registered for the team and birthdate of your athlete.

3.     You will receive an email with a link for Express Login, click on the link and follow the directions to complete the express waiver.

4.     If Safe Sport training is required for your athlete (18+) you will be able to navigate to this from your student’s profile page.

If prompted, our club code is DURXS.

If your athlete participated in erg sprints, you’ve already done this.

Email Jenn Ros with questions: [email protected]

4. *NEW* SPRING BREAK SCHEDULE
   There is an away regatta scheduled on April 1. More details to follow, but families will be responsible for providing their own transportation to Middletown, Delaware for the St. Andrews Invitational. This is a great chance for athletes to race teams they do not usually compete against in different conditions.

The tentative spring break practice schedule below is for both the men’s and women’s teams:

There is no regatta and no practice on Saturday, 4/8. Practices will resume at the regularly scheduled time on Monday, 4/10.

5. *NEW* VASRA REGATTA VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
   Thank you so much for already volunteering for so many VASRA shifts! 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, Michelle Byman, so that she can try to help you find a replacement for your shift.

• As part of our participation in VASRA, our team is required to help with various tasks to support the VASRA regattas in which we participate. Sign up here. Feel free to check back frequently, even if shifts appear to be full, in case others are unable to fulfill their duties. If you sign up to drive a launch, you must have completed the recent launch driver training.

• *NEW*: We are looking for a dedicated volunteer or two to serve in a recurring role on the dock during regattas. Each team has a responsibility to identify a parent to perform these duties during all the regattas we attend. We usually split it between 2 or 3 folks to accommodate schedules, and we have one parent returning from last season. This job gives you a great view of the action on the water, directs traffic at the busy docks and helps keep regattas organized under the close instruction of VASRA regatta officials. If you would consider serving in the position during some of our regattas, please contact Bill Westman – VASRA Rep at [email protected] and Michelle Byman – Volunteer Coordinator at [email protected].

6. SPIRIT WEAR – GET IT NOW!
   Be ready for regatta season with your WT Woodson Crew spirit wear. A portion of the proceeds goes directly to the team, so you will benefit the team while showing off your team pride. Shop for items for rowers, as well as for parents, family, and friends. Visit the store today!

7. AT-A-GLANCE
   
   March

• Team Dinner @ Woodson Cafeteria B: 7:15p, Mar 17
• REGATTA – Polar Bear at Sandy Run: Mar 18
• Team Dinner @ Mantua ES (9107 Horner Ct): 7:15p, Mar 24
• REGATTA – Regional Park at Sandy Run: Mar 25
• Restaurant Fundraiser – &Pizza: Mar 29, 5-9pm

April

• Team Dinner @ Woodson Cafeteria A: 7:15p, Mar 31
• REGATTA – Invitational at St. Andrews, Middletown, DE: Apr 1
        – (families provide own transportation)
• Spring break: Practice scheduled as above Mon-Fri: Apr 3 – Apr 7
• Restaurant Fundraiser – Toby’s Ice Cream in Vienna: Apr 5, 5-9p
• Restaurant Fundraiser – Chipotle: Apr 12, 5-9pm
• Team Dinner @ Woodson Cafeteria A: 7:15p, Apr 14
• REGATTA – Tri-Meet at Anacostia River: Apr 15
• Team Dinner @ Woodson Cafeteria A: 7:15p, Apr 21
• REGATTA – Ryz Obuchowicz at Sandy Run: Apr 22
• Team Dinner @ Woodson Cafeteria A: 7:15p, Apr 28
• REGATTA – Al Urquia at Sandy Run: Apr 29

May

• Team Dinner @ Woodson Cafeteria A: 7:15p, May 5
• REGATTA – VSRC (State Championship) at Sandy Run, Day 1: May 6
• Team Dinner @ Woodson Cafeteria A: 7:15p, May 12
• REGATTA – VSRC (State Championship) at Sandy Run, Day 2: May 13
• Restaurant Fundraiser – Noodles & Co: May 17, 4-8p
• REGATTA (Qualifiers only) – Stotesbury Cup at Philadelphia, PA: May 19-20
• REGATTA (Qualifiers only) – SRAA Championships at Oak Ridge, TN: May 26-27

8. SPREAD THE WORD
   Continue to share the enthusiasm for your team as you speak to other students and encourage them to join! Please direct any questions about joining the team to [email protected].

Contact [email protected] to get signed up for our weekly communication and our Slack community. 

Follow us on Social Media!¶

Round of applause for all the volunteers who showed up for Launch Boat Training with Coach Joe! It was a windy day, but we value you taking the time to learn more about how you can help regattas run smoothly and safely. Now that you’re trained, don’t forget to sign up for boating positions under point 1 below!

1. VASRA REGATTA VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
2. *NEW* FRIDAY NIGHT TEAM DINNERS BEGIN MARCH 17
3. PRACTICE REMINDERS
4. EASY WAYS TO HELP BENEFIT WOODSON CREW!
5. AT-A-GLANCE
6. SPREAD THE WORD

ACTION ITEMS FOR THIS WEEK
Email athlete dietary restrictions to [email protected]
NLT 3/13/2023.

1. VASRA REGATTA VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
   As part of our participation in VASRA, our team is required to help with various tasks to support the VASRA regattas in which we participate.  Sign up here for our assigned 2023 season VASRA regatta tasks starting with the Polar Bear Regatta on 18 March.

2. *NEW* FRIDAY NIGHT TEAM DINNERS BEGIN MARCH 17
   Friday Night Team Dinners begin March 17! Once regatta season officially begins, athletes will gather at Woodson AFTER Friday practices to enjoy dinner together. For our first team dinner, we will be meeting in Cafeteria B around 7pm. Be on the lookout for more information and a need for volunteers! Please contact [email protected] with any dietary restrictions by Monday, March 13.

3. PRACTICE REMINDERS
   • Practice times for both the Women’s Team and the Men’s Team
     Mon-Fri: 4-6:30p
     Sat: 8:30-10:30a
   • Late or missing practice? Athletes who will be late or will miss practice should contact their coaches via Slack. Coaches request that athletes contact ALL 3 COACHES ON THEIR TEAM to make sure that there aren’t any missed messages.
   • Parking/drop-off at Sandy Run: review the graphic here.
     
4. EASY WAYS TO HELP BENEFIT WOODSON CREW!
   Visit the Fundraising tab on our website lots of simple ways you can help out. (NOTE: there is a pull down menu, so make sure to check out all the different ways you can help)! Contact our Fundraising chairperson at [email protected] if you have any new or unique ideas to raise money for Woodson Crew.

5. AT-A-GLANCE

March

• REGATTA – Polar Bear at Sandy Run: Mar 18
• REGATTA – Regional Park at Sandy Run: Mar 25
• Restaurant Fundraiser – &Pizza: Mar 29, 5-9pm

April

• REGATTA – Invitational at St. Andrews, Middletown, DE: Apr 1
  (families provide own transportation)
• Spring break: Practice tentatively scheduled Mon-Fri: Apr 3 – Apr 7
• Restaurant Fundraiser – Toby’s Ice Cream in Vienna: Apr 5, 5-9p
• Restaurant Fundraiser – Chipotle: Apr 12, 5-9pm
• REGATTA – Tri-Meet at Anacostia River: Apr 15
• REGATTA – Ryz Obuchowicz at Sandy Run: Apr 22
• REGATTA – Al Urquia at Sandy Run: Apr 29

May

• REGATTA – VSRC (State Championship) at Sandy Run, Day 1: May 6
• REGATTA – VSRC (State Championship) at Sandy Run, Day 2: May 13
• Restaurant Fundraiser – Noodles & Co: May 17, 4-8p
• REGATTA (Qualifiers only) – Stotesbury Cup at Philadelphia, PA: May 19-20
• REGATTA (Qualifiers only) – SRAA Championships at Oak Ridge, TN: May 26-27

6. SPREAD THE WORD

Continue to share the enthusiasm for your team as you speak to other students and encourage them to join! Please direct any questions about joining the team to [email protected].

Contact [email protected] to get signed up for our weekly communication and our Slack community. 

Follow us on Social Media!¶

The first week on the water went very well. Lots going on this week. Read below to find out more!

1. *NEW* SPIRIT SPRING PICTURE DAY – THU, MAR 2nd at 3:00pm
2. *NEW* RESTAURANT FUNDRAISER – THU, MAR 2nd (all day)
3. *NEW* VASRA REGATTA VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
4. *STILL NEEDED* TEAM VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
5. PRACTICE TIMES
6. GOING TO MISS PRACTICE OR BE LATE?
7. PARKING / DROP-OFF AT SANDY RUN
8. EASY WAYS TO HELP BENEFIT WOODSON CREW!
9. SEASON AT-A-GLANCE
10. SPREAD THE WORD

ACTION ITEMS FOR THIS WEEK
Review volunteer opportunities below and get involved!

1. *NEW* SPIRIT SPRING PICTURE DAY – THU, MAR 2nd at 3:00pm
   Spring athletics pictures will be taken THIS Thursday, Mar 2nd at 3:00pm in the Main Gym. The Girls will take photos at Station 1; Boys at Station 2. Some things to note:
   • This is an early release day. Athletes will need to return to school ON-TIME to get pictures taken.
   • We DO have practice at the regularly scheduled time on Thursday. Carpools should plan to pick up athletes at the school to head to Sandy Run after photos have been taken.
   • Athletes will be provided a team t-shirt to wear for the photos.
   • VARSITY SENIORS should also visit Photographer 3 (spirit photographer) to have a headshot taken.

2. *NEW* RESTAURANT FUNDRAISER – THU, MAR 2nd
   We will be having a restaurant fundraiser at the Wendy’s in Fair City Mall ALL DAY LONG (6:30 AM – 9:00 PM) on Thu, Mar 2nd. 20% of sales that day will be donated back to the team. Please make sure to mention WTW Crew when you order!

3. *NEW* VASRA REGATTA VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
   As part of our participation in VASRA, our team is required to help with various tasks to support the VASRA regattas in which we participate.  Sign up here for our assigned 2023 season VASRA regatta tasks starting with the Polar Bear Regatta on 18 March.

4. *STILL NEEDED* TEAM VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
   • BUCKETS NEEDED: The team is in need of two clean 5 gallon buckets with lids for use at the boathouse. Anyone who is willing to donate these items can contact Equipment and Logistics Manager, Riz, via Slack.
   • NOMINATING COMMITTEE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: We are seeking volunteers to serve on this year’s nominating committee. The nominating committee will identify parents with interest in serving on the Woodson Crew Board in the 2023/24 school year and beyond!  If you are interested in serving on the Nominating Committee please email Jenny Champagne at [email protected] or message Jenny on slack.
   • LAUNCH DRIVER TRAINING IS FULL: Thank you for all the interest in launch driver training! The Sign Up Genius was filled in record time. Please make sure to join the #launch-drivers channel on Slack if you are interested in being a launch driver.

5. PRACTICE TIMES
   Practice times are as follows, for both the Women’s Team and the Men’s Team. Please note that these times are when practice BEGINS (not the arrival time)!
   Mon-Fri: 4-6:30p
   Sat: 8:30-10:30a

6. GOING TO MISS PRACTICE OR BE LATE?
   Athletes who will be late or will miss practice should contact their coaches via Slack. Coaches request that athletes contact ALL 3 COACHES ON THEIR TEAM to make sure that there aren’t any missed messages.

7. PARKING / DROP-OFF AT SANDY RUN
   A graphic for parking/drop-off at Sandy Run was posted on Slack and social media earlier this week. Please make sure to review the graphic here so that you are aware of the traffic flow on practice days!

8. EASY WAYS TO HELP BENEFIT WOODSON CREW!
   Visit the Fundraising tab on our website lots of simple ways you can help out. (NOTE: there is a pull down menu, so make sure to check out all the different ways you can help)! Contact our Fundraising chairperson at [email protected] if you have any new or unique ideas to raise money for Woodson Crew.

9. SEASON AT-A-GLANCE

March

• Spring picture day: Mar 2
• Restaurant Fundraiser – Wendys: Mar 2, 6:30am-9pm
• Launch Boat Training: Mar 4
• REGATTA – Polar Bear at Sandy Run: Mar 18
• REGATTA – Regional Park at Sandy Run: Mar 25

April

• REGATTA – Invitational at St. Andrews, Middletown, DE: Apr 1 (families provide own transportation)
• Spring break: Practice tentatively scheduled Mon-Fri
• Restaurant Fundraiser – Chipotle: Apr 12, 5-9pm
• REGATTA – Tri-Meet at Anacostia River: Apr 15
• REGATTA – Ryz Obuchowicz at Sandy Run: Apr 22
• REGATTA – Al Urquia at Sandy Run: Apr 29

May

• REGATTA – VSRC (Championship) at Sandy Run, Day 1: May 6
• REGATTA – VSRC (Championship) at Sandy Run, Day 2: May 13
• Restaurant Fundraiser – Noodles & Co: May 17, 4-8p
• REGATTA (Qualifiers only) – Stotesbury Cup at Philadelphia, PA: May 19-20
• REGATTA (Qualifiers only) – SRAA Championships at Oak Ridge, TN: May 26-27

10. SPREAD THE WORD
    Continue to share the enthusiasm for your team as you speak to other students and encourage them to join! Please direct any questions about joining the team to [email protected].

Contact [email protected] to get signed up for our weekly communication and our Slack community. 

Follow us on Social Media!¶

Happy President’s Day! With on the water practice beginning on Tuesday, expect to see this newsletter approximately TWICE a week now (Mondays and Thursdays). As always, you can find archived email updates on our website at https://woodsonrowing.org/email-updates.

1. *NEW* VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
2. *UPDATED* PRACTICE REMINDERS
3. CARPOOLING TO PRACTICE
4. ON-THE-WATER INFORMATION MEETING NOTES
5. EASY WAYS TO HELP BENEFIT WOODSON CREW!
6. LOOKING AHEAD
7. SPREAD THE WORD

ACTION ITEMS FOR THIS WEEK
Review volunteer opportunities below and get involved!

1. *NEW* VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

• LAUNCH BOAT DRIVER TRAINING, SATURDAY, MARCH 4, 11a-1p: Being a Launch Boat Driver fulfills your VASRA volunteer requirement and gets you the best seat in the house at regattas! All parents/guardians are welcome to learn. Attendance is limited due to space constraints. Sign up now!
  
• VASRA WORK DAYS: As part of our participation in VASRA, our team is required to help with VASRA clean up days at Sandy Run. Most spots are now filled, but HELP IS STILL NEEDED ON SATURDAY 2/25 IN THE AFTERNOON. Use this Sign up Genius and don’t forget to indicate that you are representing the WT Woodson crew team in the comment section of the sign up.
  
• BUCKETS NEEDED: The team is in need of two clean 5 gallon buckets with lids for use at the boathouse. Anyone who is willing to donate these items can contact Equipment and Logistics Manager, Riz, via Slack.
  
• NOMINATING COMMITTEE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: We are seeking volunteers to serve on this year’s nominating committee. The nominating committee will identify parents with interest in serving on the Woodson Crew Board in the 2023/24 school year and beyond!  If you are interested in serving on the Nominating Committee please email Jenny Champagne at [email protected] or message Jenny on slack.

2. *UPDATED* PRACTICE REMINDERS
Our season officially kicks off TODAY, Monday, February 20! Although it is a federal holiday, there WILL be practice at the school. Athletes should be prepared for baseline erg testing. FOR TODAY ONLY, the Women’s Team is practicing from 3:30-5:30p and the Men’s Team is practicing 5-7p.

On-the-water practice begins TUESDAY, FEB 21. Practice times are as follows, for both the Women’s Team and the Men’s Team:
Mon-Fri: 4-6:30p
Sat: 8:30-10:30a

Please note that these times are when practice BEGINS (not the arrival time)! Athletes who will be late or will miss practice should contact their coaches via Slack.

3. CARPOOLING TO PRACTICE
Carpool lists were finalized and sent out last week. If you still need help coordinating a carpool for your athlete(s) to and from on-the-water practices, contact Susanne Fitch, Crew Carpool Coordinator at [email protected].

4. ON-THE-WATER INFORMATION MEETING NOTES
Thank you to all who attended the on-the-water information meeting on Monday, Feb 13. If you missed the meeting, you can see the slides and information presented here.

5. EASY WAYS TO HELP BENEFIT WOODSON CREW!
Visit the Fundraising tab on our website lots of simple ways you can help out. (NOTE: there is a pull down menu, so make sure to check out all the different ways you can help)! Contact our Fundraising chairperson at [email protected] if you have any new or unique ideas to raise money for Woodson Crew.

6. LOOKING AHEAD

February:¶

• First day of Spring practice. Erg tests at Woodson: Feb 20
• Season officially opens/on the water practices begin: Feb 21
• VASRA Work Day: Feb 25 (Sign up here)

March

• Spring picture day. More info to follow: Mar 2
• Launch Boat Training: Mar 4 (Sign up here)
• REGATTA – Polar Bear at Sandy Run: Mar 18
• REGATTA – Regional Park at Sandy Run: Mar 25

April

• REGATTA – Invitational at St. Andrews, Middletown, DE: Apr 1 (families provide transportation)
• Spring break: Practice tentatively scheduled Mon-Fri
• Chipotle restaurant night: Apr 12
• REGATTA – Tri-Meet at Anacostia River: Apr 15
• REGATTA – Ryz Obuchowicz at Sandy Run: Apr 22
• REGATTA – Al Urquia at Sandy Run: Apr 29

May

• REGATTA – VSRC (State Championship) at Sandy Run, Day 1: May 6
• REGATTA – VSRC (State Championship) at Sandy Run, Day 2: May 13
• REGATTA (Qualifiers only) – Stotesbury Cup at Philadelphia, PA: May 19-20
• REGATTA (Qualifiers only) – SRAA Championships at Oak Ridge, TN: May 26-27

7. SPREAD THE WORD
Continue to share the enthusiasm for your team as you speak to other students and encourage them to join! Please direct any questions about joining the team to [email protected].

Contact [email protected] to get signed up for our weekly communication and our Slack community. 

Follow us on Social Media!¶

Thank you so much to all the parents and athletes that signed up for and attended the work day this weekend. Your help is greatly appreciated and has a direct impact on the success of our team! Lots of NEW information and important things happening this week, so please read below to find out more.

1. *TODAY!* ON-THE-WATER INFORMATION MEETING, 7 PM

2. *NEW* CARPOOL INTEREST FORM

3. *DEADLINE COMING!* REGISTRATION CLOSES FEBRUARY 15!

4. *NEW* IMMEDIATE VOLUNTEER NEEDS

5. WINTER CONDITIONING AND SPRING PRACTICE REMINDERS

6. EASY WAYS TO HELP BENEFIT WOODSON CREW!

7. LOOKING AHEAD

8. SPREAD THE WORD

ACTION ITEMS FOR THIS WEEK

1. Attend tonight’s on-the-water meeting.
2. Crew Carpool Interest Form, if you need a carpool
3. Register for crew, if you haven’t already.
4. Review volunteer opportunities below and get involved

1. *TODAY!* ON-THE-WATER INFORMATION MEETING, 7 PM
Join us Monday, February 13 from 7-9 PM in Cafeteria A at Woodson. Winter conditioning is nearly over. Join us to learn what to expect from crew once the competitive regatta season starts. We will share important information for novice and returning parents alike. Athletes are welcome to attend. Board representatives and coaches will be on hand to answer questions. If you cannot attend, we will share a link to the slides in next week’s newsletter.

2. *NEW* CARPOOL INTEREST FORM
Sign up here if you would like help coordinating a carpool for your athlete(s) to and from on-the-water practices, Monday through Saturday. Pickup and drop-off will be at Woodson High School. Please note that carpools for spring break practice and for regattas will be organized separately. Questions? Contact Susanne Fitch, Crew Carpool Coordinator at [email protected].

3. *DEADLINE COMING!* REGISTRATION CLOSES FEBRUARY 15!
If you haven’t already, register your athlete for the 2022-2023 Crew season. Emails went out last week alerting families to missing registration requirements. Questions? Reach out to the membership team at [email protected]. 

4. *NEW* IMMEDIATE VOLUNTEER NEEDS

• VASRA WORK DAYS: As part of our participation in VASRA, our team is required to help with VASRA clean up days at Sandy Run. We need one person to work a shift (either morning, 9am-noon, or afternoon, 1-4pm) on EACH of the following four Saturdays: 2/18, 2/25, 3/4 and 3/11. Use this Sign up Genius and don’t forget to indicate that you are representing the WT Woodson crew team.
  
• BUCKETS NEEDED: The team is in need of two clean 5 gallon buckets with lids for use at the boathouse. Anyone who is willing to donate these items can contact Equipment and Logistics Manager, Riz, via Slack.
  
• NOMINATING COMMITTEE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: We are seeking volunteers to serve on this year’s nominating committee. The nominating committee will identify parents with interest in serving on the Woodson Crew Board in the 2023/24 school year and beyond!  If you are interested in serving on the Nominating Committee please email Jenny Champagne at [email protected] or message Jenny on slack

5. WINTER CONDITIONING AND SPRING PRACTICE REMINDERS
Winter Conditioning continues through FRIDAY, FEB 17 according to the schedule below:

                          Men              Women

Monday:        5:00-7:00        3:30-5:30

Tuesday:        3:30-5:30        5:00-7:00

Wednesday:  5:00-7:00        3:30-5:30

Thursday:       3:30-5:30        5:00-7:00

Friday:             3:30-5:30        3:30-5:30

Spring season practices officially kicks off on Monday, February 20! Although that is a federal holiday, there WILL be practice at the school that afternoon in accordance with the winter conditioning times. Athletes should be prepared for baseline erg testing on this date.

On-the-water practice begins TUESDAY, FEB 21.

6. EASY WAYS TO HELP BENEFIT WOODSON CREW!
Visit the Fundraising tab on our website lots of simple ways you can help out. (NOTE: there is a pull down menu, so make sure to check out all the different ways you can help)! Contact our Fundraising chairperson at [email protected] if you have any new or unique ideas to raise money for Woodson Crew.

7. LOOKING AHEAD

February:¶

• On-the-water information session: Feb 13
• Registration ends: Feb 15
• Last day of winter conditioning: Feb 17
• VASRA Work Day: Feb 18 (Sign up here)
• First day of Spring practice. Erg tests at Woodson: Feb 20
• Season officially opens/on the water practices begin: Feb 21
• VASRA Work Day: Feb 25 (Sign up here)

March

• Spring picture day. More info to follow. Mar 2
• VASRA Work Day: Mar 4 (Sign up here)
• VASRA Work Day: Mar 11 (Sign up here)
• REGATTA – Polar Bear at Sandy Run: Mar 18
• REGATTA – Regional Park at Sandy Run: Mar 25

April

• REGATTA – Invitational at St. Andrews, Middletown, DE: Apr 1
• Spring break: Practice tentatively scheduled Mon-Fri
• Chipotle restaurant night: Apr 12
• REGATTA – Tri-Meet at Anacostia River: Apr 15
• REGATTA – Ryz Obuchowicz at Sandy Run: Apr 22
• REGATTA – Al Urquia at Sandy Run: Apr 29

May

• REGATTA – VSRC (State Championship) at Sandy Run, Day 1: May 6
• REGATTA – VSRC (State Championship) at Sandy Run, Day 2: May 13
• REGATTA (Qualifiers only) – Stotesbury Cup at Philadelphia, PA: May 19-20
• REGATTA (Qualifiers only) – SRAA Championships at Oak Ridge, TN: May 26-27

8. SPREAD THE WORD

Continue to share the enthusiasm for your team as you speak to other students and encourage them to join! Please direct any questions about joining the team to [email protected].

Contact [email protected] to get signed up for our weekly communication and our Slack community.

Follow us on Social Media!

Congratulations to all of the athletes that competed in ErgSprints this past weekend. Looking forward to seeing all of this hard work hit the water in just a few short weeks.
Read below for more goings on in the life of Woodson Crew:

1. *DEADLINE TODAY!* PRACTICE BUS SIGN UP

2. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED – PRESEASON BOATHOUSE WORKDAY

3. PRACTICE BEGINS MON, FEB 20

4. SWIM TEST FOR NEW ROWERS – FEB 11 from 4-5PM

5. WINTER CONDITIONING THRU FRI, FEB 17

6. REGISTRATION CLOSES FEBRUARY 15

7. EASY WAYS TO HELP BENEFIT WOODSON CREW

8. LOOKING AHEAD

9. SPREAD THE WORD

ACTION ITEMS FOR THIS WEEK

Parents:
1. Sign up for the Practice Bus. Deadline TODAY, MON, FEB 6.
2. Sign up for Pre-season Boathouse Workday on SAT, FEB 11.

Athletes:
Kokee Tea Fundraiser on Thursday, Feb 9. Slack and/or social media for more info.

1. *DEADLINE TODAY!* PRACTICE BUS SIGN UP
Shuttle bus registration from Woodson to Sandy Run closes TODAY, FEB 6!

Sign up for the practice bus here. We still need a few riders to keep the bus costs in line. If your athlete wants a ride to Sandy Run most school days Mon-Thurs all season long, sign up now.

In order to provide this service, we must sign up a minimum number of riders. If we don’t reach a minimum number of riders we will revert to using carpools to travel to Sandy Run. The cost per rider will be determined based on sign ups and if we don’t reach 45 riders, we may re-evaulate the practice bus. Based on the cost of the bus, the pricing will be: 

• If we have 45 riders, each rider pays $733.
• If we have 50 riders, each rider pays $660.
• If we have 55 riders, each rider pays $600

As always, this is not a fundraiser for the team. The bus fee is directly based on the bus cost. The practice bus will run Mondays-Thursdays, departing directly from Woodson at 3:30 PM and returning to Woodson around 7 PM. Families are responsible for transporting athletes on Fridays. The practice bus doesn’t run on early dismissal days or school holidays. 

Sign up for the practice bus here.

Parent chaperones are REQUIRED for the practice bus as each trip to and from the river MUST have a chaperone.  Parents of athletes who will be riding the practice bus  should sign up to chaperone at least one day.  At present, we believe each family will need to chaperone only once, but that may vary depending on how many athletes use the bus service. Sign up to chaperone here. 2. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED – PRESEASON BOATHOUSE WORKDAY
Saturday, Feb 11 from 9am – Noon. Satisfy a volunteer credit early on and help us get our boathouse in good shape and tackle some projects that will set us up for a great season.  Wear appropriate clothes and closed toe, sturdy shoes ~ and be prepared to get dirty! Volunteer Now!

3. PRACTICE BEGINS MON, FEB 20
Just a little reminder that the spring season officially kicks off on Monday, February 20! Although that is a federal holiday, there WILL be practice at the school that afternoon in accordance with the winter conditioning times. Athletes should be prepared for baseline erg testing on this date. On-the-water practice begins TUESDAY, FEB 21.

4. SWIM TEST FOR NEW ROWERS – FEB 11 from 4-5PM
If this is your athlete’s first year on the Woodson Crew team, they need to take a swim test before we go out on the water next month. You only need to pass a swim test once in your time on Woodson Crew, so this is for new rowers only who weren’t able to do a swim test in the fall. Specific details of the swim test are required by US Rowing and administered by coaches. Test takes place on February 11 from 4-5 PM at Audrey Moore Rec Center pool. Click here for more details on the swim test and to sign up!

5. WINTER CONDITIONING THRU FRI, FEB 17
Before participating, all athletes should be registered with the Woodson Athletic System and must have a VHSL physical dated after May 1, 2022 on file with the WTW Athletic Trainer. Winter conditioning continues on the schedule below. Changes will be communicated via Slack.

                          Men              Women

Monday:        5:00-7:00        3:30-5:30

Tuesday:        3:30-5:30        5:00-7:00

Wednesday:  5:00-7:00        3:30-5:30

Thursday:       3:30-5:30        5:00-7:00

Friday:             3:30-5:30        3:30-5:30

6. REGISTRATION CLOSES FEBRUARY 15
If you haven’t already, registered your athlete for the 2022-2023 Crew season. Review the presentation from our parent information session for more information. If you or your student are interested in crew but are worried about the cost, contact [email protected] to learn about scholarship opportunities. Still have questions? Reach out to our membership team at [email protected].

7. EASY WAYS TO HELP BENEFIT WOODSON CREW
Visit the Fundraising tab on our website lots of simple ways you can help out. (NOTE: there is a pull down menu, so make sure to check out all the different ways you can help)! Contact our Fundraising chairperson at [email protected] if you have any new or unique ideas to raise money for Woodson Crew.

8. LOOKING AHEAD
February¶

• Practice bus sign up deadline: Feb 6
• Kokee Tea restaurant fundraiser: Feb 9
• Swim test for new rowers only: Feb 11, 4-5p
• On-the-water information session: Feb 13
• Registration ends: Feb 15
• Last day of winter conditioning: February 17
• First day of Spring practice. Erg tests at Woodson: Feb 20
• Season officially opens/on the water practices begin: Feb 21

March

• Spring picture day. More info to follow. March 2
• REGATTA – Polar Bear at Sandy Run: March 18
• REGATTA – Regional Park at Sandy Run: March 25

April

• REGATTA – Invitational at St. Andrews, Middletown, DE: April 1
• Spring break: Practice tentatively scheduled Mon-Fri
• Chipotle restaurant night: April 12
• REGATTA – Tri-Meet at Anacostia River: April 15
• REGATTA – Ryz Obuchowicz at Sandy Run: April 22
• REGATTA – Al Urquia at Sandy Run: April 29

May

• REGATTA – VSRC (State Chanpionship) at Sandy Run, Day 1: May 6
• REGATTA – VSRC (State Championship) at Sandy Run, Day 2: May 13
• REGATTA (Qualifiers only) – Stotesbury Cup at Philadelphia, PA: May 19-20
• REGATTA (Qualifiers only) – SRAA Championships at Oak Ridge, TN: May 26-27

9. SPREAD THE WORD
Continue to share the enthusiasm for your team as you speak to other students and encourage them to join! Please direct any questions about joining the team to [email protected].

Contact wtwcrewcommunications@@gmail.com to get signed up for our weekly communication and our Slack community. 

Follow us on Social Media!

Lots of action items this week as we speed toward the first day of practice! DEADLINES upcoming for ordering uniforms and signing up for the practice bus! Read below for more information:

1. *DEADLINE TOMORROW – JAN 31* UNIFORMS!

2. *NEW* PRACTICE BUS SIGN UP OPEN

3. *NEW* VOLUNTEERS NEEDED – PRESEASON BOATHOUSE WORKDAY

4. *NEW* PRACTICE BEGINS MON, FEB 20

5. SWIM TEST FOR NEW ROWERS – FEB 11 from 4-5PM

6. WINTER CONDITIONING THRU FRI, FEB 17.

7. REGISTRATION CLOSES FEBRUARY 15!

8. EASY WAYS TO HELP BENEFIT WOODSON CREW!

9. LOOKING AHEAD

10. SPREAD THE WORD

ACTION ITEMS FOR THIS WEEK

Parents:
1. Order Uniforms. Required / Optional. Deadline TUES JAN 31.
2. Sign up for the Practice Bus. Deadline MON, FEB 6
3. Sign up for Pre-season Boathouse Workday on SAT, FEB 11.

Athletes:
Follow up with your parents re: action items above!

1. *DEADLINE TOMORROW – JAN 31* UNIFORMS!
Uniform orders must be placed by Tuesday, January 31, 2023. All crew uniforms, visors, and jackets will be delivered and distributed in late March.

Order REQUIRED items here: https://www.776bc.com/pages/w-t-woodson-crew-rowing.

• All rowers are required to have a Unisuit and Long Sleeve Baselayer Top.
• Uniforms and tops are gender-specific. Double check your orders before placing. 

Order OPTIONAL items here: https://wtwoodson2023.itemorder.com/

• Headsweats Race Visor: this is the only opportunity to buy a Woodson monogrammed visor during the season.
• Stevenson Weathershirt (2 styles offered): We will practice and race in challenging conditions this season. Athletes will need a jacket that provides both wind and rain protection on the water. While the Stevenson Weathershirt is not a required part of the uniform it meets the demands of the sport (it was designed by rowers for rowing), looks great both on and off the water, and can be monogrammed for an extra charge.
• Cold weather training top
• Cold weather training tights

2. *NEW* PRACTICE BUS SIGN UP OPEN
We’ve finalized arrangements for the shuttle bus from Woodson to Sandy Run. As always, this is not a fundraiser for the team. The bus fee is directly based on the bus cost. The practice bus will run Mondays-Thursdays, departing directly from Woodson at 3:30 PM and returning to Woodson around 7 PM. Families are responsible for transporting athletes on Fridays. The practice bus doesn’t run on early dismissal days or school holidays.

In order to provide this service, we must sign up a minimum number of riders. If we don’t reach a minimum number of riders we will revert to using carpools to travel to Sandy Run. Because we charge each rider their share of the total bus cost, we need to sign up participating athletes now. The bus registration window opens today and will close Monday, Feb 6. At that time we will evaluate the cost per rider. If we don’t reach 45 riders, we may re-evaluate the practice bus.

Based on the cost of the bus, the pricing will be: 

• If we have 45 riders, each rider pays $733.
• If we have 50 riders, each rider pays $660.
• If we have 55 riders, each rider pays $600

Sign up for the practice bus here.

Parent chaperones are REQUIRED for the practice bus as each trip to and from the river MUST have a chaperone.  Parents of athletes who will be riding the practice bus  should sign up to chaperone at least one day.  At present, we believe each family will need to chaperone only once, but that may vary depending on how many athletes use the bus service. Sign up to chaperone here. 3. *NEW* VOLUNTEERS NEEDED – PRESEASON BOATHOUSE WORKDAY
Saturday, Feb 11 from 9am – Noon. Satisfy a volunteer credit early on and help us get our boathouse in good shape and tackle some projects that will set us up for a great season.  Wear appropriate clothes and closed toe, sturdy shoes ~ and be prepared to get dirty! Volunteer Now!

4. *NEW* PRACTICE BEGINS MON, FEB 20
Just a little reminder that the spring season officially kicks off on Monday, February 20! Although that is a federal holiday, there WILL be practice at the school that afternoon in accordance with the winter conditioning times. Athletes should be prepared for baseline erg testing on this date. On-the-water practice begins TUESDAY, FEB 21.

5. SWIM TEST FOR NEW ROWERS – FEB 11 from 4-5PM
If this is your athlete’s first year on the Woodson Crew team, they need to take a swim test before we go out on the water next month. You only need to pass a swim test once in your time on Woodson Crew, so this is for new rowers only who weren’t able to do a swim test in the fall. If your rower still needs a swim test, sign up now. Specific details of the swim test are required by US Rowing and administered by coaches. Test takes place on February 11 from 4-5 PM at Audrey Moore Rec Center pool. Click here for more details on the swim test and to sign up!

6. WINTER CONDITIONING THRU FRI, FEB 17.
Before participating, all athletes should be registered with the Woodson Athletic System and must have a VHSL physical dated after May 1, 2022 on file with the WTW Athletic Trainer. Winter conditioning continues on the schedule below. Changes will be communicated via Slack.

                          Men              Women

Monday:        5:00-7:00        3:30-5:30

Tuesday:        3:30-5:30        5:00-7:00

Wednesday:  5:00-7:00        3:30-5:30

Thursday:       3:30-5:30        5:00-7:00

Friday:             3:30-5:30        3:30-5:30

7. REGISTRATION CLOSES FEBRUARY 15!
If you haven’t already, register your athlete for the 2022-2023 Crew season. Review the presentation from our parent information session for more information. Still have questions? Reach out to our membership team at [email protected]. ¶8. EASY WAYS TO HELP BENEFIT WOODSON CREW!
Visit the Fundraising tab on our website lots of simple ways you can help out. (NOTE: there is a pull down menu, so make sure to check out all the different ways you can help)! Contact our Fundraising chairperson at [email protected] if you have any new or unique ideas to raise money for Woodson Crew.

9. LOOKING AHEAD

January: ¶

• Registration continues¶¶
• Uniform ordering deadline: Jan 31

February:¶

• Practice bus sign up deadline: Feb 6
• Kokee Tea restaurant fundraiser: Feb 9
• Swim test for new rowers only: Feb 11, 4-5p
• On-the-water information session: Feb 13
• Registration ends: Feb 15
• Last day of winter conditioning: Feb 17
• First day of Spring practice. Erg tests at Woodson: Feb 20
• Season officially opens/on the water practices begin: Feb 21

March

• Spring picture day. More info to follow. March 2
• REGATTA – Polar Bear at Sandy Run: March 18
• REGATTA – Regional Park at Sandy Run: March 25

April

• REGATTA – Invitational at St. Andrews, Middletown, DE: April 1
• Spring break: Practice tentatively scheduled Mon-Fri
• Chipotle restaurant night: April 12
• REGATTA – Tri-Meet at Anacostia River: April 15
• REGATTA – Ryz Obuchowicz at Sandy Run: April 22
• REGATTA – Al Urquia at Sandy Run: April 29

May

• REGATTA – VSRC at Sandy Run, Day 1: May 6
• REGATTA – VSRC at SandyRun, Day 2: May 13
• REGATTA (Qualifiers only) – Stotesbury Cup at Philadelphia, PA: May 19-20
• REGATTA (Qualifiers only) – SRAA Championships at Oak Ridge, TN: May 26-27

10. SPREAD THE WORD
Continue to share the enthusiasm for your team as you speak to other students and encourage them to join! Please direct any questions about joining the team to [email protected].

Contact [email protected] to get signed up for our weekly communication and our Slack community. 

Follow us on Social Media!¶

Our sincere thanks to Maz and Fredy Chinoy for hosting an AMAZING Parent/Guardian Social this last Saturday. It was so nice to see so many familiar faces and to meet many new ones! Read on for what’s new in Woodson Crew this week:

1. *COMING SOON* UNIFORM SIGN UP OPENS THIS WEEK
2. *COMING SOON* PRACTICE BUS SIGN UP OPENS THIS WEEK
3. *DEADLINE APPROACHING* ERG SPRINTS – SIGN UP BY JAN 27
4. SWIM TEST FOR NEW ROWERS – FEB 11 from 4-5PM
5. WINTER CONDITIONING
6. DO WE HAVE CONDITIONING ON … ?
7. REGISTRATION IS STILL OPEN
8. EASY WAYS TO HELP BENEFIT WOODSON CREW!
9. LOOKING AHEAD
10. SPREAD THE WORD

ACTION ITEMS FOR THIS WEEK
Parents: Last chance to sign your athlete up for ErgSprints
Athletes: Try on uniform samples at conditioning to figure out size.

1. *COMING SOON* UNIFORM SIGN UP OPENS THIS WEEK
This year our team is switching to a new uniform provider, 776BC, Inc. The uniform is consistent with prior years, so only new rowers are required to purchase a new uniform and long sleeve tech shirt. Returning rowers are welcome to also purchase when available.

This past week, samples were made available for students to try on during Winter Conditioning. This will continue into the next week so all participants can see the quality of the new uniforms and determine sizing.

Uniform orders must be placed by Tuesday, January 31, 2023. HOWEVER, the uniform store is still finalizing our links. We apologize for the delay and anticipated quick turnaround. As soon as links are live, we will send out a special edition newsletter and post the links in Slack. Upon ordering, all uniforms, visors, and jackets will be delivered and distributed in late March.

Questions? Please contact the Sportswear Chair, Cheryl Urban, via Slack or email: [email protected].

2. *COMING SOON* PRACTICE BUS SIGN UP OPENS THIS WEEK
We’ve finalized arrangements for the shuttle bus from Woodson to Sandy Run and will open signup/payment later this week. The practice bus will run Mondays-Thursdays, departing directly from Woodson at 3:30 PM and returning to Woodson around 7 PM. Families are responsible for transporting athletes on Fridays. The practice bus doesn’t run on early dismissal days or school holidays. Signup will open later this week!

3. *DEADLINE APPROACHING* ERG SPRINTS – SIGN UP BY JAN 27
Erg Sprints is an indoor competition held annually at Alexandria City HS (Formerly T.C. Williams) where athletes have the opportunity to experience the excitement of competition and go head to head against rowers from all over the DC Metro Area. Events include 2Ks, 20 minute pieces, relays, and more. It will take place on Saturday, February 4th. All rowers are highly encouraged to attend and many have been planning out their events with their coaches. More information and registration can be found at: https://www.ergsprints.com/

4. SWIM TEST FOR NEW ROWERS – FEB 11 from 4-5PM
If this is your athlete’s first year on the Woodson Crew team, they need to take a swim test before we go out on the water next month. You only need to pass a swim test once in your time on Woodson Crew, so this is for new rowers only who weren’t able to do a swim test in the fall. If your rower still needs a swim test, sign up now. Specific details of the swim test are required by US Rowing and administered by coaches. Test takes place on February 11 from 4-5 PM at Audrey Moore Rec Center pool. Click here for more details on the swim test and to sign up!

5. WINTER CONDITIONING
Before participating, all athletes should be registered with the Woodson Athletic System and must have a VHSL physical dated after May 1, 2022 on file with the WTW Athletic Trainer. Winter conditioning continues on the schedule below. Changes will be communicated via Slack.

                                 Men’s Team        Women’s Team:
Mondays:             5:00-7:00p            3:30-5:30p
Tuesdays:             3:30-5:30p            5:00-7:00p
Wednesdays:     5:00-7:00p            3:30-5:30p
Thursdays:           3:30-5:30p           5:00-7:00p
Fridays*:                3:30-5:30p            3:30-5:30p
* Both teams practice together on Fridays

 6. DO WE HAVE CONDITIONING ON … ?
The most frequently asked question is “do we have conditioning on X date?”

Here’s a quick primer: We will NOT have conditioning on official school holidays. We WILL have conditioning most other days (early release, teacher work days, etc.). Last minute changes are communicated via Slack.

So, YES, we WILL have conditioning on January 26 and 27.

7. REGISTRATION IS STILL OPEN
If you haven’t already, PLEASE register your athlete for the 2022-2023 Crew season. Review the presentation from our parent information session for more information. Still have questions? Reach out to our membership team at [email protected]. 

8. EASY WAYS TO HELP BENEFIT WOODSON CREW!
Visit the Fundraising tab on our website lots of simple ways you can help out. (NOTE: there is a pull down menu, so make sure to check out all the different ways you can help)! Contact our Fundraising chairperson at [email protected] if you have any new or unique ideas to raise money for Woodson Crew.

9. LOOKING AHEAD

January: ¶

• Registration continues
• Practice bus sign up begins the week of Jan 23
• Conditioning as scheduled: Jan 26 and Jan 27.
• Uniform ordering deadline: Jan 31

February:¶

• Swim test for new rowers only: February 11, 4-5p. Sign up now!
• On-the-water information session: February 13
• Registration ends: February 15
• Erg tests at Woodson: February 20
• Season officially opens/on the water practices begin: February 21

March

• REGATTA – Polar Bear at Sandy Run: March 18
• REGATTA – Regional Park at Sandy Run: March 25

April

• REGATTA – Invitational at St. Andrews, Middletown, DE: April 1
• Spring break: Practice tentatively scheduled Mon-Fri
• Chipotle restaurant night: April 12
• REGATTA – Tri-Meet at Anacostia River: April 15
• REGATTA – Ryz Obuchowicz at Sandy Run: April 22
• REGATTA – Al Urquia at Sandy Run: April 29

May

• REGATTA – VSRC at Sandy Run, Day 1: May 6
• REGATTA – VSRC at SandyRun, Day 2: May 13
• REGATTA (Qualifiers only) – Stotesbury Cup at Philadelphia, PA: May 19-20
• REGATTA (Qualifiers only) – SRAA Championships at Oak Ridge, TN: May 26-27

10. SPREAD THE WORD
Continue to share the enthusiasm for your team as you speak to other students and encourage them to join! Please direct any questions about joining the team to [email protected].

Contact [email protected] to get signed up for our weekly communication and our Slack community. 

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