Updates for athletes, parents, and supporters of Woodson Rowing.
Questions, ideas or feedback? Just reply to this newsletter!
What matters this week:
Register by Monday, 2/23
First practice 2/23 (at school)
Volunteer sign-ups are open
🛑 ACTION REQUIRED: REGISTRATION DUE MON, 2/23
If you are not registered, your athlete cannot practice. Registration is a multi-step process — allow time to complete all parts. Don’t wait until Sunday night. 👉 Register: woodsonrowing.org/registration
🎓ROUND 2 OF SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS IS OPEN
Woodson families are eligible to apply through OBC.
The first practice (2/23) is at school from 3:30–5:30pm.
All other practices take place at Sandy Run.
Transportation or Carpool questions? 🔗join the carpool channel on Slack!
🙋 WE NEED VOLUNTEERS
This program runs on parent volunteers. If everyone completes 5 credits (or more), no one gets burned out.
Volunteer Requirements:
Each family must complete 5 volunteer credits
One shift = one credit
At least 1 creditmust be a VASRA Workday or regatta-day shift
🚨CRITICAL NEEDS
Treasurer Still seeking someone to fill this board position. 📩 Contact Tim, Board President
Future Tag Day Coordinator Help Patrick next season, then take over in 2027 📩 Contact Patrick via Slack
Launch Boat Drivers! A fun but critical task for VASRA regattas. Prior experience not required. Get trained on 3/14. 👉Sign up here 🛸Prior trained drivers, join the #launch-boat-drivers on Slack
✅ Bookmark these dates–your quick reference for the season.
FEBRUARY
Feb 21: VASRA Workday. Feb 23: First day of practice (school) Feb 24: First on-the-water practice (at Sandy Run) Feb 28: VASRA Workday.
MARCH
Mar 7: VASRA Workday. Mar 14: VASRA Workday. Mar 15: Chuckwagon Workday. Mar 21: Polar Bear Regatta (varsity), Sandy Run Volunteer HERE Mar 28: St. Andrews Regatta, Middletown, DE Volunteer HERE
SPRING BREAK: March 30 – April 3 PLAN TO ATTEND PRACTICE ALL WEEK! From a physiology training perspective, ideally there would be 2 practices per day over spring break. However, from a logistics perspective, coaches understand that one extended practice block may be easier to manage for families. The final schedule will be a balance between these two considerations.
Practice formats may include:
One extended practice (~4 hours) OR
Two practices per day (~2.5 hours AM + ~2.5 hours PM)
The schedule will be released as soon as it is finalized.
APRIL
Apr 10, 17, 24: Athlete team dinners (Cafe B) Apr 11: Tri-Meet Scrimmage, Anacostia Boathouse, DC Apr 18: Ryz Obuchowicz Regatta, Sandy Run. Volunteer HERE. Apr 24: Senior night at team dinner Apr 25: Al Urquia Regatta, Sandy Run. Volunteer HERE.
MAY
May 1 & 8: Athlete team dinners (Cafe B) May 2: Virginia State Champs, Day 1, Sandy Run. Volunteer HERE. May 9: Virginia State Champs, Day 2, Sandy Run. Volunteer HERE. May 15: Stotesbury (select boats), Philadelphia, PA May 22: Nationals (qualifiers only), Oak Ridge, TN
Updates for athletes, parents, and supporters of Woodson Rowing.
Have feedback, ideas, comments or questions? Just reply to this newsletter!
⚡ URGENT ITEMS
🧮 We Need a Treasurer! Numbers person? Organized? Want to make a real impact behind the scenes? Help keep Woodson Rowing’s finances in ship-shape condition. This critical board position fulfills all volunteer obligations. 👉 To learn more, contact Tim, Board President
💬 In this issue: ErgSprints and Maverick Rowing + registration and more!
🏋️WINTER CONDITIONING IS IN FULL SWING
Winter Conditioning began this week. It’s never too late to join!
📅Date: Wednesday, 12/17 (4-8p) 📍Location: 9506 Main St, Fairfax, VA 22031-4031 In person: tell the cashier you’re supporting C.G. Woodson Crew
Ordering online: use code 34MV7PZ
🚣♀️ NEED SOMETHING TO TRAIN FOR?
Should be enough to want a fast boat in spring, But sometimes we need a goal to get us going. So, we’ve got you covered …
1️⃣INDOOR ROWING Be “on-the-water” without being ON the water! $20 per day to participate to be collected later. 📅Dates: Saturday, January 17, 2026 Saturday, February 7, 2026 📍Location: 43465 Riverpoint Dr. Lansdowne, VA 20176 🖥️Sign Up & Info:Maverick Rowing
2️⃣ERG SPRINTS Indoor erg competition Save $10 per event when you register early. 📅Date: Saturday, January 31, 2026 📍Location: 3330 King Street, Alexandria, VA 🖥️Register:https://www.regattacentral.com/regatta/?job_id=9646
Our next tag day is January 24, 2026. Until then: – Save the date! Adults and athletes needed. – Get some swag to look the part (warmly)! – Get ready to raise money for the team.
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)
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
Last newsletter of the year! We are so proud of ALL of our athletes and their families for sticking with the grind all season. As we turn our focus to the summer – don’t forget to keep up on the fitness you’ve gained all season! And athletes – maybe it’s even time to introduce your parents to the “joys” of the erg.
1. FINAL BOATHOUSE WORKDAY THIS SATURDAY, JUNE 7 2. DESPERATELY SEEKING CRAFT SHOW VOLUNTEER! 3. CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NEW BOARD MEMBERS 4. TAKE CARE OF NEXT YEAR’S SCHOOL PHYSICAL NOW! 5. RECRUITING 6. STAYING FIT 7. KEEP UP-TO-DATE IN THE OFF-SEASON!
1. FINAL BOATHOUSE WORKDAY THIS SATURDAY, JUNE 7 CRITICAL NEED FOR THIS WEEKEND: Many hands make light work! Get in those final volunteering hours to avoid being charged for unperformed credit. Sign up here: End of Season Boathouse Workday.
2. DESPERATELY SEEKING CRAFT SHOW VOLUNTEER! We have a CRITICAL support role to fill immediately. We are seeking someone to shadow Gail Lee for our MAJOR FUNDRAISER, the Woodson Craft Show. We have already begun plans and registration for vendors will open on July 1. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn from someone who has been in this role for some time. Her daughter is graduating in 2026 so she will not be remaining in this role next year. Please reach out to Gail for info on how to fulfill your volunteer requirements before the next season even begins!
3. CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NEW BOARD MEMBERS All nominees to the board were approved at our year-end meeting on May 28, 2025. You can stay abreast of who is on the Board on our website: https://woodsonrowing.org/board-of-directors/
We want to offer a sincere and heartfelt THANK YOU to our outgoing Board Members. We, honestly, could not have done it without you. For our incoming members – WELCOME! You should be in touch with your counterpart to discuss transitioning responsibilities
4. TAKE CARE OF NEXT YEAR’S SCHOOL PHYSICAL NOW! Each year, it is required that all student athletes have a completed VHSL physical on file before participating in sports. Completing that physical at the end of the school year means that you won’t run into rushing to get a physical at the start of the crew season next year!
To aid in that end, the Athletic Training Programs at various high schools in NoVA hold a Sports Physical Night. The goal of Sports Physical Night is to provide a complete pre-participation examination screening that will leave student athletes with a valid VHSL physical for the entirety of the 2025-26 school year. The cost for the physical is $50.
The Athletic Training Program receives no funding from FCPS, and this event is their ONLY fundraiser for the year. ALL proceeds go towards helping the program purchase supplies.
Sign up for an appointment for a physical here. Even If you cannot make the Woodson event on June 10, sign up for another school’s event using the same form.
NOTE: There is a NEW VHSL Physical Form for the 2025-2026 school year! Make sure that you use the NEW form (it says April 2025 in the top right corner), whether you take advantage of the Athletic Training Program’s event or use your own doctor.
5. RECRUITING Last week there was an Activities Fair at Woodson designed for incoming Freshman to see all the extracurriculars Woodson has to offer. Hearty thank yous to the athletes that manned the table. We received some interest – but to be truly honest – our BEST source of recruitment is ALL OF YOU. It’s never too early to start talking to neighbors and friends about all that rowing has to offer. Send potential recruits to our interest form at: https://woodsonrowing.org/.
6. STAYING FIT This one is for the athletes – but parents – you may benefit from these resources too! Review the whole resources page at https://woodsonrowing.org/resources/. Make sure you scroll through. There are links to information from your coaches (recommended workout plans) as well as links for summer and fall rowing programs that meet most needs. When in doubt – REACH OUT via Slack! We are a team and we all #PullforWoodson!
7. KEEP UP-TO-DATE IN THE OFF-SEASON!
RECRUITMENT:
Direct interested athletes and their parents to our interest form or have them send an email to our membership team at: [email protected].
The official end of racing happened this last weekend with the MFr8+ and WJr4+ rowing strong at the SRAA Nationals Regatta. Now we are ready to wrap up the season and forge ahead to next year!
1. END-OF-YEAR BANQUET TOMORROW 2. BRING YOUR OLD WOODSON GEAR TO THE BANQUET TOMORROW! 3. SUMMER ERG RENTAL – PICK UP TOMORROW 4. REVIEW PROPOSED BOARD FOR NEXT YEAR 5. THE WOODSON CRAFT SHOW NEEDS YOU! 6. WE STILL NEED VOLUNTEERS 7. 2025-2026 SCHOOL PHYSICAL 8. CALENDAR AT-A-GLANCE
SUPPORT THE TEAM!
1. END-OF-YEAR BANQUET TOMORROW Please plan to join us in celebrating a wonderful season! This is more than just an end-of-season celebration; coaches will present awards, we will recognize our seniors and attending parents will have an introduction/vote for next year’s new board members! RSVP and see you at 7p in Cafe A!
2. BRING YOUR OLD WOODSON GEAR TO THE BANQUET TOMORROW! Are you graduating and won’t be wearing your uni any more? Do you have old Woodson Crew/Rowing spirit wear that you no longer wear? Or perhaps you’re looking for a community conscious way to clear up those overflowing drawers? We can help. We will collect your gently used spirit wear for intra-team recycling (think Tag Days) or resale. All items will be reconditioned and washed. If offered for sale, they will be sold for a fraction of the retail price to benefit the team. Help other up & coming Woodson families sport their support without breaking the bank. We will have a box available at the End-of-Year banquet to collect your donations. THANK YOU!
3. SUMMER ERG RENTAL DEADLINE AND PICK UP TOMORROW! The team has a limited number of ergs available for athlete rental over the summer. The erg rental form will close at 9am tomorrow (5/28), so act now! The cost to rent an erg will be $200.00 (pre-paid). Pick up will be at the end of season banquet on Wednesday, 5/28. Ergs will be returned prior to the start of winter conditioning in October 2025. Reserve your erg here: https://woodsonrowing.org/erg-rental/
4. REVIEW PROPOSED BOARD FOR NEXT YEAR In accordance with Article X, Section 2 of the by-laws for the C.G. Woodson High School Rowing Boosters Association, here is the slate of candidates to be voted on during the Annual Association Meeting (aka our end-of-year banquet) on Wednesday, May 28. Names marked with an asterisk will be NEW to their role on the board for the 2025-2026 school year. THANK YOU!!! If you are interested in filling any of our vacancies, please reach out to any of the existing Board Members on Slack!
5. THE WOODSON CRAFT SHOW NEEDS YOU! We have a CRITICAL support role to fill immediately. We are seeking someone to shadow Gail Lee for our MAJOR FUNDRAISER, the Woodson Craft Show. Please reach out to Gail for info on how to fulfill your volunteer requirements before the next season even begins!
6. WE STILL NEED VOLUNTEERS As a reminder, 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 Lisa Veigel, Volunteer Coordinator. Click any of the links below to fulfill your current volunteer credits:
7. 2025-2026 SCHOOL PHYSICAL Each year, it is required that all student athletes have a completed VHSL physical on file before participating in sports. Completing that physical at the end of the school year means that you won’t run into rushing to get a physical at the start of the crew season next year!
To aid in that end, the Athletic Training Programs at various high schools in NoVA hold a Sports Physical Night. The goal of Sports Physical Night is to provide a complete pre-participation examination screening that will leave student athletes with a valid VHSL physical for the entirety of the 2025-26 school year. The cost for the physical is $50.
The Athletic Training Program receives no funding from FCPS, and this event is their ONLY fundraiser for the year. ALL proceeds go towards helping the program purchase supplies.
Sign up for an appointment for a physical here. Even If you cannot make the Woodson event on June 10, sign up for another school’s event using the same form.
NOTE: There is a NEW VHSL Physical Form for the 2025-2026 school year! Make sure that you use the NEW form (it says April 2025 in the top right corner), whether you take advantage of the Athletic Training Program’s event or use your own doctor.
8. 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/
What an eventful Stotesbury Cup Regatta! The experience definitely earned the nickname “Soaksbury.” Our athletes raced their hearts out and, hopefully, had some fun in the process. We are so thankful for the loads of volunteers and spectators who came together to make the most of a rainy situation. Our MFr8+ and WJr4+ have one more opportunity to race at this weekend’s SRAA Nationals Regatta!
1. PRACTICES FOR THE REST OF THE SEASON 2. REVIEW PROPOSED BOARD FOR NEXT YEAR 3. WE STILL NEED VOLUNTEERS 4. END-OF-YEAR BANQUET WED, 5/28 5. SPIRIT WEAR OR UNIFORM RECYCLING 6. SUMMER ERG RENTAL 7. 2025-2026 SCHOOL PHYSICAL 8. CALENDAR AT-A-GLANCE SUPPORT THE TEAM!
1. PRACTICES FOR THE REST OF THE SEASON Practices will be focused for those going to Nationals. If you are unsure if an athlete should come to practice, please have the athlete check with their coaches.
2. REVIEW PROPOSED BOARD FOR NEXT YEAR
In accordance with Article X, Section 2 of the by-laws for the C.G. Woodson High School Rowing Boosters Association, here is the slate of candidates to be voted on during the Annual Association Meeting (aka our end-of-year banquet) on Wednesday, May 28. Names marked with an asterisk will be NEW to their role on the board for the 2025-2026 school year. THANK YOU!!! If you are interested in filling any of our vacancies, please reach out to any of the existing Board Members on Slack!
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
President: Tim Schnelle
Senior VP: VACANT
VP Activities: Maz Chinoy
VP Comms: Jenn McRobbie
Treasurer: Doug Glenn*
Secretary: Andi Knopp
COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Fundraising: Alexis Sutter*
Membership: VACANT
Service & Volunteering: Lisa Veigel
Equip & Logistics: Riz Ramakdawala
Uniforms & Sportswear: Monica Chacon*
VASRA Rep: Michael Chase
Woodson Boosters Liaison: Gloria Totten*
ALSO – we have a CRITICAL support role to fill immediately. We are seeking someone to shadow Gail Lee for our MAJOR FUNDRAISER, the Woodson Craft Show. Please reach out to Gail for info on how to fulfill your volunteer requirements before the next season even begins
3. WE STILL NEED VOLUNTEERS As a reminder, 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 Lisa Veigel, Volunteer Coordinator. Click any of the links below to fulfill your current volunteer credits:
4. END-OF-YEAR BANQUET WED, 5/28 Please plan to join us in celebrating a wonderful season! If you haven’t yet, please RSVP and help out. This will be a partial pot-luck style event, so please RSVP and help out. The Board will provide pizza and cake. This is more than just an end-of-season celebration; coaches will present awards, we will recognize our seniors and attending parents will have an introduction/vote for next year’s new board members!
5. SPIRIT WEAR OR UNIFORM RECYCLING Are you graduating and won’t be wearing your uni in college? Do you have old Woodson Crew/Rowing spirit wear that you no longer wear? Or perhaps you’re looking for a community conscious way to clear up those overflowing drawers? We can help. We will collect your gently used spirit wear for intra-team recycling (think Tag Days) or resale. All items will be reconditioned and washed. If offered for sale, they will be sold for a fraction of the retail price to benefit the team. Help other up & coming Woodson families sport their support without breaking the bank. We will have a box available at the End-of-Year banquet to collect your donations. THANK YOU!
6. SUMMER ERG RENTAL The team will have a limited number of ergs available for athlete rental over the summer. The cost to rent an erg will be $200.00 (pre-paid). Pick up will be at the end of season banquet on Wednesday, 5/28. Ergs will be returned prior to the start of winter conditioning in October 2025. Reserve your erg here: https://woodsonrowing.org/erg-rental/
7. 2025-2026 SCHOOL PHYSICAL Each year, it is required that all student athletes have a completed VHSL physical on file before participating in sports. Completing that physical at the end of the school year means that you won’t run into rushing to get a physical at the start of the crew season next year!
To aid in that end, the Athletic Training Programs at various high schools in NoVA hold a Sports Physical Night. The goal of Sports Physical Night is to provide a complete pre-participation examination screening that will leave student athletes with a valid VHSL physical for the entirety of the 2025-26 school year. The cost for the physical is $50.
The Athletic Training Program receives no funding from FCPS, and this event is their ONLY fundraiser for the year. ALL proceeds go towards helping the program purchase supplies.
Sign up for an appointment for a physical here. Even If you cannot make the Woodson event on June 10, sign up for another school’s event using the same form.
NOTE: There is a NEW VHSL Physical Form for the 2025-2026 school year! Make sure that you use the NEW form (it says April 2025 in the top right corner), whether you take advantage of the Athletic Training Program’s event or use your own doctor.
8. 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/
What an incredible end to the championship season. Woodson Rowing brought home the W2V state title AND a bid for SRAA Nationals for the WJr4+. As usual, we are full steam ahead into the week with LOTS of activity and things to do!
1. PRACTICES FOR THE REST OF THE SEASON
2. STOTESBURY UPDATES A. LUGGAGE DROP-OFF ON WEDNESDAY, 5/14 B. WHAT HAPPENS ON THURSDAY? C. TEAM VOLUNTEERS NEEDED D. THE SLACK CHANNEL E. RACING SCHEDULE F. PARENT INFO ZOOM HOSTED BY STOTESBURY TONIGHT, 5:30p G. WORK AT THE REGATTA FOR AN ENTRY PASS
3. SRAA NATIONALS
4. LOTS OF VOLUNTEERING NEEDS REMAIN!
5. SUMMER ERG RENTAL
6. 2025-2025 SCHOOL PHYSICAL
7. FINAL RESTAURANT FUNDRAISER – ALL DAY, MONDAY, 5/19
8. CALENDAR AT-A-GLANCE
SUPPORT THE TEAM!
1. PRACTICES FOR THE REST OF THE SEASON Practices will be focused for Stotesbury participants and those going to Nationals. If you are unsure if an athlete should come to practice, please have the ATHLETE check with the coaches. We know it is challenging sometimes when our athletes do not communicate with their families, but this is a golden opportunity to teach your athletes the art of independence and advocacy. Also, our coaches have full-time jobs, families and then coach our kids. The more we can help them stay focused on the athletes, the better for everyone!
2. STOTESBURY UPDATES Everyone is registered, paid and up-to-date on forms! WOO HOO! Thanks for your diligence in getting all of these important things done before we leave on Thursday.A. LUGGAGE DROP-OFF ON WEDNESDAY, 5/14
Luggage drop-off is tomorrow (5/14), 7-8 PM at Woodson, Door 3. Please bring your athlete’s bags and any medicine (this includes over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen). Enter through Door 3 (the door by the big rock out front) and you’ll see volunteers on hand to check luggage.
All bags except carry-ons must be turned in at this time; this baggage will be inaccessible during bus travel. All bags will be secured in a locked room until the bus is loaded on May 16. The coaches prefer that students accompany their own bags for drop-off. So, this is your motherly advice to PACK TONIGHT.
Be aware that carry-on bags will be quickly searched before boarding the bus, so keep the prohibited items at home. Unsure what’s prohibited? Visit our website and scroll down to the “PACKING” section.
PARENTS may search the bags for prohibited items (alcohol, duct tape, cigarettes, etc.) and sign the lower portion of the form attesting that you have done so. If you choose this option, a parent must bring the bags to Woodson Wednesday night with Part II of the form signed so we can confirm the luggage contains no prohibited items. Please be aware that coaches/volunteers will still likely do a perfunctory search of the bag. That is often because parents are unaware of things that are “not recommended” items to bring, such as a toy lightsaber (yes – someone tried to bring one of those once).
If athletes are bringing their luggage without a parent, parents must sign Part I of this form consenting to have the bags searched by volunteers under the supervision of coaching staff.
If you need assistance deciding what to pack, visit our Stotesbury webpage and scroll down to the “PACKING” section to learn more.
IF YOUR ATHLETE REQUIRES MEDICATION OF ANY KIND (THIS INCLUDES OVER-THE-COUNTER PAIN MEDS SUCH AS TYLENOL AND ADVIL):
Please provide a hard copy of the Medication Form at the luggage check-in on May 15. Complete the form with as much information as you are comfortable sharing. The form, along with all medications in their original containers, must be placed in a sealable plastic bag, labeled with the ATHLETE’S NAME. This will be reviewed and checked-in Wednesday evening during the baggage search. Please just send enough for your student for just the trip. Questions? Visit our Stotesbury webpage and scroll down to the “TRANSPORT OF MEDICATIONS” section to learn more.B. WHAT HAPPENS ON THURSDAY?
Parents do not need to notify the Attendance office of your athlete’s absence. The team has already provided a list of all athletes attending this trip. This is considered an excused absence.
Athletes should go to school as they normally would EXCEPT if they drive. They should NOT leave vehicles in the parking lot for the duration of the trip so should make alternative arrangements to get to school. Athletes will attend all of first period. When the bell rings, they will make their way to Door 3 to board the buses. Buses will depart by 10:15a at the latest, so athletes should move with haste after the bell rings.
Any chaperones traveling on the buses and volunteers assisting with attendance and bus loading should be at Door 3 around 9:30-9:45a.
C. TEAM VOLUNTEERS NEEDED We still have many open slots for volunteers at Stotesbury. Remember that many hands make light work!! Visit the Stotesbury Volunteer Sign Up for the long list of volunteering opportunities available, both at home and at the race site.
D. THE SLACK CHANNEL Make sure you check #2025-stotesbury to stay abreast of all updates. We will be posting updates during the trip, to include an ETA when the athletes will be returning to Woodson on Saturday. This is your one-stop-shop for information.
E. RACING SCHEDULE The racing schedule has been released. You can find a preview and explanation on our website at woodsonrowing.org/stotesbury. If you’re the info gathering type, you can deep dive on Rowtown.org.
F. PARENT INFO ZOOM HOSTED BY STOTESBURY TONIGHT, 5:30p Organizers are hosting a Parents “Zoom” Info session on Tuesday May 13 at 5:30 pm during which they will answer most questions you may have. You must pre-register to join HERE.
G. WORK AT THE REGATTA FOR AN ENTRY PASS Spectating is absolutely free. But. you can get an Entry Pass (this is the ability to drive in and park on-site for one day) if you volunteer for TWO shifts (across all spots available during the regatta). If you sign up for three shifts, you will receive a two-day Entry Pass. You can sign up to volunteer HERE (Do so soon if you are interested. Spots will fill fast). If you choose to volunteer, please let Lisa Veigel know – especially if you haven’t fulfilled your volunteer duties for our team this year. Please note your affiliation with Woodson on the SUG.
3. SRAA NATIONALS Congratulations to our MFr8+ and WJr4+ who qualified to race in SRAA Nationals! A Slack channel has been created specifically for SRAA discussions, if your athlete is attending please make sure you’re in the channel: #2025-sraa. We are currently working on securing hotel rooms and the like, so we appreciate your patience as we juggle both travel regattas! For folks that like to do their own research, all the info we currently have is here: https://woodsonrowing.org/sraa/.
4. LOTS OF VOLUNTEERING NEEDS REMAIN! As a reminder, 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 Lisa Veigel, Volunteer Coordinator. Click any of the links below to fulfill your current volunteer credits:
5. SUMMER ERG RENTAL The team will have a limited number of ergs available for athlete rental over the summer. The cost to rent an erg will be $200.00 (pre-paid). Pick up will be at the end of season banquet on Wednesday, 5/28. Ergs will be returned prior to the start of winter conditioning in October 2025. Reserve your erg here: https://woodsonrowing.org/erg-rental/
6. 2025-2025 SCHOOL PHYSICAL Each year, it is required that all student athletes have a completed VHSL physical on file before participating in sports. Completing that physical at the end of the school year means that you won’t run into rushing to get a physical at the start of the crew season next year!
To aid in that end, the Athletic Training Programs at various high schools in NoVA hold a Sports Physical Night. The goal of Sports Physical Night is to provide a complete pre-participation examination screening that will leave student athletes with a valid VHSL physical for the entirety of the 2025-26 school year. The cost for the physical is $50.
The Athletic Training Program receives no funding from FCPS, and this event is their ONLY fundraiser for the year. ALL proceeds go towards helping the program purchase supplies.
Sign up for an appointment for a physical here. Even If you cannot make the Woodson event on June 10, sign up for another school’s event using the same form.
NOTE: There is a NEW VHSL Physical Form for the 2025-2026 school year! Make sure that you use the NEW form (it says April 2025 in the top right corner), whether you take advantage of the Athletic Training Program’s event or use your own doctor.
7. FINAL RESTAURANT FUNDRAISER – ALL DAY, MONDAY, 5/19 &Pizza (in the same plaza as Trader Joe’s) is hosting a restaurant day on behalf of the team. We need at least $400 in sales to receive a benefit through this fundraiser, so SPREAD THE WORD!!!!
📅 When: 05/19/2025 11AM to 9PM
📍 Where: &Pizza, 9476 Main Street, Fairfax, VA.
8. 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/
MAY
Wed, 5/14: Luggage Check-in for Stotes, 7-8p, Door 3
PHOTOS: Visit our Woodson Rowing photos for more information on how you can help protect our legacy with photographs!
REP THE TEAM WITH PRIDE: There are many ways for you to shop and benefit the team all while sporting your support. See our Spirit wear page for more info!
FEELING GENEROUS? No amount is too big or too small and is a HUGE part of our success! Visit our Donors page for more information on how your donations will be used.
