Stotesbury and More: What You Need to Know

This edition includes all you need to know about the Stotesbury regatta and will be the only email communication this week — please read carefully.


WHAT MATTERS MOST:

📄Everyone must activate their USRowing account and sign the waiver to participate at Stotesbury. If you have not completed this yet, check your email for a message from [email protected] or find instructions on Slack.

🫵 On-site volunteer spots are NOT full. Sign up here: Stotesbury Sign Up Genius

🧳Luggage drop off is Wednesday May 13th, from 7:00 – 8.30pm. Come to Door 3. If you haven’t already provided forms, please bring completed forms to drop off.

💊Medication should be in its original packaging and placed in a ziplock bag with a physical copy of the team medication form.

🤳 Join the #stotes2026 Slack channel

🚌 Athletes will depart from Woodson at 10:15 AM on Thursday, May 14.

Athletes should attend their first class, then report to the buses by Door 3 during the passing period.

Please keep an eye on Slack for any schedule changes or updates.


STOTESBURY INFO

Stotesbury is the largest high school regatta in the country — planning ahead makes all the difference. General planning details — including spectator hotel information — can be found here: https://woodsonrowing.org/stotesbury/

💻 Schuylkill Navy Webinar

The Schuylkill Navy hosts a pre-Stotes webinar each year for families interested in learning more about the event.

This year’s webinar is Tuesday, May 12 at 5:30 PM. It will be recorded and shared afterward, but if you’d like to attend live, you may register HERE.

📬 Preliminary Schedule and Results

Results, updates, bow numbers and more: RowTown

As an aside, internet access can be touchy with 5000 people all in a small radius. Be patient if the site loads slowly while onsite in Philly.

🤓 Know Before You Go

Our team has prepared a guide for Woodson parents and spectators to help navigate team-specific logistics (tent, food, transportation, etc.). This is not a substitute for the official regatta information.

👉Know Before You Go Guide

Please review the official website for the most up-to-date details on parking, schedules, and event operations: https://stotesburycupregatta.com/

One recurring theme for the weekend: keep an eye on Slack. Unlike Sandy Run, cell service is generally reliable at Stotes, so we should be able to communicate updates in real time.


NON-STOTESBURY INFO

🤝 Join the Board

If watching the season has sparked your interest in getting more involved, please reach out to Jenn, VP Communications, via Slack to learn more about the Board and support positions.

You do not need prior experience — and you won’t be thrown in alone. 

🙋 Remaining Volunteer Opportunities

There are still volunteer opportunities available post-Stotes:

🥳 End of Year Banquet

Families should plan to attend the End of Year Banquet as we celebrate the athletes and all of this season’s accomplishments.

👉 RSVP HERE

🩺 Sports Physicals For Next Year

Woodson Athletic Training will again host Sports Physical Night for student athletes needing a VHSL physical for the 2026–2027 school year.

📅 Appointment times available:

5:30, 6:00, 6:30, 7:00, and 7:30 PM

💲 Cost: $50

This event is the Athletic Training Program’s primary annual fundraiser, with proceeds supporting supplies and student-athlete care.

👉 Register for Appointment

👉  Current VHSL Form

🌞 Summer Rowing Opportunities

This is not an exhaustive list, but here are some local opportunities to continue to build your skills:

These links and more can be found on our website: https://woodsonrowing.org/resources/


📅 CALENDAR AT-A-GLANCE

✅ Bookmark these dates–your quick reference for the season.


May 15: Stotesbury (select boats), Philadelphia, PA

May 18: Last practice. We will unload the trailer and pull launches out of the water

Jun 1: End of Year Banquet, 7p, Cafe B

🗓️Full calendar here


🌊 STAY INVOLVED

RecruitmentSponsorsSpirit WearPhotos

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💭 QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“A crew is not a collection of individuals. A crew is a single organism.”

— Daniel J. Boyne

VSRC Day 2 + Stotesbury Updates: What You Need to Know (5/9)

This edition includes both championship regatta details and important Stotesbury deadlines—please read carefully.


What matters most for this weekend:

🙋Volunteer slots for VSRC Day 2 (5/09) are full.

🍽️ Team Dinner (5/9) is for ALL athletes, not just those racing. Menu from Panera:

  • Assorted Sandwiches: Turkey & Cheddar Cheese, Grilled Chicken & Avo BLT, Bacon Turkey Bravo, Tomato Basil BLT, and Mediterranean Veggie
  • Mac and Cheese
  • Green Salad w/ Veggies
  • Chips
  • Assorted Cookies & Fruit Snacks

What matters most for Stotesbury:

We are entering final planning stages for Stotesbury and need prompt completion of forms and volunteer signups.

🫵 Volunteer spots are NOT full. Go to our Volunteer Signup Hub to sign up.

📝Registration and forms are due Friday (⅝). Visit the #stotes2026  Slack channel for all required information and deadlines.


🔗 KEY LINKS

👉 Regatta Central (schedule & entries)

👉 VASRA (results & updates)

👉 @VASRA_SRRP (follow for real time updates)

👉 Drone coverage (available through Maverick Rowing)


🚣🏽 VSRC DAY 2 (5/9)

Day 2 of Championships features our varsity boats. Other athletes are encouraged to attend and support the team.

Woodson will race 4 boats.

There will be heats and finals for all events. The 1V categories include both petite finals and grand finalsDraft Race Schedule

  • W2V – 10:59 AM (Heat 1 of 2, 3 advance) → Final: 1:53 PM
  • M2V – 11:20 AM (Heat 2 of 2, 3 advance) → Final: 2:02 PM
  • W1V – 11:48 AM (Heat 2 of 2)
    • Top 3 → Grand Final (3:02 PM)
    • Remaining boats → Petite Final (2:55 PM)
  • M1V – 11:55 AM (Heat 1 of 2)
    • Top 3 → Grand Final (3:16 PM)
    • Remaining boats → Petite Final (3:09 PM)

👉 Draft schedule: VSRC Day 2 Schedule


🎽 ATHLETE ATTENDANCE

  • All athletes are encouraged to attend and support the team
  • Rowers: arrive 2 hours before race
  • Coxswains: must attend coxswain meeting
  • Athletes should plan to stay for the full duration of racing unless told otherwise by coaches.

Lineups will be posted on social media.

💧Hydration & Food:

  • Water and RAFT snacks will be provided
  • Athletes should bring additional food as needed

🌧️ Weather Reminder:

  • The current forecast is mild but with a chance of rain.
  • Bring plenty of warm layers for downtime between races. Consider blankets or towels for use inside the boathouse.

🚗 SPECTATOR PARKING

There is NO spectator parking at Sandy Run.
⏱️ Build in extra time — traffic and lines are common

Step 1: Drop off athletes at Sandy Run.

Step 2: Park at offsite location (UPDATED):
📍 South County High School
8501 Silverbrook Road, Lorton, VA 22079

Step 3: Take shuttle to venue
💵 $10 each way ($20 total), cash preferred.
🎽Athletes in uniform ride free
⌚Shuttles run from 7:00 AM until 1 hour after the last race

Step 4: From Lot C to Grandstand
🚶Walk: Unpaved and hilly (~20 minutes)
🚕Shuttle van: $5 each way, cash is preferred.


🚘 ONSITE PARKING

Onsite parking is limited and not available to spectators.

  • Handicapped: Lot C (left after gated entry)
  • Athletes: Loisvale Lot (short walk to the boathouse; if full, park offsite)
  • Volunteers: Lot D (right after gated entry)
  • Coaches: Lot D (display hangtag)
  • Staff/LOC/Referees: Lot B (paved lot closest to the water)

🍔 FOOD

  • Athletes: snacks provided; pack extra if needed.
  • Spectators: concession stand available
  • Bring cash (Wi-Fi is unreliable)

👉 Concession menu: https://www.vasra.org/regattas/concessions-menu


🎉SPECTATOR TIPS AND CHEERING

🪑 Sit together—look for Woodson gear. Bring chairs or blankets (concrete grandstands).

🌧️ Weather may change throughout the day. Dress in layers and prepare for rain.

📣 When a Woodson boat heads to the start, we cheer: “HEY, WOODSON!”

🛜 Wi-Fi is unreliable—plan accordingly.


👕 SPIRIT WEAR!

Show your support and benefit the team: Woodson Rowing Spirit Wear


🌊 STAY INVOLVED

RecruitmentSponsorsSpirit WearPhotos

Follow Us:
📸 Instagram  |  📘 Facebook  |  🐦


💭 QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“The harder the battle, the sweeter the victory.”

— Les Brown

VSRC Day 1: What You Need to Know (05/02)

Virginia State Rowing Championships, Day 1!

This edition is your go-to guide for race day—read through and plan ahead to avoid race-day stress.

The weather is expected to be cold and possibly rainy. It will be a long day with prelims and finals. Plan accordingly!


What matters most:

🙋Volunteer slots are FULL — thank you! If you can’t fulfill your shift, contact Lisa Veigel ASAP to arrange coverage.

🍽️ Team Dinner (5/1):
Dinner is for ALL athletes, not just those racing.


🔗 KEY LINKS

👉 Regatta Central (schedule & entries)

👉 VASRA (results & updates)

👉 @VASRA_SRRP (follow for real time updates)

👉 Drone coverage (available through Maverick Rowing)


🚣🏽 VSRC DAY 1 (5/2)

This is Day 1 of Championships and includes select boats only. Other athletes are encouraged to attend and support the team.

Woodson will race 3 boats. Expect a lot of downtime between races.

There will be heats and finals for all events. Advancement depends on placement in heats:

Draft Race Schedule

  • M3V – 9:56 AM (Heat 2 of 2, 3 advance) → Final: 5:14 PM
  • MFr8+ – 10:17 AM (Heat 1 of 2, 3 advance) → Final: 4:34 PM
  • WN8+ – 10:31 AM (Heat 1 of 3, 2 advance) → Final: 4:44 PM

👉 Draft schedule: VSRC Day 1 Schedule

Final schedule + coaches’ cheat sheet will be shared via Slack.


🎽 ATHLETE ATTENDANCE

  • All athletes are encouraged to attend and support the team
  • Rowers: arrive 2 hours before race
  • Coxswains: must attend coxswain meeting
  • Athletes should plan to stay for the full duration of racing, including finals, unless told otherwise by coaches.

Lineups will be posted on social media.

💧Hydration & Food:

  • No Gatorade available at the boathouse
  • Water and RAFT snacks will be provided
  • Athletes should bring additional food as needed

🌧️ Weather Reminder:

  • Bring plenty of warm layers for your down time.
  • Consider blankets or towels for use inside the boathouse

🚗 SPECTATOR PARKING

There is NO spectator parking at Sandy Run.
⏱️ Build in extra time — traffic and lines are common

Step 1: Drop off athletes at Sandy Run.

Step 2: Park at offsite location (UPDATED):
📍 South County High School
8501 Silverbrook Road, Lorton, VA 22079

Step 3: Take shuttle to venue
💵 $10 each way ($20 total), cash preferred.
🎽Athletes in uniform ride free
⌚Shuttles run from 7:00 AM until 1 hour after the last race

Step 4: From Lot C to Grandstand
🚶Walk: Unpaved and hilly (~20 minutes)
🚕Shuttle van: $5 each way, cash is preferred.


🚘 ONSITE PARKING

Onsite parking is limited and not available to spectators.

  • Handicapped: Lot C (left after gated entry)
  • Athletes: Loisvale Lot (short walk to the boathouse; if full, park offsite)
  • Volunteers: Lot D (right after gated entry)
  • Coaches: Lot D (display hangtag)
  • Staff/LOC/Referees: Lot B (paved lot closest to the water)

🍔 FOOD

  • Athletes: snacks provided; pack extra if needed. Bring your own water.
  • Spectators: concession stand available
  • Bring cash (Wi-Fi is unreliable)

👉 Concession menu: https://www.vasra.org/regattas/concessions-menu


🎉SPECTATOR TIPS AND CHEERING

🪑 Sit together—look for Woodson gear. Bring chairs or blankets (concrete grandstands).

🌧️ It will be a cold, possibly rainy day. Dress warmly and don’t forget your umbrellas. Plan for limited covered space—bring rain gear and dry layers.

📣 When a Woodson boat heads to the start, we cheer: “HEY, WOODSON!”

🛜 Wi-Fi is unreliable—plan accordingly.


👕 SPIRIT WEAR!

Show your support and benefit the team: Woodson Rowing Spirit Wear


🌊 STAY INVOLVED

RecruitmentSponsorsSpirit WearPhotos

Follow Us:
📸 Instagram  |  📘 Facebook  |  🐦


💭 QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“Winning means you’re willing to go longer, work harder, and give more than anyone else.”

— Vince Lombardi

🛶 4/14/2026 Newsletter

Updates for athletes, parents, and supporters of Woodson Rowing.
Questions, ideas or feedback? Just reply to this newsletter!


What matters this week:

🙋 Volunteers needed at the regatta this weekend (4/17)

🍽️ Friday Night Dinner, 4/17


🔗 QUICK LINKS

👉 Regatta Schedule

👉 Senior Night Sign Up Genius

👉 Stotesbury Info

👉 Spirit Wear

👉 Volunteer Signup Hub


🙋 2 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

We need two volunteers to help keep our athletes cool at this weekend’s regatta.

Shifts:

• 11:00 AM  

• 2:00 PM  

Responsibilities include:

• Monitoring the boathouse cooling station  

• Keeping towels stocked and collecting used ones  

• Ensuring cooler items stay cold  

• Refilling the misting fan as needed  

If you’re able to help with this important role, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator via Slack or email ([email protected]).


🍽️  FRIDAY NIGHT DINNER (4/17)

Key info for this Friday’s team dinner:

Athletes:
📍 Cafeteria B immediately after practice ends

🥕 Food will be served as soon as most of the athletes arrive

🚗 Carpools: plan for pick-up between 7:30–8:00 PM

Volunteers:

All volunteer slots are filled. Thank you!
Visit the Volunteer Signup Hub to review your duties.

Menu from Chipotle:

  • Chicken and steak
  • Cilantro lime rice
  • Black beans
  • Fajita veggies
  • Corn salsa
  • Red and green salsas
  • Pico de gallo
  • Sour cream
  • Shredded cheese
  • Lettuce
  • Flour and corn tortillas
  • Dessert: Assorted cookies and gummy bears

Recorded dietary restrictions have been accommodated.


🤓 RYZ OBUCHOWICZ REGATTA (4/18)

Thursday’s newsletter will include everything you need to know about the Ryz Obuchowicz Regatta (Saturday, 4/18). It is going to be a long day based on the number of schools racing. It is also forecast to be hot (high of 92°). If you plan to spectate, please plan accordingly.


🚣🏽 STOTESBURY HOTEL INFO

For planning purposes, general details can be found here: https://woodsonrowing.org/stotesbury/

🏨 Spectator Hotel Block

A limited room block is available for spectators (booking within the block is optional).

👉 Book here: Woodson Rowing Parents Group Block

Room Rate: $239/night + taxes and fees  

Arrival: Thursday, 5/14/2025  

Departure: Saturday, 5/16/2025  

Cut-off date to secure the rate: Tuesday, April 28, 2025


🤝 CONSIDER A BOARD POSITION FOR NEXT SEASON

As the season progresses, you’re seeing how much goes into keeping Woodson Rowing running smoothly behind the scenes. Many of you have shared great ideas — consider helping bring those ideas to life by joining the Board.

We will have several Board positions opening for next season, including:

  • Volunteering
  • VASRA
  • Senior VP
  • Fundraising

Support roles will also be available, including RAFT (regatta food).

You do not need prior experience — and you won’t be thrown in alone. The best way to get started is to shadow someone this season and learn the role before stepping into it.

Even if a position isn’t officially open, there is often flexibility to shift roles and bring new people onto the Board.

👉 Curious? Reach out to a current Board member via Slack to learn more.
🧠 Can’t remember who’s who? https://woodsonrowing.org/board-of-directors/


🎉 SPIRIT WEAR

You’ve seen other spectators at the regattas all decked out — don’t be left out!

🔗 Woodson Rowing Spirit Wear!


📅 CALENDAR AT-A-GLANCE

✅ Bookmark these dates–your quick reference for the season.

APRIL

Apr 18: Ryz Obuchowicz Regatta, Sandy Run
Apr 24: Senior Night at Athlete Team Dinner (Cafe B)
Apr 25: Al Urquia Regatta, Sandy Run

MAY

May 1: Athlete Team Dinner (Cafe B)
May 2: Virginia State Champs, Day 1, Sandy Run

May 8: Athlete Team Dinner (Cafe B)

May 9: Virginia State Champs, Day 2, Sandy Run
May 15: Stotesbury (select boats), Philadelphia, PA
May 22: Nationals (qualifiers only), Oak Ridge, TN

🗓️Full calendar here


🌊 STAY INVOLVED

RecruitmentSponsorsSpirit WearPhotos

Follow Us:
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💭 QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“Continuous effort — not strength or intelligence — is the key to unlocking our potential.”

— Winston Churchill