End-of-Season Approaching!

🛶 Woodson Rowing Newsletter

We ended our racing season on a high note with a spectacular showing at the Stotesbury regatta. As we gear up for the true end of the season — our banquet — there are still many ways to stay engaged with the team throughout the summer.


WHAT MATTERS MOST:

🏋️ Summer Erg Rental (deadline: 5/28)

The team has ergs available for athlete rental over the summer.

💲 Cost: $200

Ergs must be returned prior to the start of winter conditioning in October 2026.

👉 Reserve and pay here: https://woodsonrowing.org/erg-rental/

💰Purchase An Erg (deadline: 5/28)

The team has 4 older Model C ergs for sale.

💲 Cost: $350

Ergs will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis.

👉 Reserve and purchase here: https://woodsonrowing.org/buy-an-erg/

🥳 End-of-Year Banquet (6/1)
Please attend the End-of-Year Banquet as we celebrate the athletes and all of this season’s accomplishments. We are incredibly proud of how our athletes represented Woodson throughout the season — both on and off the water.
👉 RSVP HERE



🤝 BOARD & SUPPORT POSITIONS FOR 2026–2027

As the season winds down, we are also preparing for leadership transition into next year.

In accordance with the Woodson Rowing by-laws, the following slate of candidates will be voted on during the Annual Association Meeting (our End-of-Year Banquet) on Monday, June 1.

First and foremost — THANK YOU to everyone stepping into leadership and support roles for next season. This program depends entirely on volunteers willing to give their time, ideas, and energy behind the scenes.

We also want to extend a sincere thank you to the Board members and support volunteers who will be graduating out of the program with their athletes this season. Many of the systems, traditions, and opportunities our athletes enjoy exist because of years of volunteer effort behind the scenes. Your time, energy, and care for this team have made a lasting impact.

We do still have several important vacancies to fill, including:

  • Senior VP
  • Team Dinners (shadowing Gloria Totten)
  • RAFT
  • Launch Boat Support (Gas Cans)

Please do not assume you need prior experience to help. Many current Board members started by simply asking questions, shadowing others, and learning over time.

Even if a role is not officially vacant, there is often flexibility to shift responsibilities in ways that best support both the program and the volunteers involved.

Interested or curious? Reach out to Tim Schnelle (President) or Jenn McRobbie (VP Communications).

(* indicates NEW to role)

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

  • President: Tim Schnelle
  • Senior VP: VACANT
  • VP Activities: Maz Chinoy
  • VP Comms: Jenn McRobbie
  • Treasurer: Doug Glenn
  • Secretary: Leecie Brown

COMMITTEE CHAIRS

  • Equip & Logistics: Andi Knopp
  • Fundraising: Gloria Totten*
  • Membership: Cindy Tomlinson
  • Service & Volunteering: Kate Janich*
  • Uniforms & Sportswear: Monica Chacon
  • VASRA Rep: Alexis Sutter*
  • Webmaster: Josh Gravholt
  • Woodson Boosters Liaison: Nasser Akhtar* (tentative)

VITAL SUPPORT POSITIONS BY COMMITTEE

Activities

  • Team Dinners: Gloria Totten & VACANT
  • RAFT: VACANT

Communications

  • Social Media: Jenn McRobbie
  • Photographer: Matt Olman

Equipment & Logistics

  • Chuckwagon: Mark Mellott*
  • Launch Boat Support (Gas Cans): VACANT

Fundraising

  • Craft Fair: Karla Fossand*
  • Tag Days: Patrick Obruba & Melissa Fernandez*
  • Restaurant Nights: Michelle Jo

♻️ SPIRIT WEAR OR UNIFORM RECYCLING

Graduating and won’t be wearing your uni in college? Have Woodson spirit wear your family no longer uses?

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!


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

💲 Cost: $50

👉 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/


🤲 RECRUITING

Feeling like the team is getting smaller? Our best source of recruitment has always been current Woodson families.

It’s never too early to start talking to neighbors, classmates, and friends about everything rowing has to offer.

👉 Interested athletes can sign up here: https://woodsonrowing.org/



💪 STAYING FIT

This section is primarily for athletes — though parents may enjoy the resources too!

Be sure to review the Resources page:

You’ll find:

• Coach-recommended workout plans  

• Summer and fall rowing opportunities  

• Additional training resources

Questions? Reach out via Slack. We are a team, and we all #PullforWoodson.


📅 CALENDAR AT-A-GLANCE

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

May 28: Erg rental and purchase forms close

May 29, 5-7p: Window to pick up ergs

May 31, 1-3p: Window to pick up erg

Jun 1, 7-9p: End-of-year banquet, Cafe B

🗓️ Full calendar here


🌊 STAY INVOLVED

RecruitmentSponsorsSpirit WearPhotos

Follow Us:
📸 Instagram  |  📘 Facebook  |  🐦


💭 QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“Success is peace of mind knowing you did your best.”
— John Wooden

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

Follow Us:
📸 Instagram  |  📘 Facebook  |  🐦


💭 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