Posted on by VP Communications

May 4, 2023 Special Edition: VSRC Day 1

Welcome to a special edition newsletter as we head into day 1 of the Virginia State Rowing Championships! We have a lot of athletes participating this weekend. We are so proud of your hard work all season. Let’s #pullforwoodson!

1. TEAM DINNER, FRIDAY, MAY 5
2. PRACTICES FOR THE REST OF THE SEASON
3. VSRC DAY 1 THIS SATURDAY!
A. TIMING
B. ATTENDANCE
C. OFFSITE PARKING FOR SPECTATORS
D. ONSITE PARKING
4. EVENT PHOTOS
5. SPIRIT WEAR – GET IT NOW!
6. AT-A-GLANCE
7. SPREAD THE WORD

  1. TEAM DINNER, FRIDAY, MAY 5
    This week’s dinner is on FRIDAY, MAY 5 in Woodson Cafeteria A. We realize that not all boats will be rowing on Day 1 of States this Saturday, but all athletes are expected to attend the team dinner. Also, all chaperone spots have been filled. THANK YOU parents!

    We are celebrating Cinco de Mayo on Friday night with Chicken and Steak Fajitas from Coyote Grill! It is build your own fajita night with two corn tortillas, black beans, green rice, cheese, sour cream, guacamole, and pico de gallo.
  1. PRACTICES FOR THE REST OF THE SEASON
    If you are competing in VSRC Day 1 this Saturday and NOT going to Stotesbury, then this Friday may be your last practice! That being said, we hope all athletes will attend the team dinner on Friday, May 12 to cheer on the 1V and 2V athletes! If you are unsure if you should come to practice next week, please double check with your coaches.
  1. VSRC DAY 1 THIS SATURDAY! 
    It’s championship season! Day 1 of the Virginia State Rowing Championships (VSRC) is this Saturday at Sandy Run Regional Park. Traditionally, for the two-weekend VSRC regatta, novice and junior varsity boats row in the first weekend and varsity boats row in the second weekend. First and second 8s will most likely row 5/13. Student-athletes know which category they are racing in for States. As always, unless told otherwise by a coach, rowers must be at the boathouse no later than two hours before their scheduled race.

Feel free to check these websites for more information: Regatta Central and VASRA.

A. TIMING: The following was released by VASRA about an hour ago:

“*DRAFT* schedule has been sent to coaches for review. It will be a short day, starting at 8:00 and ending at 12:24 with 8 minute centers (a race will start every 8 minutes). Right now, there is no break scheduled. Heats in the early morning with Finals starting at 10:40. Again, this is a *DRAFT* schedule and will most likely change. The schedule should be posted for everyone to see by 9:00pm this evening (following the coxswain’s meeting).”
Stay tuned to Slack and/or follow along on VASRA’s website.

B. ATTENDANCE: While VASRA is still making final plans for the regatta schedules, the following boats will race this weekend: Women’s Novice 4+, Women’s Novice 8+, Women’s 3rd Varsity 8+, Men’s 3rd Varsity 8+, Men’s 4th Varsity 8+. While no varsity boats row at this regatta, varsity athletes are highly encouraged to attend, if available. 

C. OFFSITE PARKING FOR SPECTATORS: There is no spectator/visitor parking at Sandy Run. As a result, families should plan accordingly. For VSRC Day 1, off-site parking is located at South County High School.

      • Parents driving athletes can drop athletes off at Sandy Run and then proceed to South County High School to park. South County High School is located at 8501 Silverbrook Rd, Lorton, VA 22079.
      • Spectators will park at South County High School and take a shuttle bus to the regatta. The cost of the shuttles is $15 round trip paid at South County prior to boarding the bus. Athletes in uniform can ride the shuttle for free.  Families should plan for a 15-20 minute walk or a shorter shuttle ride between where the buses stop (Lot C) and the grandstand.
      • The shuttles are scheduled to begin at 7:00 am (2 hours before the first race) and will conclude running from Sandy Run NLT 1 hour after the last race. 

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

      • ATHLETES: Loisvale Lot. Plan for the walk to the boathouse!
      • VOLUNTEERS: Lot D.
      • COACHES: Lot D. Please display your green coach hangtag.
      • STAFF / LOC: Lot B, second row from the back.
      • HANDICAPPED: Lot C, as designated.

      4. EVENT PHOTOS: Check out our collection of team photos on SmugMug. After the regatta, please share your photos with the team via one of the following methods: the #photo-sharing channel on Slack and send photos to our Team Photographer, Colin, at [email protected] AND [email protected] (please send to both email addresses for now) so he can upload the photos into SmugMug.

      5. SPIRIT WEAR – GET IT NOW!: Shop for items for rowers, as well as for parents, family, and friends via our online spirit wear store. Don’t forget, a portion of the proceeds goes directly to the team, so you will benefit the team while showing off your team pride.  Visit the store today!

      6. AT-A-GLANCE

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

      7. SPREAD THE WORD: Contact [email protected] to get signed up for our weekly communication and our Slack community. 

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