Information Regarding Novice/Intermediate Practices For The Remainder Of The Season

I want to clarify a few things regarding novice/intermediate practices for the remainder of the season for those of you with some questions:

1. While the novices and intermediates are no longer racing this season, I do not believe this to be reason enough to keep kids off the water. I am of the opinion that any water practice, or any land practice for that matter, is an aid to training, good practice, and if all else fails, any day to focus on team building, teamwork, overall health and wellness, and physical training.

2. While all of the rowers have been informed that, because of Stotesbury and Nationals, our equipment (our 4’s) will be prioritized to aid those rowers with upcoming races, we still have two very rowable eight oared shells that can be used (the Yorktown and the Win-Tech).

3. Pending a major scheduling conflict with Coach Goings, any Novice/Intermediate rowers are expected to be at practice until the Friday of the U.S. Nationals (May 23rd). This means that while the Varsity is away to Stotesbury, the Novice/Intermediate rowers have the boathouse and reservoir all themselves - and the same goes for that period of time up to and including U.S. Nationals.

4. Novice/Intermediate rowers with prior commitments will be excused from practice, but all available should make an honest effort to attend (e.g. SOL’s, AP’s, etc.).

5. This is not only a time to train, but also a time to wind down an otherwise strenuous season and have some worry free fun. Coxswains who have always wanted row can row, rowers who have always wanted to wear full astronaut gear in the boat should feel welcome to do so, teammates who have always wanted to douse Coach Goings with a hose sending him home wet…should absolutely feel free to do so (so long as those athletes have current liability insurance and blanket negligence coverage).

6. I understand that some of you will be of the opinion that scheduling water time/training time at this point in the season is pointless; some of you will see it as I do. I know that with every supporter there is a critic, but, I run this program as I have always run every program…with an emphasis on participation and a total lack of favoritism. So with that, if at all possible, EVERY member of this team will continue to train, have fun, and develop as young adults so long as this season is still active, which it is now.

7. Again, I am aware that up to this point, as this season has begun to wind down, many of your kids (without my knowing some of the time) have had less water time than normal. Please know that now as always, we do EVERYTHING we can do to keep that from happening.

8. And just to hammer the point home, those rowers that have previously scheduled commitments will be excused from practice (e.g. SOL’s, AP’s, etc.); those that don’t really should attend. After all, they could potentially miss Coach Goings getting soaked, a coxswain rowing stroke seat, a stroke seat wearing astronaut gear, or to make things really interesting, Coach Goings coxing a boat soaking wet and in a space suit.

Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call or email anytime, as I am always available to assist you. Please also remember that daily updates to practice issues can be found at http://fhsrowingupdates.blogspot.com/ - the site is updated as needed and should be checked regularly.