Saturday, May 8, 2010

The Independent Schools Championship, 7 May 2010


We entered nine crews and all nine placed. Again the MN4+ crew won, continuing a winning streak from the second regatta of the season. This regatta featured a perpetual trophy for each event. The Men's novice four trophy is called the "Botanical Bailer" and was first won by a BSCHS crew in 2005  While we couldn't quite manage any other first place finishes, we finished a very competitive second in six other events.


Norfolk Collegiate won the overall points trophy, the "Tin Bucket" by accumulating 47 points in 9 events for an average of 5.22 points/event. And even though we beat Academy in head-to-head competition in 5 of 8 events, they edged us in the points per event calculation 4.91 to 4.88. Cape Henry finished fourth and Broadwater finished fifth. Trinity did not compete in enough events to qualify. The inter-team competition was very close. For example, if we beat NoCo in any two additional events (say the V4 events) then in addition to winning two more event trophies we would have won the regatta overall, with a 5.13 average to NoCo's 5.0 average. 

A reasonable goal for next year is to compete in all the sweep events (M & W Lt4s and all the 8 events.)  Below are some shots taken by the Longhorns. Enjoy.





Well done to all!

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Results of the Mathews Regatta 1 May 2010



Mathews regatta


The crew team had a long day Saturday (leaving the BSCHS parking lot at 5:30 a.m. for Mathews, VA and returning at 7:30 p.m.) but again had good results. We entered 12 events, finished with 2 firsts, a second, and three thirds, an overall result better than we’ve ever achieved at this regatta. Again our men’s novice four won their event, this time beating crews from South County, Forest Park, First Colonial, Gloucester, Granby and Norfolk Collegiate. Our other first place finish came in a Novice mixed eight, of which only two of the rowers came from the MNov4. This crew beat crews from Norfolk Collegiate, Mathews, River City, James River, and Princess Anne. For the first time we fielded a varsity level women’s eight, and that crew included three novices. They finished second, losing to Forest Park but beating crews from Princess Anne and First Colonial. Our third place finishes came in the Women’s Varsity four, Women’s novice eight, and the Novice mixed four events. Well done to all!

The nineteen schools that participated:

Bishop Sullivan
Cox
First Colonial
Forest Park
Gloucester
Granby
Grassfield
Great Bridge
Hickory
James River
J.E.B. Stuart
Mathews
Maury
Norfolk Collegiate
Princess Anne
River City
South County
St. Margaret’s
Western Potomac

Congratulate our rowers and coxswains:

Andrew Altobello
Matt Colorito
Thomas DiFazio
Andrea Eysaman
Michael Farina
Brendan Hall
Jack Hall
Reagan Henderson
A.J. Kelly
Ann Marie Kelly
Holt Lassiter
Jakob Lejman
Courtney Long
Allison Magno
Pilar Martinez
Alexandra Mezza
Lauren Minson
Cara Monacchio
Laura Morse
Corey Nolan
Mairin O’Brien
Brennan O’Meara
Catherine Quill
Ben Salazar
Erin Schoening
Jaime Sigala
Ryan Smith
Trudy Stevens
Caitlin Stone
Rachel Titus
Philip Villaverde


Sunday, April 25, 2010

EVSRA Championships Results



For the first time in the history of the rowing program at Catholic High, we have medaled in the Regional Championship.  This is a significant accomplishment considering there were nineteen teams participating and most of them started rowing in August. The fact that our novice crews, having first set foot in a shell only in March seven weeks ago, did so well against other novices is especially noteworthy. Well done!


Special props to our girls varsity who rowed three times down the lake and still managed to look elegant at the prom last night. You, too, Mairin! (Ben, A.J., and Jake, you three cleaned up okay but sorta lacked the elegance of the ladies ;-)

Below is the referees' times sheet. Even though it's not usual to compare times between heats and events, due to the still water and light winds, I think it may be reasonable to see how you compared with the other crews. I'm looking forward to the Independent Schools Championships in a couple of weeks.


Another short note about the practice and regatta schedule for the next couple of weeks will come out tonight.

Mr. B.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

EVSRA Championships.


As promised, here's the schedule.

Mr. B.

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Results of April 17th Spring II Regatta



All:

We did well yesterday. There were eight schools participating and there were 14 different events run. We entered crews in 9 of the 14 events (we did not enter the MLt4, the MV8, the MN8, the WV8, nor the sculling event M2X.)  Considering interheat times in the events with more than one heat (the MN4, the WV4, the MV4) we managed to place third in five of the scored events (mixed events score no points.) Of course, in the mixed events we added another third and a first (pictured above.) You may have seen the results published in today's sports section of The Virginian Pilot. Notice Cape Henry and Broadwater (a couple of our independent schools competitors) didn't even get a mention. Of course, we still have some work cut out for us to consistently beat Academy and Collegiate.

A word about next week's regatta, the EVSRA Regional Championship. This large regatta, with 16 schools participating, has a "no double rowing rule" since it will qualify crews from the public schools to participate in the state championships two weeks later. This means that if we field both a WM4 and a WN8 crew, for example, only one of the entries will score points and be eligible for ribbons/medals, and the other entry will be an "exhibition," allowed to row just to enable the odd number of rowers to participate. Additionally, events with more than five entries will be broken into heats (like yesterday's MN4, MV4, and WV4 events) with the top two heat winners moving into a final event rowed about an hour later. Only the top three boats in the finals will win ribbons/medals.  And while there will probably be mixed events (and possibly a coxswain's race) at the end of the day, none of those will score points.  All-in-all, the regatta will be much longer than yesterday's regatta. Expect to stay until approximately 3:00 p.m. before heading to the boathouse to unload.

Monday, March 29, 2010

Results of March 27th Spring Fling


Here's my message to the faculty and staff:

All:
After enduring seven hours outside on Saturday (wind chill ~38 degrees) we came away from our second regatta better than we did on the first. Schools competing were BSCHS, NA, NC, CH, Cox, First Colonial, Princess Anne, Maury, Granby, Hickory, and James River. We took second place in three events and first place in one (the Men's Novice 4 event.) Again, are holding our own against the private schools, with only a combined total of four of their crews besting ours with head-to-head competition in nine different events. Congratulate these students when you see them:

Mairin O’Brien
Michael Farina
Jack Hall
Ben Salazar
Jaime Sigala
A.J. Kelly
Philip Villaverde
Lauren Minson
Trudy Stevens
Courtney Long
Reagan Henderson
Erin Schoening
Ann Marie Kelly
Ann Watts
Brenden Hall
Jakob Lejman
Brennan O’Meara
Ryan Smith
Andrew Altobello
Holt Lassiter
Thomas DiFazio
Matt Colorito
Caitlin Stone
Allison Magno
Alexandra Mezza
Catherine Quill
Corey Nolan
Pilar Martinez
Cara Monacchio
Andrea Eysaman
Anna Mohler
Laura Morse

Our next regatta is April 17th, again at the Lake Whitehurst/Botanical Garden venue.

Joe Bousquet

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Results of March 20th Season Opener

Below is a copy of the e-mail I sent to the faculty and staff on the 21st.

All:


Twenty seven BSCHS students competed in rowing races on Lake Whitehurst at the Botanical Garden Saturday. We rowed boats in eight events, six of which included our novice rowers. While we're not up to speed against the public school programs who row year-round, we did very well against our private school (TCIS) counterparts who also only row in the spring. Our men's varsity 4 beat Norfolk Collegiate in the water and finished ahead of Norfolk Academy and Broadwater on time (those two schools rowed in a different heat.) Our women's varsity 4 beat Norfolk Academy in the water and was second to Norfolk Collegiate on time (they rowed in a different heat.)

If you see these folks tell them "well done."

Mairin O’Brien
Michael Farina
Jack Hall
Ben Salazar
Jaime Sigala
A.J. Kelly
Philip Villaverde
Lauren Minson
Trudy Stevens
Courtney Long
Reagan Henderson
Erin Schoening
Ann Marie Kelly
Ann Watts
Jakob Lejman
Brennan O’Meara
Ryan Smith
Andrew Altobello
Holt Lassiter
Thomas DiFazio
Matt Colorito
Caitlin Stone
Corey Nolan
Pilar Martinez
Cara Monacchio
Andrea Eysaman
Rachel Titus
Anna Mohler

Our next regatta is this coming Saturday, also at the Gardens.

Joe

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Crew News #2, requests for conflicts

All:


Thanks to the folks who attended Thursday and today. For those that could not attend, here's a summary:

(1) Location of and directions to the boathouse are found as a hot link on the team's website, and is accessible from the school's website under the athletics tab (team websites.)

http://www.chsvb.org/athletics/team_sites.asp

(2) Transportation concerns can be somewhat ameliorated by using the school's big white bus to transport students to practice. The bus leaves school at 3:30 and should arrive at the boathouse around 4:00. The fee is yet to be determined (but I believe it was $1/day last year.) Note that the bus does not return to school so parents are responsible to pick up students. Arrangements for the bus should you choose that option should be made with Michael Blount, the school's director of public relations at blountm@chsvb.org. Parents can also arrange carpools to drop off and pick up rowers at the end of practices.

(3) Boat Assignment will not be made until mid-March. The first two week will be concentrated on training novices, and working with the returning rowers to find the fastest boats.

(4) Regatta Schedule and commitments required. Please tell me as soon as possible if you cannot attend any of the regatta dates. I should have that information as soon as you know. Weekly schedule conflicts will be solicited before I prepare the week's practice schedule.

(5) Uniforms/crew jackets. Please get a pair of rowing shorts. Here's a website that compares products from various vendors:

http://www.epinions.com/sprt-All-Rowing-Clothing-Tights_and_Trou

Black is the preferred color for shorts. Rowers in a crew also need to be "uniform" with their shirts. I have some white with green side panels rowing tops and will be buying more. Novices can use the t-shirts from P.E. or anything that they agree on. Additional rowing "gear" such as windbreakers, hoodies, etc. can be coordinated by parents if desired.

(6) Parent volunteers and the Local Organizing Committee. See the letter from Jay O'Brien. The "mock regatta" is in two weeks (not rowers or boats, just a training session for volunteers.)

(7) The US Rowing/EVSRA Liability Release is required before racing. I will post the names of those who have it completed and those who still need to turn it in. Deadline is the first regatta (3 weeks.)

(8) Future capital requirements/goals. Do we want to become a "8" program? I can go either way, but there will be a need for a trailer if we want to compete in eights. Perhaps a parent sub committee could look into this aspect of the program. Both Mr. Price and Mr. Kilpatrick are supportive of Crew.

New Topic

Please send me any conflicts you have for practices this coming week. The weather forecast is not good for on the water practice Tues/Wed//Thurs. For novices, the first on-the-water practice will probably be Friday (I hope to get the varsity out on Monday and Friday.) For mid-week we should be in the gym. After receiving all conflicts and looking at the weather I'll prepare the schedule Sunday evening and send it out then. Expect some commitment M-F from 3:30-4:30, probably most days this week ashore.

Mr. B.

Friday, February 26, 2010

Jay's first missive to parent volunteers, sent 2/25/2010

1. Greetings BSCHS crew families. As discussed tonight at the crew meeting, parent volunteers to assist with running the Regattas is very important. Bishop Sullivan has the finish line duties this year, which is a wonderful place to watch the regattas, and allows participating parents to see much of the race course, including the always exciting finishes. The finish line normally needs 5-10 people per regatta-- Two timers, one-two observers, two recorders, and a signal person.




2. Other opportunities. EVSRA needs volunteers for other positions as well. The Regatta office, launch and recovery docks, and grounds crew could use assistance if anyone prefers those activities. If there are experienced small boat operators, launch and safety boat operators are needed.



3. Please let me know if you are interested in volunteering. I will keep a running list of those who can help at each regatta, and will coordinate before each event with those helping out.



4. Finally, as Coach Bousquet mentioned, I am looking for a parent to takeover the BSCHS volunteer coordinator duties. I will ensure the parent relieving me gets to meet all the other folks at the Eastern Virginia Scholastic Rowing Association volunteer committee. Please call or email me and we can discuss any questions those interested might have about volunteer coordination matters.



Thanks, I look forward to seeing you this year.



Best r, Jay O'Brien

757-560-7605

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Crew News #1 sent 23 February 2010

All:


Parent meeting Thursday night in the Forum, 7:00 p.m. Will not last more than an hour. Items to be discussed:

(1) Location of and directions to the boathouse
(2) Transportation concerns
(3) Boat Assignment
(4) Regatta Schedule and committments required
(5) Uniforms/crew jackets
(6) Parent volunteers and the Local Organizing Committee
(7) The US Rowing/EVSRA Liability Release
(8) Future capital requirements/goals. Do we want to become a "8" program?

Boathouse meeting Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Right now the weather forecast is for good weather so we may actually put boats into the water.

I still need coxswains! The following have sai that they can cox: Mairin (MV4), Lauren (WV4), Brenden (MNov4/8), Mary Chang (after Blue Crab Bowl). If no volunteers I will typically assign coxswain from the smaller/weaker rowers.

Below are the latest erg times. There's been some shuffling but most have retained their relative position and simply improved on their times. I do not plan on any more erg tests until next week on Wednesday. Any erg sessions will be with linked ergs and over a set time interval (e.g. 15 minutes.) We'll probably have to move them to the gym to get the required length. More on Thursday night.

Lastly, I'm still trying to firm up the group e-mail list. If you need to be added, please tell me. If you want to be dropped, also please tell me.

Mr. B.
http://catholiccrew.blogspot.com/

2010 erg times (* indicates has yet to get below qualifying time)

Returning guys (coxswain will be Mairin)

7:21.4 Michael Farina
7:39.7 Jack Hall
7:47.1 Ben Salazar
7:49.0 Jaime Sigala
7:51.3 A.J. Kelly
*8:01.5 Philip Villaverde

Returning girls (coxswain will be Lauren)

8:35.1 Trudy Stevens
8:48.5 Courtney Long
8:52.6 Erin Schoening
8:55.7 Anne Marie Kelly
8:58.1 Reagan Henderson
*9:23.5 Ann Watts
*9:36.9 Devin Neal
*10:09.4 Lauren Minson (coxswain)

Novice guys  (coxswain will be Brenden)

7:30.5 Jakob Lejman
7:53.8 Brennan O’Meara
7:56.4 Amory Langley
8:03.3 Ryan Smith
8:12.3 Andrew Altobello
8:13.6 Holt Lassiter
8:23.5 Ryan Wright
8:25.6 Thomas DiFazio
*8:58.4 Matt Colorito
*9:17.2 Brenden Hall (coxswain)

Novice girls  Need coxswains!!!

8:51.2 Allison Magno
8:54.1 Alexandra Mezza
9:00.8 Catherine Quill
9:04.6 Corey Nolan
9:09.6 Cara Monacchio
9:14.1 Andrea Eysaman
9:20.7 Rachel Titus
9:22.8 Pilar Martinez
9:23.2 Regina Paparo
9:25.7 Caitlin Stone
9:26.6 Caroline Simmons
9:28.7 Anna Mohler
*9:49.1 Barbara Noll
*9:49.9 Laura Morse

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Crew e-mail #4 sent February 20, 2010

All:


Below are the erg times I've recorded. If there is a correction needed, please tell me. I have extended the time to qualify to Tuesday afternoon due to the state swim meet. Note that coxswains do not need to qualify. I have assigned Marin and Lauren to cox the mens and womens varsity fours respectively. Brenden Hall has expressed an interest in coxing one of the novice boys crew. I still need a minimum of two additional coxswains. Please contact me if you are interested or have questions about the cox position.



2010 erg times (* indicates has yet to get below qualifying time)

Returning guys (coxswain will be Mairin)

7:27.8 Michael Farina
7:39.7 Jack Hall
7:49.8 Ben Salazar
7:56.7 Jaime Sigala
*8:01.2 A.J. Kelly
*8:01.5 Philip Villaverde

Returning girls (coxswain will be Lauren)

8:35.1 Trudy Stevens
8:51.2 Courtney Long
8:52.6 Erin Schoening
8:58.1 Reagan Henderson
*9:00.3 Anne Marie Kelly
*9:35.0 Ann Watts
*9:36.9 Devin Neal
*10:09.4 Lauren Minson (coxswain)
*10:19 Diana Dyer

Novice guys

7:30.5 Jakob Lejman
7:53.8 Brennan O’Meara
8:00.4 Amory Langley
8:03.3 Ryan Smith
8:12.3 Andrew Altobello
8:23.5 Ryan Wright
8:25.6 Thomas DiFazio
*9:08.5 Matt Colorito
*9:17.2 Brenden Hall (coxswain)

Novice girls
8:51.2 Allison Magno
8:54.1 Alexandra Mezza
9:00.8 Catherine Quill
9:04.6 Corey Nolan
9:09.6 Cara Monacchio
9:20.7 Rachel Titus
9:22.8 Pilar Martinez
9:23.2 Regina Paparo
9:25.7 Caitlin Stone
9:26.6 Caroline Simmons
9:28.7 Anna Mohler
*9:49.3 Andrea Eysaman
*9:49.9 Laura Morse

I have also created a blog site on blogger, mainly as a repository of old e-mails. I suspect that most communication will be via the group e-mail, but if you miss an e-mail, or want to find an older message, the blog site will be the place to go. The URL is http://catholiccrew.blogspot.com/ You might want to save it a one of your favorites. I do not profess to be web savvy, so if one of you wants to create a more sophisticated website for the team you have my blessing. I can easily move the old communications to another site.

Lastly, I have scheduled an informational parent meeting Thursday evening at 7:00 p.m. at the school. Please have one of your parents attend so I can meet them and discuss the parental responsibilities of crew team members (particularily transportation.) The meeting will be in the fourm and will not last longer than one hour.

Also, put on your calendar a meeting for rowers and parents at the boathouse at Lakewood Park next Saturday morning from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m.

Mr. B.

Friday, February 19, 2010

Crew e-mail #3 sent February 14, 2010

All:

Below are the names and times I've recorded. Remember, this Friday the 19th is the cut-off for recording an erg time to make the team.

Guys
*Andrew Altobello 8:12.3
Matt Colorito 9:18.1
Thomas DiFazio 8:42.7
*Michael Farina 7:27.8
*Amory Langley 8:11.0
*Jakob Lejman 7:30.5
*Brennan O'Meara 7:52.8
*Ben Salazar 7:49.8
*Jaime Sigala 7:56.7
Ryan Smith 8:43.9
Philip Villaverde 8:01.5
*Ryan Wright 8:23.5

Girls
Andrea Eysaman 10:35.6
*Reagan Henderson 8:51.8
*Courtney Long 8:51.2
*Allison Magno 9:06.7
Leighann Martin 9:33.6
*Alexandra Mezza 8:54.1
*Cara Monacchio 9:15.0
*Corey Nolan 9:04.6
*Regina Paparo 9:23.2
*Catherine Quill 9:02.0
*Erin Schoening 8:52.6
*Caroline Simmons 9:26.6
Caitlin Stone 9:56.5
*Rachel Titus 9:20.7
Ann Watts 9:35.0

*Starred* names have made the maximum time cut-off (8:00 returning guys; 8:30 novice guys; 9:00 returning girls; 9:30 novice girls.) Those names that are not starred have priority on the ergs to attempt to qualify. There are a number of folks who have yet to pull a piece. Do not wait until the last minute!

I will bring in a set of slides to link two ergs tomorrow. Feel free to drop by and try them. Congrats to Jakob Lejman who rowed in the erg pull on Saturday. He finished with a personal best and placed 18th out of 49 junior lightweights (not bad for only the fifth 2000m piece he has ever pulled!)

Looking at the number of rowers it appears we will need at least three new coxswains. This link: from wikipedia gives an overview of the cox position. If you're interested in coxing, please talk with me.

Mr. B.

Thoughts on pulling a 2000m erg piece

Thoughts on a 2000-meter erg piece:

1. A timed 2000-meter erg pull is a standard benchmark for comparing rowers’ strength and endurance. Team selection will be determined by your 2000-meter time.
2. If I decide you technique is okay I will ask you to pull a 2000-meter piece the last week of February. If you are ill, or not feeling well, please tell me so that I can allow you to pull the piece on a later date. I want your best effort.
3. If your technique is still too sloppy, you will need to improve the technique before I will let you pull this workout.
4. You will not be linked to a second rower. You may pull at whatever rate you feel comfortable. You will not have anyone call a cadence. You will have to decide at what rate to pull. I would suggest a rate between 20 and 26 strokes per minute, with higher bursts of up to 36 strokes per minute. Few people can pull hard at 36 strokes per minute for an entire 2000 meters. If your average stroke rate is too high, you often exert energy sliding back and forth and not getting the flywheel to spin. Remember, the objective is to get the wheel spinning!
5. Expect to have the 2000-meter workout last between 7 minutes (guys) and 10 minutes (girls). You will want to be exhausted at the end of the piece. Don’t save any energy for additional time. Since you may have been doing 20-minute workouts so far, for a 10 minute piece you should pull twice as hard in half the time to use the same amount of energy.
6. You will want to start the workout at full power. Therefore, make sure you are stretched out and warmed up before you get on the rower. I suggest a light jog around the gym to warm up your body, then a few minutes of gentle stretching before you row.
7. As you approach the last 50 meters, pull as hard as you can. “Sprint” the last little bit to zero.
8. The results of last year’s erg pull for local high school athletes are posted below. You do not need to be the best in the area. Just do the best you can do.

Crew Manual

Bishop Sullivan Catholic High School Crew Manual (revised 2010)

Background Information

Crew is the sport of rowing a lightweight boat (shell) as fast as it will go! At Bishop Sullivan, our shells are powered by four sweep rowers and is steered by a coxswain (cox-n). In sweep rowing, each rower handles a single oar in a shell approximately 42 feet long (for a 4-person shell). We have recently acquired a 65 foot long eight.

Crew as a sport has several unique characteristics. While teamwork plays an important role in all "team" sports, it is absolutely critical in rowing. A boat's success is dependent on all four rowers putting forth 100% effort, in unison. Crew is as much a mental endeavor as it is a physical one; the psychological pressure not to let your team down can be astounding. This concept of teamwork serves team members well, in school and throughout life.

Physically, rowing requires a near-perfect blend of power, coordination and endurance: power in the delivery of each independent stroke, coordination in the timing of the delivery of the strokes, and endurance in the ability to sustain that output for up to 1500 meters. The integrated delivery of the legs, back, upper torso and arms for each stroke, up to 35 strokes per minute over a race lasting 6 minutes is unlike any other athletic endeavor. Post-event exhaustion can only be partially overcome by the satisfaction of a job well done and the occasional thrill of victory. See the appendix for a list of rowing terms.

Crew also imparts a serious sense of discipline, which seems to carry over to better performance academically by requiring careful budgeting of time between sports and schoolwork.

Bishop Sullivan Catholic High Crew

The Bishop Sullivan Catholic High crew program was established in the spring of 2000 and continues to grow in size. We will continue to build on the experience and success of last year.

Goals

The Bishop Sullivan crew program has established the following goals that reflect the nature of the program as a club sport and the needs of the program over time:
1. To have everyone row as often as possible in as many regattas as possible.
2. As a team, to have all crews compete in and finish every event.
3. To continue to acquire boats to increase rowing opportunities for students.
4. To promote a spirit of camaraderie, enjoyment, responsibility and dedication where students learn the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, in addition to learning to row.


The Bishop Sullivan Catholic High Crew Program

The sport of rowing (a.k.a. “crew”) in the Hampton Roads is coordinated by the Eastern Virginia Scholastic Rowing Association (EVSRA). Both public and private high schools participate in crew. Bishop Sullivan will compete against Norfolk Collegiate, Norfolk Academy, Cox, Maury, Granby, Hickory, Great Bridge, First Colonial, Cape Henry and Saint Margaret (of Tappahannock). Crew has strong support from the administration, the athletic director, and the Crusader Club. The majority of the support for the program, however, comes from the student/athletes and/or their parents. The contributions of the both the student/athletes and their parents in time and transportation are the cornerstone of the program's success.

Inventory of Equipment

Bishop Sullivan's crew program has benefited from the dedication and commitment of student/athletes and parents. As of 2008 we have acquired the following inventory:

2 older Schoenbrod Intercollegiate 4+ fiberglass shells
2 new (2007) Wintech 4+ carbonfiber shells
1 older Schoenbrod Intercollegiate 8+ fiberglass shell
24 oars (8 old spoon/tulip blades, 8 older hatchet blades, 8 new C2
BigBlades)
4 ergometers
1 outboard motor
1 safety boat

and considerable support equipment (life vests, gas cans, spare parts, etc.) . Boats and equipment are maintained by the coach and coxswains.

Practices

On-the-water practices are currently held on the Lafayette River from the Sigrid Robertson Rowing Center at Lakewood Park in Norfolk. When on the water, the shells are accompanied by a safety boat manned by the coach and containing life jackets and other safety gear, such as blankets. The safety boat remains within 100 yards of the shells at all times. Megaphones are used to communicate between the safety boat and the shells. All student/athletes must pass a swim test to demonstrate their ability to handle themselves in case of an accident. The coach at the start of the season holds demonstrations on safety and recovery.

Weight training and conditioning practices are held in the Bishop Sullivan Catholic High weight room or on the track. When students are not on the water they should be working out with their crew. Distance running is a team effort headed by the team captains.
Transportation

Transportation to practice and regattas is the responsibility of each family. Junior and senior members of the team often form carpools. One of the school’s busses makes a run at 3:30 to the boathouse (but does not return to school. Ultimately, however, transportation is the responsibility of individual families. The school van is used to transport the shell to away regattas.


Rower's Equipment

The equipment required for the rower consists of running shoes, workout clothes, and a water bottle. Suggested clothing include: polypropylene or spandex pants or shorts, long underwear shirt, wool or fleece hat, long running tights, wool socks, a polar fleece jacket, sweats (tops and bottoms), and a hat for sunny days. Weather in March, April and May can be very cold. Crew team shirts are provided by the crew club. Racing uniforms shirts/unitards for the boys and girls are provided by the school.

Fall Training

Learn-to-row training will take place in the fall. Scheduled sessions will be arranged to accommodate students’ availability. The boat will often consist of a mixed crew (boys and girls). There are a couple of long “head races” in the fall in which we hope to enter our most experienced crew.

Off season Conditioning

The off season conditioning and weight training begins on the first of December. Winter conditioning is optional for those students who are not involved in a fall or winter sport at Bishop Sullivan. It is highly recommended for all other rowers and is a very important part of the program. Off-season conditioning will consist of 2-3 days of weight training and aerobic conditioning per week. A completed VHSL Athletic Participation/Parental Consent/Physical Examination Form is required before participation in winter conditioning will be allowed. There is an indoor “erg race” sponsored by the Hampton Roads Rowing Club in mid-February where team members can compare their conditioning with other high school students on indoor rowing machines.

Student/Athlete Standards

The Bishop Sullivan crew program adheres to all B.S. Catholic High School athletic standards. In order to participate in crew, the student/athlete must subscribe to each of the following standards to remain eligible. These standards include, but are not limited to:

* Proof of a valid physical exam within the last calendar year. All physicals are to be turned into the
Athletic Director’s Office.
* Demonstrated ability to pass a swim test that consists of swimming 50 yards and treading water for 10
minutes, fully clothed.
* Compliance with VHSL and crew program eligibility rules. This includes maintaining passing grades
to participate.
* Attendance at all scheduled practices. Only those absences approved by the coach will be excused.
* Failure to attend practices will affect team status.
* Missed practices may be made up at the discretion of the coach.
* Absolute compliance with Bishop Sullivan Catholic High's no smoking/alcohol/drug abuse policy.
* Completion of the USRowing waiver.

Boat Selection

The coach selects individuals for boats based on many factors. Rowers demonstrate their physical ability on rowing machines called ergometers. The coach also looks for good rowing technique in the boat, which is developed over time and with concentration at practice. Attitude and attendance at practice play a role in boat selection as well. In all cases, the coach reserves the right to use a certain amount of subjective judgment in making these decisions.

2010 Crew Season

Crew season officially begins March 1st and goes through mid May. Practice during the season is held before or after school on weekdays and on some Saturdays and Sundays. Regattas are held weekends (usually Saturdays.) The scheduled regattas and the anticipated schools are as follows:


March 13: Mock Regatta - Training session for Parent volunteers.
March 20: Season Opener (at Botanical Garden)
March 27: Spring Fling (at Botanical Garden)
April 17: Spring Regatta II (at Botanical Garden)
April 24: EVSRA Championship (at Botanical Garden)
May 1: Tidewater Crews Regatta, a.k.a. “Big Mathews” (at Mathews, Virginia)
May 8: Independent School Regatta (location TBA)
May 15: Occoquan Classic (in Occoquan, near D.C.)
and/or, possibly, The Stotesbury Cup Regatta (in Philadelphia)

Depending on the performance of individual crews, selected student/athletes may be entered into events at the Occoquan Classic Regatta (northern Virginia) or the Stotesbury Cup regatta (Philadelphia). Regattas start as early as 7 a.m. and last for the better part of the day, ending around 3 p.m. The larger regattas often last until 4 or 5 p.m. All crew parents and family members are invited to cheer for BSCHS at regattas. You should bring your own lawn chairs, seat cushions and/or blankets.

Regatta Events

A regatta consists of races referred to as events. Events consist of different sizes, classes and configuration of shells. The events during a regatta include varsity and novice classes. Boys and girls compete is separate races. All schools in the area compete in fours. Some schools also field eights.

Regatta Locations

Regattas are held at one of four locations. Locally, the Lake Whitehurst venue adjacent to the Botanical Gardens is the preferred site due to the sheltered conditions. Most regattas will be held there. Entrance to the Gardens costs $5 per car, but a yearly family pass allowing unlimited admittance is available regattas are held on adjacent to Azalea Gardens. The Lafayette River regattas are held at the Robertson Rowing Center where we practice. We also would like to travel (about a two hour drive north of school) to participate in the Mathews Regattas held at Williams Wharf in Mathews, VA, near Gloucester, VA. This year we will participate in a regatta at Richmond for the first time. Students should arrange their own transportation to local regattas. Away regattas (Mathews, Richmond, Occoquan) transportation will be provided by the school.

Lettering

To letter, a student/athlete must meet Bishop Sullivan academic criteria, be in good standing and be a superior athlete. In good standing means participation in support activities, fund raising activities and helping to maintain the equipment. As a club sport with varsity status, varsity letters are awarded according to standards established by the school and the coaches. As a general rule, varsity letters are awarded to rowers who compete in interscholastic competition.

Spring Sports Awards Night

Usually held in the end of May, this school-sponsored event recognizes the achievements of all athletic teams during the spring season. Varsity letters, stars, and other awards are presented at this time.

Coaches, Parents, and the Crusader Club

Our program is fortunate to have dedicated, experienced and involved individuals on our coaching staff. The coach is Mr. Bousquet, a math teacher and senior class moderator at BSCHS. Mr. Bousquet is a US Rowing Level I certified coach. Assisting Mr. Bousquet are parents of team members. Parents are needed to assist at regattas (as timers, skiff operators, even “go-fers.”) There is an opportunity for parent volunteers to receive free training in regatta positions and to become US Rowing-certified referees. The Crusader Club works with the school to support the Bishop Sullivan crew program. The Crusader Club consists of parents of student/athletes who help support all the extra-curricular activities of the school. Parents who wish to support the crew team should join the Crusader Club to coordinate their efforts. Strong involvement from parents and from the Crusader Club allows the crew program to grow and succeed.

Liability Insurance

The United States Rowing Association (USRA) provides liability insurance to all involved in conducting its sanctioned regattas. Such insurance facilitates the conduct of regattas with the large number of volunteer workers without whom the events would not otherwise be possible. The USRowing waiver must be completed and on file with the coach before students attend on-the-water activities.


Glossary

Shell - The racing boat. Shells come for single rowers, pairs, fours, and eights. Fours are the most common type in local interscholastic racing. A four is approximately 42 feet long, narrow (about two feet wide at its widest point), and weighs about 180 pounds. Shells are finely designed and constructed pieces of equipment.
Oars - Longer than the garden variety type for rowboats - some 12 feet in length and like shells, lightweight and finely designed.
Riggers - The metal apparatus from the side of the shells upon which oarlocks are fitted to handle the oars.
Slide - Two tracks upon which the rower's seat is fixed. The seat moves forward and backward on the slide, enabling the rower to "gather up" his or her body at the start of the stroke and then use the combined power of the legs, back, and arms when actually executing the slide.
Sweep - A shell configured so that each rower has one oar. Oars on a sweep shell are normally alternated from side to side.
Scull - A shell configured so that each rower has two oars, one on each side of the boat.
Coxswain - The person who sits at the stern of the shell and steers, gives commands to the crew and generally acts as an "on-site" assistant to the coach. Because coxswains don't pull an oar, relatively lightweight people are sought for the position; however, a good coxswain will have as much competitive spirit as the rowers and can make a considerable difference to a crew's success.
Stroke - The stern-most rower in the boat that sits just in front of the coxswain. The stroke sets the pace for the rest of the crew, responding to the urging and encouragement of the coxswain.
Port and Starboard Rowers - In sweep rowing, the designation of a rower according to whether he or she normally rows with an oar on the port or starboard side of the shell.
Catch - The start of a rowing stroke. The crew literally "catches" their oars in the water while beginning the stroke.
Release - The act of getting the oar out of the water at the end of the stroke and beginning the recovery (gathering the body with the knees coming up) for the next stroke.
Crab - Not the hard or soft-shelled variety. A rower catches a "crab" when his or her oar doesn't enter the water properly at the catch, and the blade buries itself to varying degrees in the water instead of flowing smoothly through the stroke. Crabs slow a boat down and are to be avoided if possible, but all rowers experience them at one time or another.
Set - The term "set" refers to the extent to which the boat is balanced from side to side while rowing. A crew rowing in such a way that the shell is not dipping to port or starboard continually is said to have good "set" in its row.
Power 10- a set of strokes when the crew makes an extra effort to "get everything on the oar" and make the shell go faster. (Can be power 15 or 20 also). Used in a race to try and get a tactical advantage on the other crew(s).
Ergometer - A rowing machine. An "erg" allows beginning rowers to learn the basics of the stroke before going on the water and all rowers to develop their conditioning.

Crew e-mail #2 sent February 11, 2010

All:

Below is the regatta schedule for this season:

March 13: Mock Regatta - Training session for Parent volunteers.
March 20: Season Opener (at Botanical Garden)
March 27: Spring Fling (at Botanical Garden)
April 17: Spring Regatta II (at Botanical Garden)
April 24: EVSRA Championship (at Botanical Garden)
May 1: Tidewater Crews Regatta, a.k.a. “Big Mathews” (at Mathews, Virginia)
May 8: Independent School Regatta (location TBA)

Novices usually do not compete at the season opener, but would be expected to attend and observe. Please check your person/family schedule and see if there is a conflict with any of these dates. Regattas typically begin at 7:30 am and last most of the day. Expect a time committment until about 4:00 p.m.

Erg qualifying times are going smoothly. I am impressed with some of the times being turned in by our novices. Remember, the last date for qualifying on the erg, returning rowers included, is Friday the 19th. I have not decided to include the running component, but be prepared if need be. My thought is 2 miles at a maximum time of 20 minutes. The run would be conducted on the school's track one day after school, weather permitting. Again, I have not decided to go ahead with this component yet.

This Saturday is the erg pull at Granby high school, as I noted in the last e-mail. I will attend to cox Jakob in his piece. If anyone else registered, please tell me so I can be there for your piece as well.

I'm attaching two documents to this e-mail. One is some thoughts on pulling a 2000 meter piece and how to prepare. The second is a "crew manual" that describes the program. Please read both. Again, I'm including the You-tube links of erging technique to watch. I'll bring our slides in next week. Expect the parent meeting the week if the 21st, on a date to be announced. Lastly, if you would like me to add or remove an e-mail address, just ask.

Erg video #1 fron Concept 2
Erg video #2 (on slides)


Mr. B.

Crew e-mail #1 sent February 1, 2010

All:

This is the first test message of 2010 for all students who have expressed an interest in the crew team. If you know of someone who may be interested and who is not on this list, please have them contact me. If you have decided against joining the crew team just tell me and I'll remove your name. Team selection will be made on February 19th based on a 2000 meter erg time, and possibly a 2 mile run. The maximum erg cutoff times are 9:30 for novice girls, 9:00 for returning girls, 8:30 for novice boys, and 8:00 for returning boys. Lower times are obviously better and will result in preferential placement in boats. If you have an erg time that does not make the cutoff criterion but are still interested in joining the team, please talk with me about a cox position or an alternate rower position. Before pulling a timed piece you should have the correct technique. Below is a link to the Concept2 website that shows the technique you should try to mimic when you pull your 2000 meter piece. Concept 2 erg , click me

The link below is to a YouTube video showing proper erg technique on a slide. You Tube erg link, click me

Both are good to study. We have four sets of slides that I can bring in so that you can try them.

On February 13th there will be an erg pull (an indoor rowing competition) held at Granby High School in Norfolk. The link below to the Hampton Roads Rowing club website has the details including registration information (early registration end February 6th.). Row if you can, or just come and cheer on the Bishop Sullivan students that are competing.

Erg Pull link

For parents, you should know that high school rowing in the Hampton Roads area is a parent organized activity. See the website for the Eastern Virginia Scholastic Rowing Association: EVSRA link. Each school has a parent coordinator. For Bishop Sullivan that person is Jay O'Brien. Since Mairin, his daughter, is a senior this year, Jay will be looking for someone to take his place. This is a great opportunity for adults interested in rowing.

For all parents I expect to have a parent meeting at the school one evening near the end of the month. The first on-the-water practice will be the first week of March, rowing again from the boathouse at Lakewood Park in Norfolk.

Again, please give me any corrections/additions/deletions to the email addresses.

Mr. Bousquet