Erg Pull results

At yesterday's erg pull we were represented by Mike, Russell, Alexandra and Anna. The results were the best we've had at this winter event and are significant because all of the other schools participating at this erg pull run fall, winter and spring rowing programs, and we're just beginning to gear up for our spring season. It's interesting to note that the schools we compete against in the season-ending independent schools regatta (Norfolk Academy, Norfolk Collegiate, Cape Henry, Broadwater, and Trinity Episcopal) did not have any participants. "So how about the results?" you ask.

Mike finished 5th overall, and ahead of all but one other boy his age. Russell finished 29th overall and ahead of all but 6 other boys who were also15 years old. Alexandra also finished 29th overall and ahead of all but 4 girls her age or younger. Each piece was noteworthy. Mike blasted out at the start and was easily in the lead of all the rowers at the 500 m mark, but was unable to sustain the pace and slowly dropped back, still finishing in a very respectable 7:07.1. Russell also blasted at the gun, in fact, jumped his slide and took a few seconds to get back on his seat, losing precious meters. Still, he finished below his personal best at 7:51.6. Alexandra, with Anna coxing, finished at 8:51.2, well off her personal best. She summed the experience up by saying "I didn't like it!" The smiling shot below was taken before she pulled her piece.

















It's interesting to compare the erg-pull environment with pulling a piece on your own. At the erg pull you have no flexibility when to start. The starter yells "Ready, attention, ROW!" and off you go. There is also a lot of screaming as supporters of all the other participants urge them on  (Alexandra was simultaneously rowing in a heat with 18 other girls (she ended up 10th in her heat.) When pulling a piece by yourself, it's easy to plug in the earbuds and tune out the rest of the room, something that's not possible at an erg pull.

Still, I'm very impressed and thankful for the efforts put out by this year's rowers. Maybe next year we can finish still higher! Complete results are here.

Well, the swimming and wrestling seasons are coming to an end, so those athletes can now transition to rowing. I will make team selection on the 25th based on your best erg scores. So please get to the trailer and pull a qualifying time.  Preference on the ergs will be given first to those who have not posted a qualifying time and then to returning rowers who want to lower their time. Once novices have made the cut they don't need to pull again but are able to workout if there are machines not being used.

Mr. B.