Last year, the crew team had a mildly successful season and planned to carry its momentum over into this season. However, after an underwhelming start to their spring racing season, the crew team looks to bounce back and return to their former glory days.
On Saturday, April 20, the team had its first set of races, and sadly none of the six varsity boats were able to finish in first place throughout their respective races. Even though the team’s poor performance was disappointing for the athletes, a number of them saw the results as a lesson.
“Even though it wasn’t the outcome we wanted, taking a beating early in the season is a good thing. We know what to work on, we know our weaknesses, and throughout the next couple weeks, we can work on these weaknesses building up to the big races coming up,” senior rower Pablo Noguera ‘24 said.
As a result, the teams plan to regather themselves and reassess their game plan for their upcoming races.
“I think this past weekend was an indicator of how things are going for this season. It shows us that it might be a sign to go back to the drawing board and rethink some things with the team. Now, we should focus on the long run and what we can do better to win these next races in the upcoming weeks,” rower Nathaniel Abrials ‘24 said.
A big takeaway emphasized by senior Ben Lacuesta ‘24 was the importance of preparedness. A lack of preparedness may have led directly to the team’s losses this past weekend.
“Execution is important. Margins between top crews are always less than seconds, fractions of seconds, and it all comes down to who’s more prepared. We just didn’t have that preparedness,” Lacuesta said.
Preparation for the team’s spring season isn’t an easy process. Lacuesta describes it as an almost year-long process that requires dedication and commitment.
“The biggest part of staying prepared is training. Even though we start racing in March, our season really begins over the summer. Over the fall, we build our base and fitness, and then that transfers over to the racing season. Our preparedness is a process,” Lacuesta said.
Regardless of the team’s last result, they are still excited to finish the season strong and enjoy all of the rewards that come along with the success.
“I’m excited to win a big championship race then sit down and eat a big ole’ hamburger and hot dog,” Abrials said.
The team next races on Saturday, April 27 in Delaware at St. Andrew’s School against St. Andrew’s, St. Joseph’s Prep, Kent School, Bethesda Chevy Chase, and Jackson Reed.