Blair Crew (Boys and Girls)
FAQs
The following question/answer
format is intended to introduce you to Blair Crew;
the questions presented are the ones we’ve found
raised most often by prospective students who are considering
rowing in the spring.
When does the crew season
begin/end?
Crew is mainly a spring sport. We have a recreational program available in
the fall, but our real season begins after Spring Break. The season ends the
week prior to Commencement.
Is experience necessary?
Most of the students who join Blair Crew have little or no experience prior
to their first season. Many novice rowers transition to the varsity very
quickly and compete for the top seats on our boats.
What is the general make-up
of the team?
The team is broken into four groups: novice boys, novice girls, varsity boys
and varsity girls. Currently, the team has just over 60 athletes participating
at all levels.
Where do you practice?
We have an indoor training room located in the main gymnasium on campus. We
use land-based rowing machines and ergometers to teach basic stroke technique
and to increase strength and fitness. Our outdoor facility is located on
Swartswood Lake, which is about a 15-minute bus ride from campus.
When do we practice?
We practice after classes each day. The team meets at the busses and heads
out to the lake. Practice runs up till dinner that evening.
How long are the workouts?
The team works out five days a week for two hours each day. One day out of
the week, we race against opponents in the MAPL League and throughout the
Northeast. Basically, we expect the team to row six days a week.
Are there any morning
workouts?
No.
How many races are there
during the season?
Generally we have seven competitions during the eight-week spring season. If
you are part of the novice team, you will race in five to six of these events;
as a varsity member, you will race in all seven competitions.
What types of Championship
Regattas are possible?
Blair Crew attends the Mercer Sprints Regatta and Founder’s Day Regatta.
In addition, the members of the MAPL League hold a championship race near the
end of the spring. The Blair Crew season culminates at the Stotesbury Regatta,
where we race against the very best crews from all over the United States and
Canada. The top finishers at this regatta have the possibility of continuing
at the US Rowing Nationals in June.
Why row?
It’s a total experience that immerses you. Here are just a few more reasons:
- Rowers are the toughest,
most determined athletes you will meet!
- Rowing is for EVERYONE.
It does not matter what height you are or what size
you are. If you are interested in us, we are interested
in you.
- It does not matter if
you have never played sports before or have never
heard of rowing; we will teach you everything you
need to know.
- Rowing works all the
muscle groups and burns more calories than any other
sport or exercise. It is a sport that demands endurance,
strength and skill. It requires consummate teamwork
and mental toughness.
- Many universities offer
scholarships for crew. Crew is a growing sport on
college campuses. Participating in crew looks good
on your college application.
- Blair Crew has FUN. We
feel that by rowing, you become not just a better
athlete but a better student and person as well.
- The team experience forms
very close friendships and helps everyone grow dramatically
as people. You learn a sense of responsibility toward
your boat mates and team, and this transfers to all
walks of life.
Please contact Stephanie
Guilmet (guilms@blair.edu)
if you have any questions.
Stephanie Guilmet
- Head Coach Girls’ Crew |
Introduction
Maril Davenport, Director, Crew Program
