A roof!

I'm happy to report that the boathouse renovation seems to be moving forward. We have a roof! Instead of asking for an official update on the renovation from Parks I decided to go straight to the source and stop by and ask the guys working on the building how it was going. They said, "Great, we're ahead of schedule!" I thought they were kidding. When is a construction project AHEAD of schedule? Bottom line, we're so, so, so excited to be back in our old home next spring (well, old NEW home)!

Row New Yorkers in Scrubs!

Row New York had the opportunity to participate in the Perry Outreach Program this summer thanks to Drs. Jo Hannafin and Sommer Hamoud and the Hospital for Special Surgery.

The program was started two years ago in order to encourage high school girls to pursue careers in the interrelated disciplines of Orthopaedic Surgery and Engineering. In Orthopaedic Surgery women are very underrepresented. Only 3-4% of practicing orthopaedic surgeons are women and only 10% of residents (in training) are women.

The program featured lectures from prominent female surgeons and engineers and included a component of surgical demonstrations and interactive biomechanical experiments.

Our girls are still talking about how much they learned. According to Karry, she now knows how to do a hip replacement. This could come in handy around here!

Big thanks to Dr. Hannafin for thinking of us to be their partners in this exciting program!

Seniors Head off to College

It's a funny time at Row New York. Saying good-bye and good luck to our seniors who are moments away from being freshmen in college. Vanessa and Felicia came by the office to pick up supplies for their dorm rooms (that's them waving good-bye in the top picture) and it felt like yesterday that they were trying out on the ergs. I found myself rattling off advice about not falling behind in the first semester and making sure they got some sleep and taking advantage of their meal plans and working hard, but before we knew it, they were off. They seemed both grown up and too young to be going out into the world. I guess that's what's good about college...it's not quite the real world. Also included in this entry is my last twin picture of Kate and Karry. Karry leaves for Bryn Mawr on Wednesday and Kate is going to be going to CUNY and coaching for Row NY. Go coach Kate!

Graduate Picnic, Senior Goodbye, and Bridal Shower

Yes, all of these things actually occurred simultaneously at Row New York yesterday. Melissa somehow pulled it off. So, we got to say goodbye and good luck to our seniors, welcome our juniors into their senior year, picnic with some of our graduates, and throw a surprise wedding shower for our old academic director (Austin Phillips) and Brian Kupke who are getting married on Saturday!

Summer Season Sizzles to a Close

In one of the hotter July's in recent memories, a relatively young flock of RNYers drilled, trained, and raced their way through one of the program's most successful summer seasons ever.

Opening up at the highly competitive Independence Day Regatta in Philadelphia, crews battled against development camps and summer traveling crews galore. The J16 4+ lost a heart breaker (less than a length) to miss the final, while the J18 4+ pulled off a massive come-from-behind move to advance to the final.

The following week, RNY made its first trip ever to Baltimore and Washington, DC, which included a viewing of the monuments, the Capitol Building, a George Washington University visit, and a fabulous stay at the home of our gracious hosts, Ken and Andrea Kraus. The racing was full of excitment, including a Junior 8s race against a crew from Australia, an Open 8s race that featured a battle between our juniors and RNY powerhouse staff and alums, and our first ever venture into competitive sculling (Margot Warshaw and Mariel Vanderlinden debuted in the single scull).

Finally, we closed out the season with a return to Philadelphia, hoping to see an improvement from the first visit-- we did just that. The J16 4+ dropped 12 seconds from its time just two weeks prior to advance to the final, where it took gold by open water. The Varsity 8 took bronze in the 2k and won the dash, while the 2V (in the same event) finished close behind in both, taking a bronze in the dash. Even our third varsity eight showed some speed and featured some rowers that will certainly be key players moving forward.

In all, where we hoped for moral victories and race experience with this young group, we got more than that. This should make for an interesting 2010-2011 season. We're all revved up.

Teacher Learn to Row Day at Row New York!

We had teachers from 15 different NYC public schools come down to the boathouse to learn to row today. What a great group! Maybe it's because they spend their days teaching that they become good learners, either way, they did a wonderful job as a group and we had fun racing it up on the two training barges. If you know a New York City teacher who would like to learn to row and spread the word about Row New York, send them our way! And special thanks to the Row New Yorkers (pictured in the coaching launch above with Jennie) who volunteered their time to help out this morning.

College Rowers Return to Coach at Row NY

One of the highlights of my summer was getting to spend some time with our high school graduates who are home for the summer and working as assistant coaches for Row New York. They drove vans, coached hundreds of campers, helped middle schoolers into their first eights, and assisted with the adaptive program. They were also an inspiration to the current high school girls (and me too!)

From left to right, we have Monique, Rose, Camille, and Stephanie. Poor Charlotte, I think she was on a barge when this picture was taken. They are rising sophomores at Lehigh, Rutgers, Binghamton, University of Central Florida, and Monique will be a senior at Michigan State next month. It feels like I met Monique as a 9th grader yesterday, so I'm not sure how that happened.

The true highlight was racing with five of them at Capital Sprints a couple of weeks ago. I'd share the picture, but I was caught on camera fully turned around looking, in desperation, for the finish line. Oh no!

It was amazing to spend time with them as college students, to hear about what they're studying, to watch them talk to the current Row New Yorkers and share their stories about Row New York "way back when" and laugh, and laugh, and laugh. My face hurt from laughing so much. The rest of my body hurt too, but I think that was from the race.

Good luck to ALL of our college students this fall!

Row New York on NY1 News!

Row New York's adaptive program, run in partnership with NYU's Initiative for Women With Disabilities, was featured on NY1 news this week. Click here to see the piece and thanks to everyone who made this four day camp possible!

Busy Boathouse

As you can see from the pictures, the boathouse has been a busy place these days. The competitive girls start early (on the water by 7:30), followed by the Middle Schoolers (it looks like Nate still has them on the rope), NYU's Initiative for Women with Disabilities came out a little later in the morning along with campers from Powerplay (in the white shirts). So much fun to see so many young people on the water!

Hot

Triple digit temperatures didn’t slow things down at Row New York yesterday (well, maybe a little bit).

We had our youngest adaptive rower, Nathan, join us on the water, a visit from the Wheelchair Sports Federation, and special guest Laura Schwanger. Laura brought home the bronze from the first paralympic rowing event in Beijing in the women’s single.

We also had over 30 campers and, of course, our brave competitive girls gearing up for Capital Sprints in DC this Saturday.

Row NY's Adaptive Rowing Gets Started

Thanks to a generous grant from the JE & ZB Butler Foundation, Row New York's adaptive rowing program officially got started yesterday. We tried out all of our new equipment with our very willing and brave rowers, Victor and Joe. They did an excellent job providing feedback and getting the barge going. Joe was a good sport, even when his seat took a slight spill off the tracks. Special thanks to John Hamre as well! We're looking forward to Tuesday when we'll have The Wheelchair Sports Federation on the water with us.

Twin Races

I feel like this could be a good CrossFit activity because, well, you never know when you just might have to run across a field with another human being on your back. In fairness to Melissa and Karry (pictured behind Kate and me), they did win the first race. This just happens to be the one caught on camera. I also think Karry needs to re-think her strategy of blinding Melissa with her hat. And you thought we were always serious at Row New York! Okay, maybe nobody every thought that.

Row New York Staff Retreat

The Row New York staff just returned from our annual staff retreat where, thanks to the Dubin family, we got to spend three days on the water reflecting on the past year and planning for the upcoming summer and school year. Besides eating abundant amounts of home-cooked food and rowing (Melissa and Jennie pictured above), we reviewed our core values as an organization, calendared the entire year (grueling, but a good practice), talked about our goals and plans for the girls and all of the other people we work with. It was amazing to work together without interruption, to take the time to focus on what we do, why we do it, and how to do everything better.

Row New Yorker Graduates from SUNY Buffalo

Fran started with Row New York at the beginning of her junior year. I knew her well because she spent most of her novice fall in the training barge and I spent most of my weekly coaching time with the novices in the barge. Fran was quiet and sports were very new to her. Slowly, but surely Fran transformed into a strong, lean, leader of the Row New York team. By the spring of her senior year a common refrain in the van or office was, "Fran, stop talking!" Our no longer quiet Fran headed off to SUNY Buffalo and graduated last month. She is pictured here with her team. Congratulations Fran!

Adaptive Rowing Training at Row New York

Rachele Pojednic, Community Rowing's Director of Outreach, came down from Boston yesterday to spend the day with Row New York and share the ins and outs of adaptive rowing as we prepare to launch our own adpative program for people with disabilities next month. Thanks to a generous grant from the JE & ZB Butler Foundation we have purchased equipment, run a staff training, and lined up four groups to bring their participants out to the boathouse.

Big thanks to Rachele for her time and expertise!

Row NY Seniors ALL Accepted to College!

We are happy to report that, once again, all of our seniors have been accepted to college. They will be attending Oklahoma City University (full rowing scholarship), Macalaster College (full academic scholarship), Bryn Mawr (full scholarship), Stetson University (full scholarship), Iona College (partial scholarship), Queens College (partial scholarship), and Cazenovia College. Four of the seven will be rowing in college. Congratulations!

End of the Year Barbecue Big Success

The end of the year barbecue at Row New York is one of my all time favorite days. The racing season is behind us and it is a day to celebrate, eat, embrace our graudates who are home from college, laugh, and applaud the girls on their many successes. We also invite the families to try rowing. I always love watching the younger siblings climb into the barges and take direction from their big sisters (see picture). Congratulations to the Row NY girls and staff on a tremendous spring season!

Row NY Fall Event is September 16th, 2010!

Kate & Karry Calderon Speak at New York Women's Foundation Event

Two of our outstanding seniors brought a crowd of 2,300 people to their feet in applause at the annual New York Women's Foundation breakfast on May 13th.

The event honored singer/song writer Mary J. Blige; Founder and CEO of EILEEN FISHER, Inc. Eileen Fisher and Social Justice Advocate and Executive Director of Grand Street Settlement, Margarita Rosa. CNN Anchor and Special Correspondent Soledad O’Brien was the emcee. 



Kate and Karry gave an inspiring speech about perseverance and teamwork and the many lessons they have learned through rowing, not the least of which is to never give up. They will be headed to Queens College and Bryn Mawr College in the fall.

The sisters are pictured here with Mary J. Blige.

RNY WINS STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

It wasn't a good weekend for rowing, but after rain, mud, hail, and 35 mph wind gusts, the Row New York squad left Saratoga Springs on Sunday with a smile- and a state championship. The Novice Four of Claudia DiMaio, Abre Bokhari, Emma Buford, Shannon McCann, and Sophie Mitropoulos raced down the course in 6:12, ten seconds ahead of the nearest boat, to win Row New York its first States cup.

This wasn't a solo performance. All around, RNY boats represented the program at a highly competitive level. The novice eight, without the help of the championship four oarswomen, pushed down the course to finish 13th of 33- the fourth fastest club. The second varsity four made the state semi-final of the first varsity four event, and the third varsity four was just a second off of qualifying. After going through some growing pains in the fall, a first varsity boat with four first-time members battled to take the bronze medal by one second, representing the third medal in the event in as many years.

In the process, the glass ceiling is starting to break for RNY crews at this level: a state championship; medals in multiple events; lower boats qualifying for first boat semis. With the core of most of these crews returning, the future looks bright.

And even beyond the results, there was something magical about the weekend. In a sport where fortunes are often crushed by near misses, it was inspiring to see possibility transform into reality. All season, we have won the small battles, and in fighting and succeeding, we feel closer then ever.

Row New York Medals at Long Island Championships

Last weekend yielded very solid results by Row New York at the Long Island Championship Regatta. Highlights include:

1. The Novice Four earned a silver medal, defeating Our Lady of Mercy, McGann Mercy, Cold Spring Harbor, Manhasset, St. Anthony, Rumson, Riverhead, Nutley, South Jersey, Long Island, Huntington, and St. John the Baptist.

2. Six different boats made it to the Grand Final, a very noble accomplishment at such a competitive regatta. These included the Novice Four mentioned above, the Novice Eight, the Varsity Four, the Second Varsity Four, the Varsity Eight, and the Junior Four.

3. The Varsity Eight took back the "Duck" with open water from Bayshore, finishing fifth at the Grand Final with Bayshore in sixth place (Notable also: our Second Novice Eight beat Bayshore's First Novice Eight).

4. The Second Varsity Four made it to the Grand Final of the Varsity Four event, meaning that our second-fastest four is significantly faster than many teams' fastest four.

We are excited about the speed shown last weekend and look forward to seeing how we stack up at the upcoming New York State Championship!

Thanks to Danny Phelps and Michael Smith for Riding for Row NY!

Special thanks to Mike and Danny for raising money for Row New York during the Five Boro Bike Tour on Sunday. These two braved the heat to raise over $800 for Row New York and donations are still coming in! And, of course, thanks to the following people for supporting Mike and Danny (and Row NY!):

Maggie Murphy
Wenying Huang-Stolte
Linda Grasso
Ginger Smith
Xin Bai and family
Maggie Kotuk
Alycia Miller
Alexandra Saghir
Cara Younger
Maggie Lovatt
Clyde Phelps

Come cheer for Row New York on Sunday!

Row New York is headed to the Long Island Championships on Sunday. Come cheers the girls on! Races begin at 8 and will continue throughout the day. Keep a look out for the Row New York tent with the big purple banner. Go what? Row who? Row New York!

Directions to Centre Island Beach: From I-495 the Long Island
Expressway (L.I.E.)

* 24 minutes from Expressway
* At exit 41N of the Expressway - Take 106 / 107 north for 1/2
mile and stay to the right for Route 106. Continue for 6 miles on 106.
* Turn left onto Lexington Avenue. (There is a Hess gas station
on your left at this corner.)
Go for 1/2 mile to the end.
* Turn left onto West Main Street. Go through two traffic lights
and the road curves to the right.
* After the railroad underpass (Height 10’ 1”) the street name
will change to West Shore Road. Continue for 2 miles to the Bayville Drawbridge.
* Cross the bridge

CARS WITH PERMITS/DROP-OFF (We only have 4 permits, and we need those
for staff/equipment):
Make the first right after the bridge. Go for 1 mile to the end.
* Turn right onto Bayville Ave. Go a short ways.
* Finally turn right into the Centre Island Beach Park.

CARS WITHOUT PERMITS:
Cross the bridge and make a left at the light onto Bayville Avenue.
Follow Bayville Avenue for 2 miles and park at Stehli Beach. Free
shuttle bus will be available.

DEPTH SHINES AT DUCK

It wasn't too long ago when Row New York was characterized by a fast few who filled a varsity four admirably. This past Saturday, competing at Riverhead's Big Duck Regatta, the program unveiled a new aspect: depth. Thirty three different girls medaled at the regatta- the most in program history for a single day.

The varsity carried on a tradition of strong finishes, capturing silver medals in the varsity four and the varsity eight event, and taking gold and silver in the B-4+ event. Yet, the story of the day may have been the novice boats. In a dominant performance, the RNY novice eight won the event by several lengths of opening water over RNY's second novice eight athletes, who were able to vanquish all other competitors in a strong, aggressive performance. The novice four also dominated the field, winning the event comfortably.

It was a gorgeous day, capped off by joyous RNY girls throwing coxswains in the water- a time-honored tradition performed by victorious crews. In reality, it was probably just an excuse to enjoy a moment in the sun- literally and figuratively. Onward to LIC's!

RNY Photo of the Day- Launch Carrying

Row New York Headed to Big Duck on Sat!

Come cheer Row NY on at the Big Duck Regatta on Saturday!

Driving instructions. Take the LI Expressway east and exit at Exit 71. At the end of the ramp turn right. This is Rte 24. Go 4 miles to a traffic circle, go half way around and continue on Rte 24. Go one more mile to the intersection of Rte 105. There is a traffic light here. Go one more mile to the “Big Duck” on your left. Turn left into the driveway just past the Duck. There is a blue sign for the Flanders Mens Club. Go to the end and park.

Regatta schedule

10:00 AM Girls Var 4+
11:15 Girls Novice 8
12:00 Girls Novice 4+
1:15 Girls Var 8 -Rubber Ducky Award

Row New York Medals at Mercer Sprints!

Row New York is proud to announce some fantastic finishes at Mercer Sprints last weekend!

The Second Varsity four finished third place, earning a bronze medal, with a time of 6:13:93, defeating Yorktown HS, Marion Mercy Academy, Rumson HS, and Mountain Lakes Crew Club. The Third Varsity four also finished third place with a time of 6:38:36, defeating Norwalk River, Upper Arlington HS, Yorktown HS, and Our Lady of Mercy Academy. Additionally, the Varsity four finished 6th place with a time of 6:34:71.

As the day progressed, the wind began gusting up to 30 mph, and the regatta officials canceled all novice-level racing. This call was necessary because novices are not experienced enough to safely handle this kind of wind. It was an unfortunate turn of events, but not uncommon in early season racing. Our novice team is very strong this year, so we hope to get a chance this weekend at the Big Duck to show them off!

Mercer Sprints is one of the most competitive regattas in the country. It attracts some of the fastest clubs on the East Coast, so we are very impressed with our two medaling finishes. The results speak to all the hours and hard work that the girls have put into their training.

We were also thoroughly impressed with the turnout of parent spectators and the meals and snacks provided for the team. It was a huge boost to team morale to know that their was a tent with food and water that the girls could go to between races.

Mercer Lake Sprints THIS Saturday!

Come cheer the Row New York girls on as they compete at Mercer Lake Sprints!
Row NY race times are as follows:
9:38 V4 heat
11:17 2V4 final
11:41 3V4 final
2:15 1N8 final
2:35 2N8 final
(v final 2 hours later)
Find information here.

Felicia Crowder Signs with University of Oklahoma City

Since we're always very formal at Row New York, Previn set up a signing party for Felicia at the boathouse last Saturday. All joking aside, we are tremendously proud of Felicia for all of her hard work. She will be headed to Oklahoma City on a full rowing scholarship this fall!

The twins are going to college!

We always assumed these smart, hard working, athletic, and WONDERFUL seniors were going to college, but it's official now...Kate and Karrie Calderon have both been accepted to college. They haven't decided on WHERE they're going yet, but the list of schools includes Northeastern, Queens College, and Mt.Holyoke.

RNY Photo of the Day-Launch Carrying

Mud Fight

The sun is out now, but the first few days of spring break training (no, not in sunny Miami, but here in rainy NYC) were very, very wet and muddy. You can leave it to the varsity Row New York girls to turn mud into a good thing. The path leading from the boathouse to the lake is basically a pit of mud....and perfect for sliding around in. Don't be fooled, though, the girls have been working hard! Eleven days until their first spring race!

Row New Yorkers Visit Pepsi!

What do you get when you put 25 teenagers in a room with unlimited Pepsi, Gatorade, and Starbucks drinks? I actually don't have a clever answer for that one, but we did run this experiment on Thursday when Row New York coach and tutor, Marinela Honovich, hosted a tour of PEPSICo in Westchester, NY for some of our girls. When Marinela isn't on the water with us, she works as a sweetener at Pepsi so we got the inside scoop on how soda is made, the number of years that go into becoming a flavorist (many!), and a lot of the science behind the food products that are made by Pepsi. I think the high point of the visit was when the girls got to try about seven flavors of Pepsi that are new to the market in different countries and then make their own Gatorade. The sugar high was certainly fun while it lasted! Thanks to Marinela and her team for the great experience!