January Newsletter

Happy New Year! I hope that you have all had a restful holiday season and are embracing the new year with renewed energy and a positive spirit. January is always about new beginnings and this year we’ve gotten off to a historic start with monumental events, inspirational poetry and even plenty of knitted mitten memes.

If these events weren’t motivating enough for you, look no further than our very own captains! In this month’s newsletter our exceptional Men’s and Women’s Varsity Captains share their vision as their roles as captains, and what brought them to rowing and goals for this winter season.

Heidi Andersen

FOGC President

MEET YOUR WOMEN'S CAPTAINS

ALEXANDRA WILKOWSKI

My biggest goal as a captain is to create an environment where everyone feels accepted and heard. I think that we are a team with so many big and bold personalities, but I think that even with all these big personalities, it's really important to also be listening to the small personalities and voices. Everyone on our team has so much to give no matter how fast, or loud, or different they are, and as captain I really want to make sure that everyone walks into the boathouse and feels as if they are welcomed and heard.

OLIVIA SCHNUR

I think being a captain any year to such a large team is challenging. This year, our focus is on keeping people engaged and happy. Rowing is one of the only somewhat normal parts of our lives right now, and we just want the team to stay resilient throughout the adaptations we’ve had to make. We’ve done Zoom calls, created family groups and big sister/little sister pairings, just finished a merchandise order and are working on a few more, and communicate regularly over GroupMe to check in on everyone.

MEREDITH BLANCHARD

Through my time at Greenwich Crew, the captains we have had were all the most incredible role models I could have asked for. As an underclassmen they pushed me to be a better teammate, rower, and person. They did this while also being incredibly welcoming and making me feel like I could go to them with any problem I was having. I hope that as a captain this year, people see me the same way. I always want to push people to do that extra minute of core, while also being approachable & goofy. One other thing that I love is that we have three captains. Crew is a team sport, where there are no star players. I think that having three captains emphasizes this, since we all work as a team to accomplish goals together. I hope that the underclassmen can see our teamwork and learn from it. I’m really lucky to get to work Alex and Olivia.

MEET YOUR MEN'S CAPTAINS

TRENT BOONE

This year I see my role as captain as being a motivator and glue that keeps the team together. Since we haven't been able to attend a regatta in over a year, its easy to lose motivation and the inner fire fueling your training. I aim to ensure that the team maintains this passion for what we are working towards. I also hope to keep the feeling of being a unified team even when fragmented into smaller groups due to Covid. There are times where you might not see someone on the team for a few days in a row but I still want everyone on the team to feel like they are part of the whole team, rather than just their small subsection that they are training in.

SAM TERRY

I found that this year more than ever, it is critical for us, as captains to set the leading example of perfection for the team. Unfortunately, a lot of the younger guys were not able to experience the kinds of things I got to as a new kid to the team. Thus, it’s imperative that Trent and I show the future generations what Greenwich Crew is all about. While implementing the important ideals of decorum and sportsmanship through leadership, it is just as important to incorporate some light-hearted fun into practice during these tough times.

Look out in future newsletters for more insights into the captains

SPRING SEASON RACES

Beacon Point, Shelton

The tentative dates are April 17,18 and May 1, 2.

Rowing Shell Parts

Foot Stretcher: Adjustable plate where shoes are attached, allowing adjustment for length.

Oarlock: “U” shaped plastic part in which the oar is placed.

Rigger: metal or composite “arm” attached to the exterior of the boat that holds the oar.

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