Juniors - (Re)Join US Rowing Now for Regionals Entry

Hello, Junior OAR Rowers and Parents,
(copy of email sent 4 May 09)

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Required for Regionals –
Join US Rowing for all Junior rowers.
Cost $45 annual membership.
Details below.
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Regionals are starting on May 15th, as you know. The races start Friday morning (15th), so this needs to be planned as a day off from school and work. Depending on how your boats do in qualifying heats Friday and Saturday, you may (or may not) be scheduled as late as Sunday for the finals. We are working on food planning and other logistics, stay tuned.

It is necessary for most of you to REJOIN US Rowing in order to be eligible to enter the Regionals. This event requires a "Full Privilege" membership for all participants, so now it's time to pay the US Rowing membership fee ($45) for the annual renewal.

Please go to http://www.usrowing.org/join_renew/membershipoptions/index.aspx.

NOVICES: There you will see

- "Join as a New Full-Privilege Member" - Novices and anyone who has never joined US Rowing should use this and provide the $45 authorization for credit card payment.

VARSITY: You will need to use the part of the form that says:

- "Renew as a Full Privilege Member" - Varsity and others who rowed the Regionals last year should use this and provide them your existing US Rowing membership number to renew. They will ask for credit card authorization for $45 as your annual membership fee.

I obtained a list of US Rowing numbers associated with OAR today (see below). You should find your number on this list, if you've joined in the past. If you think you have joined in the past, but you don't know your US Rowing number and it's not on this list, then you should phone the US Rowing Member Services desk at 800-314-4769. They'll find your US Rowing number if it exists, and let you re-join on the existing number. They are open weekdays until 4:30 pm Eastern time.

For new joiners, please send back your NEW US Rowing number to me, after you register. We'll record that - to make sure that you can row at Regionals, in the unlikely event that their registration system drops the ball somehow.

Following our emails last month, everyone has by now reserved their hotel rooms for Friday 15th May through Sunday 17th May at the Staybridge Suites (or some other hotel in Vancouver WA). If not, please let me know or phone me with any questions: 350-8115 (leave a message if I can't pick up your call, please!).

I'll be providing more updates - about lineups, meals, boat loading, etc.
Stay tuned and thanks for your attention to all this ... Mike Ruth (Parent Coordinator)

Varsity Ladies!

Please add two runs of at least a mile each to your weekly workout in addition to daily (M-F) practice. One of your runs should be on either Saturday or Sunday (not both!) and since its staying lighter in the evening you can go home from practice one day a week eat dinner and then go for a run. Find a schedule that works for you. Make sure you allow your body one day of complete rest in an 7 day period. If you have questions about when or how to schedule your runs please feel free to ask!

The United States Track and Field website has a very cool route tracking program: http://www.usatf.org/routes/map/. Follow this link and enter your zip code, than you can create a running route around your house. The computer will calculate the distance of that run. You can also look up other people routes based on location if you need ideas or suggestions.
Enjoy!!

If you cannot run please erg/bike/elip. for at least 20 minutes two times a week. You are welcome to use any of the ergs at the boathouse, let me know if you need the combination for the door.

See you at the boathouse!!
Liz

Covered Bridge Junior Lineups (UPDATE 4/1)

Here is updated lineup for the Boys Varsity and JV crews as of 4/1/09:

Event # 3

1x Mitch Ponton: (not sure which boat!)

Event #9
2x Eamon Smith/ Daniel Phillips : Wintech
2x Dylan Mayberry/ Laim McCormmack: Double U

Event #18 (or #17 not sure of criteria for JV entry)
8+(Nelson Ruth) Mitch Ponton/ Dylan Wade/ Eamon Smith/ Evan Fowler/ Evan Riley/ Jackson Parma./ Ben Leirer/ Dylan Mayberry : Patty

Event # 26
4x(Eliza Ramsey) Eamon Smith/ Jackson Parma/ Will Ruth/ Daniel Phillips: Les


(Absent: Anthony, Finch twins)

Covered Bridge Regatta is 11 April 09 at Dexter Lake (near Eugene OR). This is a long drive so it requires Friday travel of four hours, and a hotel room Friday night. Rowers need to meet at the Lake at 7:00 a.m. Saturday. I'll post information about hotels and logistics to email and to this Blog shortly. For information on the events scheduled, the preliminary schedule is at: https://www.regattacentral.com/regatta/index.jsp?section=schedule&job_id=1162&org_id=0

Vancouver Lake Regatta 28 March 09

Hello, Rowers and Parents of OAR Junior Program -

The Vancouver Lake Regatta is next weekend (28 March 2009). This is a fun and relaxed, very friendly regatta, with our sister club, run by one of the founders of our own OAR (Bill Kalenius). It should be a good time for all, weather permitting.

Bill Kalenius requires that everyone sign a special waiver for his club's events. This waiver form is attached. Please fill this out for your Junior Rower and sign it and bring it with you to practice this week and give it to your Rower's coach. If you need hardcopy provided to you, please talk with the coach to obtain a copy in advance.

Coxes meeting is at 9:00 a.m. The trailer probably arrives around 8:30 a.m. It's a two hour drive from Olympia, hey, you can sleep in until 6:00 !

The following is the preliminary schedule (it will change, for sure, in some details):
10AM
JrM8+

10:20
JrW2X

10:40
JrW4X

11:00
MastersM1X

11:20
MastersW1X

11:40
JrM2-

12:00
JrM2X

12:20
JrM4X

12:40
JrW8+

1PM
MastersW4+

As you can see, the races are scheduled to end shortly after 1:00 pm.
Vancouver Lake provides food for all attendees. There might be a $5 donation, I don't know exactly about this. Last year they had an abundant potluck lunch after the races. For breakfast, though, you might consider bringing a portable snack, just in case they don't have their food setup in time to eat before racing. OAR won't be providing a food tent.

Boat Loading will be Friday after practice. All Juniors should plan to help with boat loading. Parents are welcome to help, too, if y ou feel so moved..

I will be out of the country and out of phone contact this week. So phone Dave Phillips with any questions or particular needs. Dave is the other parent volunteer and also drives the boat trailers and generally knows a lot about how things are done.

Afer Vancouver Lake, the next regatta is Covered Bridge, in Eugene Oregon, 11th April.

... Mike Ruth (OAR Junior Parent Coordinator)

Hooded Sweat Shirts Order Needed Now

Hello, Rowers, please try to move quickly on this. Dave Phillips is collecting payments and order forms for the hooded sweatshirts that have OAR logo and each rower's name on it.

We are looking for your order form and payment on Tuesday 17 March.

This will be the main part of the team uniform this season.

Rowers who ordered this last season don't need to order another.
Rowers who don't have a hooded OAR sweatshirt from last season should place an order.

Please fill out the attached order form and submit a check for $36.53.

We want to place the order quickly. Please bring this to your practice on Tuesday 17 MArch.

Thanks ... Mike Ruth

novice Boats at Green Lake 21 March Races

There will be two boats entered for OAR Junior Novices at Green Lake in the 21 March regatta.

One Girls 8+
One Boys 4+

We are a couple of boys shy of an 8 for that event, so there will be only a four entered for the boys.

... Mike Ruth (Parent Coordinator)

Green Lake V Boys Boats

UPDATE 3/15/09: The following are the lineups for Varsity Boys for Green Lake, as of Friday (from PJ, their coach):

Event 1: Open M 4x+/ JIT (Will coxing)---Mitch, Devin, Derek, Dylan W.

Event 13: Open M 2x/ Wintech – Eamon, Daniel.

Event 16A: Jr. M 4x+/ Les (Daniel coxing)—Ben, Dylan M., Evan R., Liam

Event 35A: Jr. M 4+/ NEW 4+—(Chris coxing) Jackson, Eamon, Daniel, Will.

You can get the Green Lake Regatta schedule from their website:
http://www.greenlakecrew.org/
It's preliminary for now, but probably won't change *too* much this week.
... Mike Ruth





The Green Lake Regatta will be 21 March in Seattle.
As of this moment, the OAR Varsity Boys boats will include:

Event 1: Open M 4x+/ JIT
Event 13: Open M 2x/ Wintech
Event 16: Jr M 4x+/ Les
Event 32: M LT 4+/ Tia ( if we scratch event 35 then we’ll use the NEW 4+)
Event 35: Jr. M 4+/ NEW 4+ (dubbed informally “The Godfather”-don’t ask me why)

This may change of course, but these have been submitted to the Green Lake organizers. I'm hoping to get the list for V Girls and Novice crews soon, to post to the Blog.

... Mike Ruth

Erg Assessment This Week

PJ Clayton(Head Coach) has asked to have an ergometer test from Varsity rowers this week (week of 23 Feb). This is not a "test", but more of a baseline measurement of the crew's aerobic and strength conditioning. (If you cannot erg, please bring a doctor's note explaining why. But offhand I guess that anyone capable of rowing and racing can generally be anticipated to perform as well on the ergometer.)

Also, PJ says rowers must do light workouts on off days if you miss practice or on scheduled no-practice days. These should include hamstring stretches, abdominal strengthening, and some form of aerobic workout (running, biking, stair climbs, gym machines, etc).

These will help you increase your abilities, while reducing potential for injury. You'll feel much better when the sprinting training kicks in later this season.

Have a great second week of spring season training. ... Mike Ruth

Ragatta Update

The coaches have decided not to attend the Lake Stevens Regatta. So, the first regatta will likely be Greeen Lake on 21st March. Stay tuned for details to follow.

Also, Saturday Varsity Boys practice start time is moved to 9:30.
Saturday practice should be over by 11:45.

Varsity Boys Sat A.M.

To accomodate various schedules, the Varsity Boys will have Friday afternoon off. They will row Saturday mornings at 9:15 to 11:45 instead.

Possibly starting at 9:30 next Saturday I understand. Please confirm with PJ or the team captains (Daniel, Eamon, or Will).

Thanks ... Mike

Uniforms for Spring 09 Juniors?

Please let us know what you think about uniforms for this spring season. We have a couple of options:
- traditionally we ask the rowers to buy a Unisuit. This is a one piece (for both boys and girls) spandex suit with OAR colors on it. Cost is upwards of $80, though, and it takes some time get them ordered.
- OAR does have some tank tops (singlet) available immediately. These are also only $12. They are not as nice as Uni's, I suppose, since they are made of cotton rather than polyesters.

Please comment to this posting if you have an opinion. We'll need to make some decisions pretty soon if we are going to proceed with Uni suit ordering. ... Mike

Tough Love

For those of you who missed the parent meeting last night I need to know who is planning to go to Tough Love on Sunday (February 15th). I need a final count so I can enter you in heats. I need to know either way by today so I can submit a final entry.

You will need to bring the registration form and the waiver signed on Sunday. Also, since the $10 registration fee was not part of the winter training registration fee you paid in December you will need to bring the $10 to cover that as well. More information about the regatta is available at www.newworldrowing.com. This is a really fun indoor rowing competition and is a great way to end the winter season!

If you are racing you need to arrive at Howard Hall, University of Portland, 5000 N Willamette Blvd, Portland OR 97203 before 8:00 when the races start, 7:30 or 7:45 would be excellent. Everything should be done by noon and in most cases you should be able to leave right after you finish your race. There will be an awards ceremony for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in each heat and a raffle drawing (last year it was an iPod!).

If you are NOT on this list i need to hear from you today! Thank you!!

Those who I know are going:
Fredrick
Ashley
Lucy

Those who I know are not going:
Leiya
Evan
Maura


If you have any questions feel free to call (360.951.6720) or e-mail (ulleryme@gmail.com)
Thanks again,
Liz

What to Wear to Practice

Rowing is a water sport and here in the Northweast often involves less-than-ideal weather conditions. Club policy is that crews do not go out on the water when the weather is breezy (> 10 knots), or if the water is choppy (at coach's discretion).

If the weather prevents going out on the water, you will very likely get to run for part of your workout, yes, even in rain and cold. So, always come to practice with running shoes and decent socks to run in, running (or rowing) shorts, and an athletic shirt.

You can bring gloves for running and land training days. But rowers never wear gloves on the water because gloves reduce the ability to control the oar handle reliably.

On the days you will go on the water, there is always a good possibility of getting splashed, or getting caught in a rain shower. Or it might just be cold. Generally you will warm up while rowing, but then cool down quickly when you are back on the dock putting the equipment away. Wet feet are a common malady, since the dock often has puddles.

You will need rowing shorts, tight fitting (so they don't hang off you and interfere with the moving seat motion or get caught in the tracks). Rowing shorts will be useful as the season warms up.

For February and March, you should plan to dress for cold weather and AVOID WEARING COTTON ON COLD DAYS. We recommend:
- spandex long sleeved shirt (made by Under Armor), fairly thick and tight fitting. This fabric keeps you warm even when wet, unlike cotton.
- long nylon tights, to ankle length. Again, Under Armor makes these.
- Nylon socks, which dry quickly and stay warm when wet. There are many types but I got mine at South Sound Running
- A Hat! Brimmed hats keep the rain off your face. A polypro watchcap can hold in a lot of heat on a wet or breezy day.
- Splashjacket: These are fairly expensive and most people don't like to use them much except on rainy days. A windbreaker (or splash jacket) is very nice if you are riding in the launch for some practices.

You can buy these items at Alpine Experience in Olympia. Or from JL Rowing (www.jlracing.com). Most of these items are so durable (and stretchy) that you can anticipate years of wear.

Please make sure you will have sufficiently warm athletic clothing, which is not cotton based, and provides warmth down to the ankle and out to the wrist.

Junior Regattas for Spring 09

The following are regatta's which are tentatively planned for the Junior Season. Go to the OAR website for current listings:

http://www.olympiaarearowing.org/SitePages_public/Rowing/Youth/junior_calendar.aspx

Some boats may go to some of these, not all will necessarily go to all. Novices might have fewer regattas in general. But here is the tentative list:
3/14 Lake Stevens Spring Regatta
3/21 Green Lake Spring Regatta
3/28 Vancouver Lake Spring Regatta
4/11 Covered Bridge Dexter Lake (Eugene OR)
Late April - looking for a scrimmage race (TBD)
No regattas planeed in May until the Regionals
5/15-17 USRowing NW Junior Regional Championships

The only two events which may require a hotel overnight are Covered Bridge and Regionals. Again, not all crews will attend these races. The Head Coach (PJ) will make determinations about what boats go to what races as the season progresses.

Watch the Blog and the OAR webpage for updates.

Junior Parents' Meeting 12 Feb @ 7:00

Hello Spring Rowers -

We are hosting a Parents' Meeting for Junior Rowers on Feb 12th at 7:00 pm. It will be held at the Olympia Center Room 103 (222 Columbia St NW, Olympia, 98501 - at the corner of State and Columbia, downtown.

We will provide an introduction to new parents of novice rowers, and introduction to the coaches. Families of experienced rowers should attend to hear the regatta schedule and receive other information about the spring season. As always, we will provide time to ask and answer questions. The meeting is planned to end at 8 or 8:15 or so.

As you know, the Spring Season registration forms have been released to the OAR website, and sent out to many of you by email, as well.
http://www.olympiaarearowing.org/SitePages_public/Rowing/youth/junior.aspx

Please consider sending your completed registration forms and payment to the meeting on Thursday evening. We can discuss anything possibly missing from your registration packet, in time to fix it before the practices start next week. And this way you won't have to stand in line at the boathouse on Tuesday, either!

Feel free to phone me anytime (350-8115) about anything related to the Junior Rowing Program.

Two Weeks! (Same as the e-mail)

Hi Crew!
So, you are on your own for the next two weeks (ish).

We have Tough Love in Portland on the 15th of February it is your responsibility to get down there. The first race will go off at 8:00 and every 15 minutes there after, so you should arrive at 7:45 to be ready. Here is a link to more information and directions to the race: CLICK HERE! Each rowing MUST have THIS WAVER SIGNED (click this link) before they race. Bring it with you, mail it to me, what ever but if you show up in Portland on the 15th with out it, you will not be racing!!

Until the 15th I want you to continue working out on your own. I trust you all to stay in shape and not lose all of the strength and endurance you gained over the last two months. (Yes, you can lose in in "only" two weeks). Continue with the weights you were doing last week (4 circuits). You should be able to get at least two more days each of legs and arms. Remember to alternate to give your muscles a chance to recover. I want you to do a little cardio every day, run, erg (lightly and NO 2K!), do elliptical, just do something.

If you have any questions let me know. Try to workout together, it makes it more fun that way and you can hold each other accountable to get it done. Take this time to get a head with your school work so that when spring racing starts you can commit fully to the season. If you want to be competitive this spring each and everyone of you need to commit fully, mind, body and spirit.

Last thing: check the blog regularly for updates and encouragement.

See you on the 15th in Portland ready to race!
Liz

Spring Season Registration - SOON!

We are revising the OAR Junior Registration forms for the Spring Season. They should be posted Friday (30 Jan) to the OAR website.

The season is planned to start 17th February for Junior Rowers.

Please check your own medical records and make sure you've had a physical examination in the past 1 year. If you are due for an annual physical exam please try to schedule this with your doctdor within the next three weeks - so that you do not miss getting on the water when the season starts.

Feel free to phone me (350-8115) or email me (mikeruthgis@hotmail.com) with any questions, concerns, recommendations, comments, anytime.

Thanks ... Mike Ruth (Parent Coordinator, Junior Rowing Program).

Parent Rep to Board: Dave Phillips

We are planning to propose Dave Phillips to be the second parent-rep to the OAR Board, representing hte Junior Rowing program.

Most everyone will know Dave as the person who graciously drives the trailer to the regattas. He's had three kids in the rowing program, a daughter and son (now graduated) and Daniel, his third child, is still in the rowing program. Dave is also becoming a skilled sculler, having taken the learn-to-scull class for adults last year.

Please give a big "thanks" to Dave for his continued services to the club, and now to the Junior Program.
... Mike Ruth

OAR Banquet

Sorry for the late information. This should be a great program with the gold medalists, I HIGHLY encourage you to attend! If you have any questions feel free to call me, 360.951.6720.
See you tonight!!

Please join us on Saturday, January 24th for this annual celebration with a spaghetti buffet & potluck dinner. The program will feature recognition of the past year's accomplishments, and words from our keynote speakers: U.S. Rowing Olympic gold medalists Anna Mickelson Cummins (2008 Women's 8+) and OAR's own Kris Norelius (1984 Womens 8+).

A $5 donation is requested per person to cover costs for pasta and facilities.

Details:
OAR Annual Banquet
Saturday, January 24, 5:30PM
First United Methodist Church
1224 Legion Way S.E.
Olympia, WA 98501

Questions: 360.878.2434

Program: Anna Mickelson Cummins, 2008 Olympic Gold Medalist in the Women's 8+ event, and Kris Norelius, OAR member and 1984 Olympic Gold Medalist in the Women's 8+, will be our keynote speakers.

A short program will follow dinner to introduce our new and outgoing board members, have a word from our coaches, recognition and awards.

400 Inches

By the way, I came home and did some more math and figured out that there are:

39.3700787 inches in 1 meter (about 40 inches)

Which mean that if you miss those last 2 inches into the chest over the course of a 2000 meter race you will be missing about
10 meters at the finish line.
(10 meters per stoke over 2000m = 200 stokes x 2"= 400"/40" (per meter)= 10 m)

When races are won or lost by feet, 10 meters is HUGE!!

Make sure you swing ALL the way into the chest and squeeze every last inch out of your stoke because it adds up quick!

Coxswain Clinic

Mary Whipple is putting together a coxswain clinic at the UW boathouse on Sunday February 8th at 9am. I would STRONGLY encourage any coxswain to attend. Its a very responsible price and it will be very valuable to you and the team. If you have any questions, let me know!

Who: The 9th Seat presents Mwhip+ Coxswain Clinic

When: February 8th, 2009

What time: Level I at 9am-2pm, Level II at 2:30-4pm or 4:30-6pm

Where: University of Washington, Conibear Shellhouse

How Much: Level I $75, Level II $75 ($50 if signed up for Level I)

How to register: www.regattacentral.com under the "camps & clinics" button, look for The 9th Seat and click on "Show Details"

What Topics: Steering—Owning your own water, Coach to Cox interaction, Racing vs. Practice, and The Olympic Experience

Why: Learn from the best, Mary will give you the no fluff version of how she has earned the 9th seat in the fastest women's eight in the World.

Any questions can be sent to the9thseat@gmail.com

Looking for a Parent-Representative to OAR Program

As we are getting closer to Spring season, we are also looking for one more adult (parent) to participate in the coordination of the Junior Rowing Program. The duties are straightforward: to represent the Junior rowers' needs to the OAR organization, attend monthly OAR board meetings, help with Junior regattas and other events. There would be two of us, as I am already committed to help the program through 2009. So whoever volunteers would split these various duties between the two of us.

Thanks to a recent OAR policy decision, there should little or no administrative work required - mainly just helping with the season startup and collecting the Junior registration forms in February and turning these in to the club management. Most of the activity is fun, provided you like participation in the week-to-week activity of the Junior Rowers.

If anyone reading this would like to discuss this, or suggest someone (such as your mom or dad or uncle or aunt or grandparent) for this role, please email me (mikeruthgis@hotmail.com) or phone me (350-8115 - leave a message if I don't answer).

Thanks - Mike Ruth
... One of Two (I hope!) parent volunteers to the OAR Junior Program for 2009.

Happy New Year!

Hope you all had a wonderful wintery break. Just a reminder, practice starts again on Monday Jan 5th (Same day as school) 3:30 at Briggs YMCA.
See you on Monday!!