To the Sarasota Crew Family
Congratulations Sarasota Crew: 2011 Florida State Champions!!!
The sprint season concluded in terrific fashion. Sarasota Crew won the team Florida State Championship, a feat never accomplished by a Sarasota team in almost 25 years of youth rowing. We had over 100 athletes compete in the state championships, with experience ranging from seasoned 5-year rowers to a rower with only 6 weeks experience (this rower medaled). What’s more, we were thrilled to see a competitive entry from our middle school program of a girls novice 8.
In post-season activities, the team traveled to Gainesville, GA (former site of the 1996 Olympic rowing events) to compete at the Southeastern Regional Championships, where our team qualified three 8’s and a pair for Nationals.
Nationals were held in Oak Ridge, TN this year. Sarasota Crew entered a Boys Varsity 8, Boys light weight 8, a Girls Varsity 8, and a Boys Pair- again a wonderful first for Sarasota Crew- the most athletes to represent Sarasota Crew at Nationals. Our rowers made our team, coaches, parents and Sarasota proud. Their competitiveness triumphed in every race and just as important, their sportsmanship and graciousness as young adults was acknowledged by competing team athletes, coaches, race officials and the local community.
On a personal note, my wife Laura and I want to tell you how much we have enjoyed spending time with our Sarasota Crew rowers. As we drove home from the site last month at sunrise, having driven all night back from Nationals, we both were sad to know that it was our last chaperoning of a Sarasota Crew Regatta. While we got an occasional nod, “good morning” or “good night” from our son over the many regattas, what’s made participating as a volunteer so special was the chance to know so many of the kids. To see them grow, celebrate, and laugh is irreplaceable. Rowers have such energy and spirited fun- to see these young people become so close and work so hard is truly a joy. As parents we all know the kids grow up fast and there is no way to slow it down, however, by volunteering around Crew you will extend the experience with your child and get the chance to know some of his or her friends.
Parent volunteers are one of the most important parts of Crew’s success. Many returning Alumni can be found this summer working at our summer camp. Our rowers needing volunteer hours (and their Crew fix) and are also at the site helping new rowers learn the sport. None of this is possible without the tradition of volunteering at Sarasota Crew. Please make the time to volunteer this coming season in some capacity for Sarasota Crew. The experience and memories will last a life time and your efforts will not only help the program for your child but for other kids as well.
A final note regarding the fall - I cannot begin to express the excitement I have for our rowers as a result of the commitments we have received for coaches this fall. Without any question, we have the most talented and qualified youth coaching staff on the Eastern seaboard, if not the country. Casey, Liza, Andy and Marty will be returning (we wish Coach Elliot every success as Girl’s Varsity Coach for Atlanta Junior Rowing Assoc.), and we welcome Coaches Kirby, Jason, Pam, and conditioning coach Matt to Sarasota Crew.
Happy Summer, see you in the Fall.
Go Sarasota Crew!
John Leeming, President Sarasota Crew
June 2011
