Parents and Athletes,

It is time to make sure your athlete has a signed US Rowing Waiver and Championship Membership.  These waivers and memberships last only a year so it is necessary to renew before spring season begins. All varsity athletes should have a Championship membership. Those expecting to race at the US Rowing Mid Atlantic Regionals should also sign up for a Championship Membership. Please renew the membership https://membership.usrowing.org. If this is your first time registering with US Rowing please search Princeton National Rowing Association for the “Club or Team Name” category and then enter ACY67 for our club code.

If you have any questions please contact me @ jochal@rowpnra.org

BR,

Justin

Just a reminder to anyone interested in competing at the February 28th CRASH-Bs indoor erg regatta in Boston that registration closes this Friday, January 29.  This is an entirely optional, individual event (not Mercer-affiliated), and athletes should speak with their coaches to determine whether or not they should compete.  Registration and travel information for athletes and families can be found below.

Some Helpful Links:

CRASH-Bs Registration Info

Travel & Lodging Info

December blog post/more info re: CRASH-Bs

Due to predicted weather conditions, Saturday’s workout at Hamilton CrossFit and Novice Erg session have both been cancelled.

Throughout January and February, PNRA/Mercer Juniors Rowing Club will be hosting a series of open house information sessions to introduce middle school and high school students to rowing and to Mercer’s junior programs.

The open house schedule is:

• Sunday, January 24 in Yardley, PA:  McCaffrey’s Market Community Room from 2-4 pm
• Saturday, February 6 in South Brunswick, NJ:  South Brunswick Library Gambatese Room from 2-4 pm
• Sunday, February 7 in Princeton, NJ:  McCaffrey’s Market Community Room from 2-4 pm
• Saturday, February 20 in Princeton Junction, NJ:  Finn Caspersen Rowing Center from 2-4 pm

Please spread the word to anyone you know who may be interested, and feel free to share the PDF flyer below with your school, email contacts, or on social media to advertise the events.  The flyer also contains more information about open house addresses and contacts should you need it.

Thank you for your continued support of our program!

PNRA OPEN HOUSE FLYER 2016

Last night after our last post, we had a team outing to Brunswick Zone for some bowling. We all enjoyed a little friendly competition! Special thanks to the Levine family for organizing this fun event! Today was a great day on the Savannah! It was really wet all day and we rowed in the morning. Deborah, our cook, made some delicious pasta salad for lunch that we gobbled up so quickly!

Due to inclement weather conditions, we ended up taking a spin class at a nearby Oxygen Fitness studio! The class featured everything we needed to get ourselves pumped up for a great workout including loud music, colored lights, and even thunder and lightning effects. Oh man was it steamy in there! Afterwards we partook in some hot yoga that loosened us up. Even though we missed out on our afternoon row, we got in a great workout. It is safe to say we were all very grateful to get back in our beds for some much needed rest!

-Captains

Today the docks were partially submerged in the water, so all the rowers enjoyed a refreshing knee-deep dip in the river when bringing their boats to the dock. After last night’s rain, the river current was especially strong, so shout out to our 4 amazing coxswains, Hannah, Nikhil, Colleen, and Caroline for an excellent job maneuvering the Savannah River.

Senior David Pe was flown in to save the day and relieve Coach Justin of his temporary rowing duties. Thanks David, for being flexible and being willing to jump on a plane with such short notice!

We would also like to extend a thank you to our bus driver Jay, who likened his job to that of a coxswain. Couldn’t be more accurate, except Jay is in charge of 4 times the rowers that each coxswain is! After driving us to Saratoga last year and now Georgia, Jay is practically part of the team!

-Captains

Hello friends and family!

After a longer than expected bus ride, we were all very excited to arrive at Yo Pizza in Augusta around 10pm for dinner.  We were greeted by their extremely friendly staff who kindly stayed open for our late arrival. We had a delicious dinner and then headed to the hotel for some much needed sleep. 

In the morning we had quick breakfast at the hotel then Coach Steve led a group run over to the boathouse which is only about a mile away. Our first row was all about loosening up after the long bus ride and getting a feeling for being on the water again.  After practice we enjoyed lunch at the boathouse. Instead of heading back to the hotel, we went to the grocery store to pick up some essentials including sparkling apple cider, donuts, and of course fresh fruit too. 

The real excitement came this afternoon when Coach Justin saved the day by filling in for an injured rower. Justin picked up rowing right where he left off and was feeling quite confident by the end of practice. He was even quick to correct coxswain Nikhil when he made a mistake. Nikhil: “3 and 4 add in” Coach: “I’m already in guy!

-Team Captains 

Parents and Athletes –

In addition to the emergency contact information form, we ask that parents and athletes also turn in a trip code of conduct form. Please turn in the form via email to malden@rowpnra.org or in person ASAP.

PNRA Travel Guidelines and Expectations

Parents and Athletes –

For those attending the winter training trip to Augusta, Georgia, please make sure to turn in the emergency contact information ASAP. You can also email the forms and insurance card information to malden@rowpnra.org.

We would like to have all forms turned in by 12/23/15.

PNRA Mercer Winter Training Trip Emergency Contact Information

Here is some more information about the Winter Training Trip before we head out next weekend:

1.  Please print, fill out, and attach a photocopy of your insurance information to the Emergency Contact Form below and hand it to your coach at tomorrow’s practice (Saturday, 12/19).  Coaches must have this information in hand before athletes board the bus to depart.  PNRAMercerWinterTrainingTripEmergencyContactInformation
2. What to pack: Captains will post a list of items each rower should pack for the trip.
3. How much money to bring:  minimum $100
4. Food (outside of scheduled meals): It’s a 12 hour bus ride, so pack some extra snacks and drinks to hold you over between stops. We will make a grocery run for snacks and drinks for between meals and practices.

Just to clarify:  Mercer athletes’ participation in the February CRASH-Bs indoor erg competition is entirely optional, and it is up to each individual athlete whether he or she chooses to compete.  Athletes should talk to their coaches about whether or not they should participate. The previous post regarding CRASH-Bs was just to give those who may be considering going the opportunity and information to book a hotel room at a reduced rate (which can be cancelled up to a certain time if you change your mind).

CRASH-Bs, the annual indoor erg competition held in Boston University’s Agganis Arena, will be on Sunday, February 28, 2016.  This event is entirely optional.  For Mercer athletes choosing to participate, travel will not be organized by PNRA and should be booked by each attending athlete’s family.

This year, the event has connected with the Royal Sonesta Boston which is offering discounted hotel rates for the weekend.  Information about booking can be found here and seems to be working more efficiently by phone than online.  Be sure to mention CRASH-Bs to get the discounted $119 rate.

All JL gear is in! This would be the gear that you ordered and paid for online. Please stop by the office Monday – Friday between 1 – 5 to pick up your gear. If you would like to pick up your gear at a different time please email me, malden@rowpnra.org

Georgia Training Trip

December 27 – January 2

Roster:

Colleen G        ©

Caroline G      ©

Jackie A

Caitlin C

Jenna K

Katie L

Eileen H

Kate H

Kathryn M

Lauren M

Sheila K-M

Gloriana P

Gwyneth L

Ciara D-V

Izzy R

Mia B

Elise G

Sarah C

Boys’ Roster for Winter Trip to Augusta, GA

1 Andrew Moss

2 Carter

3 Chris Silva

4 Danny S.

5 Drew

6 Evan

7 Grant

8 Jack

9 Jason

10 John T.

11 Julius

12 Karp

13 Kevin B.

14 Magnus

15 Pavel

16 Trey

C Nikhil

C Hannah

Parents & Athletes,

Attached you will find information regarding this year’s winter training trip to Augusta, GA.  Please continue to check the blog for further updates. We will have the finalized rosters by December 1st.

Registration:

The fee for the training trip is $675 per athlete.  Please register on Regatta Central.  The trip fee will cover hotel expenses, transportation to and from Georgia, trailering cost, site fees and all meals on site in Augusta.

Please note meals will only be provided on site in Georgia.  Athletes are responsible for providing their own meals during travel.

We at PNRA/Mercer believe that cost should not determine an athlete’s participation in training opportunities, and financial aid is available upon need-based request. Please contact Kris Grudt if you have any questions regarding registration payment.

Food:  

As outlined in the itinerary below, the bus trip to Augusta should take about 12 hours.  Athletes should have breakfast at home before coming to the bus on Sunday and should plan to bring healthy food for snacks to sustain them during the trip. There will be a bathroom on the bus.  The bus will stop for lunch around midday, and dinner will be provided upon arrival at the training site.

Breakfast will be provided at the hotel each morning. Lunch and dinner will be provided at the Augusta Rowing Club.

Luggage:

Please be aware that luggage space is limited on the bus.  We ask that athletes pack light and try to limit themselves to one large duffle bag. Athletes should be prepared for all types of weather conditions. Do not forget to pack long spandex, layers and rain gear!

Travel Itinerary:

Sunday 12/27:

Athletes arrive at boathouse at 6:30am

Depart boathouse by 7:00 am

Arrive at Holiday Inn in Augusta by 7:00 pm for check-in

Arrive at Augusta Rowing Club by 7:30 pm for dinner

Athletes return to hotel & are in rooms by 9:00 PM curfew

Monday 12/28 – Thursday 12/31

Breakfast at the hotel @ 7:30 am

Athletes to training site @ 8:30 am

Practice #1: 8:30 am – 11:30 am

Lunch: 11:30 am – 12:30 pm

Rest/recovery: 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm

Practice #2:  3:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Dinner: 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm

Down time: 7:30- 9:00 pm

Athletes in rooms by 9:00 pm curfew

Friday 1/1:

Breakfast at the hotel @ 7:30 am

We will not be returning to the hotel, so athletes should plan to have their bags packed and ready to be loaded onto the bus by the time of departure.

Row and Derig:  8:30 am – 11:30 am

Lunch before leaving @ 1:00 pm

Load Trailer and leave course no later than 3:30pm.  Stop for dinner at some point on the way back.

Saturday 1/2: Arrive at the boathouse on 1/2/16 around 8:00am

Site Information:

Augusta Rowing Club

101 Riverfront Dr.

Augusta, Ga. 30901

http://www.augustarowingclub.org

Hotel Address:

Holiday Inn Express

444 Broad Street

Augusta, GA 30901

Please check back for further updates. Thank you, and GO, MERCER!

Weekday strength training sessions for both the boys’ and girls’ winter varsity teams have been changed.  While the days are the same as originally scheduled, the time has moved up 20 minutes and is anticipated to remain the same for the duration of the season. The new schedule for workouts with Kaity at the CrossFit Hamilton gym are:

Girls Varsity:  Wednesdays from 3:40-5:10 pm

Boys Varsity:  Thursdays from 3:40-5:10 pm

All Varsity:  Saturdays from 7-8:30 am

Thank you!

Important scheduling change for varsity winter training:

SATURDAY STRENGTH TRAINING AT CROSSFIT HAMILTON WILL NOW BE FROM 7-8:30 AM INSTEAD OF THE ORIGINAL 11-12:30 TIME.  This will be the Saturday time for the entire winter season and will begin this Saturday, November 14 (no session on Saturday, November 21).  Optional open erg times (starting January 9) for the boys are at the coach’s discretion and will be announced at Friday’s practices..

Payment for strength training sessions can be made directly to Kaitlin Jackson.

Novice Parents and Athletes,

We have made several time slots available in order to begin a winter training program for our novice athletes who are not training with the varsity this winter.  Below are the program details.  Please feel free to contact Coach Justin at jochal@rowpnra.org with any questions.

Program Dates: 12/9/15 – 3/5/16

Program Schedule:

• Wednesdays and Thursdays, 6:00-7:15 pm
• Saturdays 10:00-11:30 am

Program Overview:

The Mercer Novice Winter Training program is a three days per week co-ed program for novice athletes and is intended for those who are not participating in the varsity winter training. Due to limited erg room space, there is only availability for 30 participants.  Those spots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Cost and Registration:  $275 for the winter – To register, click here to go to Regatta Central, then click on “Memberships” and select “Join/Renew” in the box titled 2015-16 MJRC Winter Training – Development Squad.  As always we never want the cost to create a situation where an athlete cannot afford to participate. We can put together a payment plan and if needed, and we do have financial aid available. Please contact Kris Grudt or Coach Justin if you have any questions.  Also as always, everything is 100% confidential.

View the list

Here are the names of the novice girls who are invited to the varsity girls’ winter training. These athletes can register and will follow the schedule posted on the Mercer Juniors Winter Training — 2015-2016 post.

• Caroline Gibson
• Neha Singh
• Alexa Sands
• Erin Hyeck
• Erin Dobbs
• Erin Muni
• Maddy Muni
• Emily Castoral
• Chloe Coulliens

Mercer Juniors Varsity Winter Training – 2015-2016

Program Dates: 11/11/15 – 3/4/16

Program Schedule*:

Girls Varsity

• Boathouse:  Monday, Tuesday, and Friday from 5:45-7:45 pm; Thursdays from 3:45-5:45 pm (with the exception of the first week — see Coach Steve’s post about November scheduling)
• Strength Training: Wednesdays from 4-5:30 pm and Saturdays from 7-8:30 am at CrossFit Hamilton
• Optional open erg/row on Sundays at boathouse from 9:30-11:00 am.

Boys Varsity

• Boathouse:  Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday from 3:45-5:45 pm
• Strength Training: Thursdays from 4-5:30 pm and Saturdays from 7-8:30 am at CrossFit Hamilton
• Optional open erg on Saturdays starting January 9; time TBD and announced by coaches at practice

* PLEASE NOTE:  Practice times are subject to change at the coaches’ discretion.

Program Overview: 

Winter training is the indoor continuation of our junior rowing programs.   Given space constraints in our erg room we cannot accommodate all MJRC athletes for this program, and therefore it is by invitation only.

Over the past two years the juniors have worked with physical therapist and collegiate rower Kaitlin Jackson to supplement the aerobic training we do throughout the winter with endurance strength training. This year we will again be working with Kaitlin Jackson, this time in space provided by CrossFit Hamilton. While our sessions will be held in a CrossFit gym, this program is not CrossFit but instead is one that has been specifically designed and tailored by Kaitlin for rowers. Every exercise the group does will simulate/reinforce the movement patterns we use to move the boat, and each session will include dynamic warm-ups and post-workout stretching.  While the coaches believe this training really helps with the development of the rower, the program is completely optional and operates independently of the Princeton National Rowing Association.

Strength Training Cost: $250 for the winter.  Payments can be made directly to Kaitlin Jackson via check. If you have questions or would like more information, please contact Kaitlin Jackson at kaitlin.jackson1@gmail.com.

Strength Training Schedule:  The weekday sessions will run from 4-5:30 pm. Athletes will be grouped by ability within each session based on relative ability/experience with strength training.  On Saturday both teams will train from 11:00-12:30pm.

Strength training will take place every Wednesday for the Girls Team, every Thursday for the Boys Team, and on Saturday mornings for both teams.

* CrossFit Hamilton is located at 92 North Main Street, Building 3A, Windsor, NJ  08561.

Strength Training Dates:

Kaitlin Jackson Biography:

• Graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 2008 (Bachelor of Science); rowed there from 2004-2008
• Graduated from University of Pittsburgh in 2011, Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
• Assistant coach for the University of Pittsburgh Crew team, 2008-2011
• PT for RWJUH Somerset Sports Physical Therapy (working primarily with athletic population); currently studying to become a board certified sports specialist (SCS), to be completed in March
• CrossFit Endurance trainer (strength and conditioning for endurance athletes)
• Certified running coach (utilizing pose running technique)
• Utilizes sport-specific training, strength work and mobility/recovery techniques in own training as well as with athletes
• Competes in distance triathlon events and has completed two Ironman races

Mercer Girls Roster and Schedule

Novice Boy’s are to arrive no later 10:45AM on Sunday.  Our races are scheduled between 12:20-12:50PM, things can change with weather. If everything stays on schedule we should be finished by 2:00PM.  The lineups for the race is below:

Looking forward to seeing you at the lake this weekend! Just a few reminders about the Frostbite and Braxton Regattas:

• For both regattas, athletes should bring their own meals and race food.  There will be fruit, drinks, and nutrition bars at the boathouse, but there will not be a separate food tent on the Caspersen side of the lake.  Racers are invited to join everyone at the Mercer tent on the opposite side of the lake after they’ve finished with racing and boat responsibilities.
• Please double-check the signups for information about where and when to go to volunteer or to bring food for the Braxton.  (See links below:  times and locations may vary by job or food item.)
• Braxton volunteers:  Please sign in at the volunteer check-in table (located near the timing tower) 15 minutes prior to your shift’s start.  Identify yourself as a Mercer volunteer when you pull into the parking lot (will be free to volunteers) and walk straight down the path from the parking lot to find the check-in.
• Frostbite and Braxton spectators:  We will be cheering from the marina side of the lake — great view of much of the race and the finish line!  Look for the big blue Mercer Juniors tent just up from the finish line:  on Saturday, it will be a place to meet, and on Sunday, it will be a day-long food tent for all Mercer fans.

Quick links:

Mercer County Park MAP

Frostbite Stake Boat Volunteers

Braxton Volunteers

Braxton Potluck Signup (could still use a few items)

THANK YOU for all the support you give to Mercer and its athletes!  See you at the regattas!

If you have any questions about or during the regattas, please feel free to text or call:

• Lorena Miller:  609-915-2219
• Amy Lustig:  267-496-9282
• Karoline Borup:  908-380-5257

Mercer Volunteers, you are WONDERFUL!  With the exception of two launch boat driver positions, all Braxton volunteer jobs have been filled — thank you!  We still need a few potluck items for Sunday’s Braxton Regatta food tent, and there’s now an additional need for some stake boaters for Saturday’s Frostbite Regatta.  This is a great job for novice rowers — they can get an idea of what a regatta looks like from the water while contributing to family volunteer time AND earning community service hours (we will happily sign any school service hour forms)!  To sign up, please go to the Frostbite Stake Boater Signup page. Launch boat drivers are also still needed for the Frostbite — please sign up here if you are a licensed launch driver and can lend a hand that day.

To recap:

• Braxton Potluck Signup here
• Frostbite Stake Boater Signup here
• Frostbite Launch Boat Signup here
• Braxton Launch Boat Signup here

THANK YOU for all your help!

Welcome to the last week of the fall rowing season!  With the Frostbite and Braxton regattas this weekend, there’s a lot of info that will be available on this page throughout the week — please keep checking for updates from coaches and parent coordinators.  We still need some volunteers for the Braxton Regatta — know that if your child is racing during your volunteer time slot, someone will fill in for you during the race so you can go watch and cheer (you can ask any Mercer parent to jump in for a bit).  We will also have a food tent (located on the marina side of the lake just up the course from the timing tower) for breakfast and lunch the day of the Braxton — please sign up below to pitch in for the potluck.

Here are some links that will help you plan for the weekend:

Regatta Websites:

• Frostbite Regatta (11/7): http://pennsylvaniabargeclub.com/rowing-programs/frostbite-regatta/
• Bill Braxton Memorial Regatta (11/8):  http://braxtonregatta.org

Volunteer Sign-Up Links:

• For Braxton volunteer jobs, sign up here.
• For Braxton potluck items, sign up here.

Licensed Launch Boat Driver Sign-Up Links:

• For Frostbite launch boats, sign up here.
• For Braxton launch boats, sign up here.

The next two weeks hold a number of fun home events for Mercer rowers and their families.  MJRC athletes will compete in the Mercer Challenge, an intra-boathouse regatta on October 28 beginning around 3:30 pm, followed by the inter-squad Head of the Halloween regatta at 2:00 pm on October 31 (costumes encouraged!). For many of you, these will be your son or daughter’s first regattas.  Just a little regatta etiquette: while regattas are going on, please refrain from interacting with the athletes or their coaches and avoid the area between the boathouse and the water, as boats will be launching and returning throughout this time.  (Even though this is a casual regatta, this holds true for all regattas, home or away.)

Within these two weeks, Mercer Lake will also be home to the Collegiate Small Boat Regatta on October 30-31 and the Bill Braxton Memorial Regatta on Sunday, November 8.  These regattas will require varying degrees of Mercer volunteer staffing (limited for the Small Boat; more extensive for the Braxton) and some contributing to the food tent.  You can learn what each volunteer job entails on the Regatta Volunteer Job Description post.  When signing up to volunteer, please note that you should arrive at the Volunteer Check-In table 15 minutes prior to the job times posted.

Here’s what you need to know:

. . . for the Collegiate Small Boat Regatta, October 30-31:

This is a small women’s collegiate regatta, and there are limited volunteer slots to fill. Our athletes do NOT row in this event, which makes this a perfect opportunity for novice athletes to volunteer. (Their time counts toward your family volunteer commitment, too!)  In particular, stake boating is a good way for kids to get involved and earn community service hours.  Time trials will be in the afternoon on Friday, 10/30, with final racing in the morning on Saturday, 10/31.

Click HERE to sign up to volunteer for the Collegiate Small Boat Regatta.

. . . and for the Bill Braxton Memorial Regatta on Sunday, November 8:  

This is an all-day regatta that includes most of our novice and varsity athletes.  There will be a few varsity heats early in the day, but the bulk of Mercer’s racing will take place between 11:00 am and 4:00 pm. It’s a great way to close the fall season — we will spend the day volunteering and cheering for Mercer on the marina side of the lake – look for the big blue Mercer Juniors Rowing Club tent!

STAY TUNED:  More Braxton info and signups coming soon . . . 

It takes many hands to run a regatta — here is a list of the volunteer jobs required and a brief description of each:

Volunteer Positions Include:

• Parking (boat trailer, food trailer, upper marina, spectator)
• MJRC Food Tent (set up, cleanup, grill master, worker)
• Information (crew check-in, visiting team tent assignments, and volunteer check-in)
• Hospitality
• Race and sponsor announcer
• Stake Boats
• Dock Master (launch and return)
• Timing
• Courtesy cart driver (parents only)
• Runner
• Awards/medals
• Marina Side Clean up
• Launch Boat Driver*

Job Descriptions:

Parking:

We have many different parking jobs in different locations. Parking is incredibly important because this is where we make the majority of our income from the regatta.  Those who sign up for parking positions should check in at the volunteer table by the timing tower upon arrival and then head to your station.

• Trailer parking and food trailer parking are two different jobs and are needed prior to the start of a regatta. Trailer parking directs team boat trailers to their spots for the weekend and is located by the marina at the midway point in the course. (You are directing coaches where to park their boats.)
• Food trailer parking is in the lower lot closest to the timing tower. This is where the parents who are responsible for food tents for their teams park their food trailers. You will hand out trailer parking passes and help direct loading and unloading of food tent items.
• Upper marina parking is not as much a parking job as it is a NO PARKING job. You will be stationed at the entrance to the marina parking lot with a park ranger. Only boat trailers and race officials will be allowed in. You will direct all other vehicles (coaches, trainers, parents etc.) to other lots.
• Spectator parking is our primary source of regatta revenue. You will be responsible for collecting parking fees and directing cars where to park.

Stake Boat:

Stake boaters lie on the start platform, holding boats for the start of the race. Be sure to dress appropriately for the weather and bring a yoga mat or towel to lie on.

Food Tent:

• Food Tent Set-up occurs the night before and morning of the regatta and involves unloading and setting up the tent, grill, tables, coolers, etc.
• Food Tent workers set out the food and keep it replenished and moving.
• Food Tent Grill Master works the grill.
• Food Tent Clean-up cleans up and loads food tent supplies back into the trailer.

Dock Master:

All visiting teams launch from and return to docks on the marina side of the lake, while Mercer boats launch from and return to the boathouse side.

• Launch dock checks off launching teams for their event, checks equipment, and manages the flow of traffic in and out of the dock area.
• Return dock collects bow numbers and manages flow of traffic off the docks.

Hospitality:

Hospitality is located in the marina area and is responsible for feeding the race officials, launch boat drivers, and regatta volunteers.

Timing and Results:

Timing is an indoor job. You will sit inside the timing tower at the finish line and record official times of the races. You may also post the results on the scoreboard, run resultsto officials, or work the finish line flag.

Race and Sponsor Announcer:

Broadcasts the race from the roof of the timing tower, announcing the lane assignments, sponsors, and basic race info.  A familiarity with how to pronounce team and event names is helpful here.

Information:

• Team and Volunteer check-in hands out regatta packets to visiting crews, checks in volunteers, calls volunteer no-shows and juggles volunteers (if necessary), hands out t-shirts and regatta volunteer vests, and answers all kinds of venue and regatta-related questions.
• Team Tent Assignments:  Visiting teams will have pre-purchased tent spaces for their food tents. You will help them find their assigned spot (juggling if necessary), assign last-minute spots, and collect payments.  You, too, will answer all kinds of venue and regatta-related questions.

Courtesy Cart Driver:

Drives a golf cart to help transport people and food tent supplies for visiting teams as well as helps those with difficulty walking from parking to and from the course.

Runner:

Shares a cart with a partner and helps with all the odd jobs that pop up during the regatta (restocking TP in port-a-potties, driving regatta workers, delivering messages).

Awards and Medals:

Assists with the distribution of medals to rowers.

Marina Side Cleanup:

Picks up signage around venue and places results board in tower. Removes all stakes and tape from team tent areas and parking grounds. Provides general event cleanup.

*Launch Boat driving is staffed separately by Randy Borup. You must have a valid boating license in order to volunteer for this job.  If you have a license and are interested in driving but have not been in contact with Randy, please email him at Rborup44@me.com.

OTHER IMPORTANT VOLUNTEER INFO:

On the day of your shift . . .

Report to the Volunteer Check-In table 15 MINUTES BEFORE your shift begins.  The Volunteer Check-In table is located beside the finish line timing tower, which is across the lake from the Caspersen Boathouse.

DIRECTIONS to finish line timing tower:  Enter the park through either of the main Mercer Park entrances and follow the road until you see the signs for Regatta Parking.  Park in this lot — FREE to all Mercer volunteers — and walk down the utility road toward the finish line timing tower.

A MAP of Mercer County Park can be found here.

Thank you to all who rowed and cheered for Mercer in last weekend’s Head of the Charles Regatta!

Here’s what’s coming up at Mercer:

Mark your calendars for the upcoming events (detailed information can be found on the Programming post):

• 10/28  Mercer Challenge
• 10/31 Head of the Halloween (time may be changed from what’s listed on “Programming”)
• 11/7 and 11/8:  Frostbite and Braxton Regattas

We will need some volunteers to help out with these regattas — signups with be forthcoming.

We will also need launch boat drivers for the following events:

• Small Boat Challenge (collegiate event):  October 30th, 1-6 pm
• Frostbite Regatta :  November 7th, 7 am – 5 pm
• Bill Braxton Memorial Regatta:  November 8, 7 am – 5 pm

If you have already expressed interest in becoming a launch boat driver, look for emails from Launch Boat Coordinator Randy Borup.  If you have a valid boater’s license and are interesting in volunteering for these events, contact Randy at Rborup44@me.com.

Hello!  There will likely be multiple blog posts from coaches and coordinators this week, so this entry is just to kick off the week with a couple of items:

Navy Day Recap

Mercer boats saw tremendous success on the Schuylkill during last Saturday’s Navy Day Regatta.  Here are the final results:

• Men’s JV 8+:  5th and 14th
• Women’s JV 8+:  1st and 6th
• Men’s 4+:  7th
• Women’s 4+:  1st
• Men’s 8+:  1st
• Women’s 8+:  1st

The Mercer Masters 8+ also took first in their event earlier in the day.  CONGRATULATIONS to all!

Thank you also to all who contributed to the prerace potluck pasta dinner — though the weather did not cooperate, the boats were loaded, and the bellies were filled!

College Recruitment Primer

Athletes and parents are invited to attend a college recruiting information session at the boathouse on Tuesday, October 13 at 6:30 pm.  This event, which will help to provide some guidance for the college recruitment process, is geared toward high school sophomores and juniors and their parents.

Head of the Charles 

Select varsity men’s and women’s rowers will be heading to Boston this Friday to compete in the 51st Head of the Charles Regatta.  Please check back regularly for information about lineups, travel, and racing information.

Just a few notes to help you plan your afternoon on the Schuylkill tomorrow:

1.  Coach Justin posted information about Navy Day below – please follow the links he provided for venue information and note the updated time changes below his “Navy Day Information” post.  The first Mercer race is now scheduled for 3:10 pm, and other race times have changed as well.  Please have your athlete at the trailer at least two hours prior to his or her race time.

2.  Since the race schedule is relatively short for Mercer, each athlete should bring his/her own food and drinks.

3.  It’s likely that you will not be able to park on Kelly Drive but will instead be directed to park up on the hill and walk or take the free shuttle down.  The Navy Day website currently reads that only coaches and athletes will be permitted to park on Kelly Drive, but be sure to print out this pass so you can drop your child off at the trailer next to St. Joe’s boathouse before finding a place to park.

4.  Mercer fans will be meeting near the grandstand again.  Look for the Mercer flag, not the tent this time.  We will try to set up in the same area as we did for IDR and the Philly Youth Regatta, but since there are more teams competing (Navy Day includes collegiate races), space may be at a minimum. You might want to bring a chair or blanket and, like for the rowers, whatever snacks and drinks you’d like for yourself.

5.  Mercer’s results can be found here (*Please note that the Men’s Varsity 8+ results have been changed from the initial Navy Day posting of 7th place — they actually got FIRST!)

Please feel free to call any of the parent coordinators if you have any questions, and GO, MERCER!

Click here to view the lineups sheet

Parents & Athletes,

As you know the Navy Day Regatta is coming up this Saturday, October 10th.  Below you will find the preliminary list for both guys’ and girls’ teams.  This is a varsity only race, no novices will participate.

Registration: Registration is posted on Regatta Central . The fee per athlete is $20.

Parking/Directions: A parking pass is required for competitors and coaches wishing to park on Kelly Drive.  The parking pass can be found on the Navy Day website. Kelly Drive will fill up early in the day, so if you are an athlete driving yourself to the race please allow extra time to park. Spectator parking will be located on Reservoir Road, which is above the Strawberry Mansion bridge.  There will be a shuttle running down to Kelly Drive, or you can also walk down to the course. More details for spectators can be found on thespectator page of the Navy Day website.

The boat trailer will be in the Canoe Club parking lot, next to the St. Joe’s University boathouse on Kelly Drive.  There is a good map on the front page of the Navy Day websitefor those who have not raced at the Schuylkill before.  If you want to use an address for your GPS, use 2200 Kelly Drive, Philadelphia — it is the address of the St. Joseph’s (Gillin) boathouse — but be sure to approach the course FROM THE NORTH (not from the Art Museum end) to avoid the detour.

Racing Schedule:

4:04 PM – Men’s JV 8+

4:16 PM – Women’s JV 8+

4:28 PM – Men’s Jr. 4+

4:38 PM – Women’s Jr. 4+

5:08 PM – Men’s Varsity 8+

5:20 PM – Women’s Varsity 8+

Athletes should be at the trailer at least two hours before race time.

Regatta Website: http://www.thenavydayregatta.com

Live Results:  I believe results will be provided by Regatta Central at the following link –www.regattacentral.com/regatta/results.jsp

We are looking forward to a great start to the fall season!

Go, Mercer!

View PDF

Before we get going, we’ve got to say a giant THANK YOU to all who planned for, set up for, cooked for, cleaned up from, and joined in the fun at Oktoberfest last weekend.  The boathouse and bay looked so festive; the food was delicious; the company was terrific, and a great time was had by all.  A special thanks goes to Kris Grudt for roasting the perfect pig and for providing such a great event to celebrate at Mercer!

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Here’s what’s coming up:

It’s race time!

Regatta season has arrived for the varsity team!  Select Mercer varsity rowers will compete in the Navy Day Regatta on the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia this weekend (Saturday, 10/10) and in the 51^st Head of the Charles Regatta in Boston the following weekend (Friday, 10/16-Sunday, 10/18).  Coaches and parent coordinators will be posting quite a bit of information throughout the week on this blog, so please check back regularly for boat lineups and regatta information.

To kick off the season, there will be an ALL VARSITY PASTA PARTY at the boathouse onFriday, October 9 after the athletes have finished loading the boat trailer.  That’s a lot of hungry mouths to feed, so we will need your help to make this happen.  Please check out the Lucky Potluck sign-up for information and please sign up to contribute a dish to the party.

Gear sale ends soon!

The gear sale ends on Friday (10/9) – all JL and Nike/Patagonia/Gamex orders are due by the end of this week.  Click here for all ordering information and forms.

Thank you again for all you do!

Happy Monday!  Here’s what’s happening this week at Mercer:

1. Please get all of your forms in to Maddie ASAP.  You can check to see if you’re missing any forms on the two preceding blog posts for varsity and novice athletes.
2. Register here to be a part of the fun at Oktoberfest this Saturday, October 3 at 6:00 pm!
3. Gear orders continue this week through October 9 — to learn more and to place your order, please go to the Mercer Rowing Club Gear Order Form.
4. Mark your calendars for the College Recruitment Primer for high school sophomore and junior athletes and their parents!  It will be at the boathouse onTuesday, October 13 at 6:30 pm (changed from the original date, October 1).

Wishing you all a great week and hope to see you at Oktoberfest!

Click to view the Plan (PDF)