Choate Crew during spring preseason in Tampa, before social-distancing took effect. Photo courtesy of Lizzie Quinn
Although remote learning prevents members of Boys’ and Girls’ Crew from practicing together, the two teams are still working to stay in shape. From grueling circuit workouts to hours spent on the erg machines, both teams have kept up the intensity of their physical workouts from Zoom calls at home. “The Choate Crew Team does not strive to be good, but to be great,” said Ella Sklar ’22, a rower from the team.
The girls’ routine consists of squats, planks, jumping jacks, and other rigorous exercises. Although these workouts are optional, almost the entire team of rowers finishes the circuits and attends each Zoom call.
In spite of their season’s cancellation, the Crew team’s spirit has persisted. The team has an unwritten pact to stay in shape and outwork all of their prep school opponents. The coaches implemented the use of an app called Strava, which tracks the girls’ running patterns. The coaches send out a different challenge each week, which is eagerly accepted by the team. Last week’s challenge was to run one mile as fast as possible in the smallest space. Contestants could run up and down staircases, around kitchen counters, or back and forth in garages. With a new twist to this challenge, contestants can earn additional points if they run a mile in funny or unconventional shapes such as letters, pictures, or people shapes. Lizzie Quinn ’20 asked Anna Bonnem ’21 to Garden Party during her work-out, drawing out “GP?” on her run. (The School has not yet announced if Garden Party will be held, in whatever format, this spring.)
The Boys’ Crew Team has implemented college and Olympic workouts to their daily schedules as well. Head coach Mr. Pat Guelakis has been sending the team links to multiple workouts from the U.S. Rowing Team. These webinars feature everything from how to keep the body healthy and injury-free to motivational talks about rowing at a high level. However, these videos are not the team’s only source of inspiration. Rower Harry Margolis ’22 said, “We heard the girls’ team is working really hard, and we are using their hard work as motivation to continue to push ourselves every day.”
Girls’ Varsity Crew Captain Kate Spencer ’20 said, “Crew is one of the more physically exerting spring sports, so we are really trying to keep our athletes in shape even without being out on the water. We’re really impressed with everyone’s commitment to the team, especially in such a strange time.”
Although there is much uncertainty about the future and the lasting effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, one thing is for sure — Boys’ and Girls’ Crew seem set to return to campus stronger, faster, and more determined.
