Rowing for your entire college career is something worth bragging about. Even better, knowing that you’re now a part of a campus tradition that has been more than 50 years in the making, we can conclude that we lived through the true college experience. Whether or not we continue striving in the sport, we pay tribute to the impact that it once had on us. Beach Crew is proud to present this journal of a rower who was searching for something, a purpose on campus, and having it become the driving force of her life during her time well spent at CSU Long Beach. Beach Crew is proud to be a family for many people who once embraced their hands on an oar and are proud to have the support of our alumni community.

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Four years ago I came to Long Beach State, with its student body twice the size of my small town’s population. I was lost. I walked the halls, sat down in class, not knowing or recognizing anyone. I was alone. I searched for something to do but I didn’t know what I would do. Then, Beach Crew found me, in the way that they miraculously find all those students who truly need them. Where once I had emptiness and a world full of strangers, I now had a purpose and a community on campus.

Each year I considered when my time with the team might come to an end. I told myself, “one more year.” Now, four years later, as I am preparing to finally say my goodbyes, I truly understand that Beach Crew is not such an easy thing to give up. In the last four years I have experienced more than I ever could have dreamed or imagined. I have had two inspiring coaches, traveled to five different states, and won seven gold medals. I have been an athlete, teammate, friend, competitor, leader, and a champion.

When I first came to Beach Crew, I was simply looking for a place to spend my time, but in this team I found so much more. I found out who I really was on the team. Finding 300 miles from home, I still had a family. When that alarm goes off at 5:00 AM and all you are feeling is tired, hungry, and stressed, it’s hard to pull yourself out of bed and getting over to the Pete Archer Rowing Center. Once you have crossed the finish line in first place, with your hands raised in the air because you have suddenly achieved all of your goals, there is no other place in the mind.

I am not sure where my future will take me, but I do know that I will never again be the lost, lonely girl, I once was when I first came to Long Beach. I owe this to my team. I am so grateful for the friendship of my coaches and teammates. I will always treasure the amazing experience and memories this team has given me. I know I am not the first, or the last, to say I cannot imagine what my college experience would have been without this amazing team. Beach Crew is a struggle and a triumph that I would never trade one single day.

Thank you for everything Beach Crew.

Chelsea Peterson,
Women’s Varsity Team

We always love hearing how much our hard work impacts the lives of students. Getting on and off the water each morning, we seldom take the time to witness what’s truly happening in the minds of the athletes. We’re driven by the passion of this sport to establish that impact. Nothing is better than hearing what goes on in the mind of a coxswain. When we witness this positive impact, we know we’re on the right track, the one that engages the power, poise, and pride from all these years behind us. Let’s take a look…

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Never in my life did I expect to be a part of a rowing team at Long Beach State. I only heard of the sport when it was featured in the Olympics, but never paid attention to the sport. February 10 was my first day at the Pete Archer Rowing Center, getting on the water as the female coxswain for the Men’s Novice Team. I was nervous and scared the first time I coxed, but I absolutely fell in love doing it. The fresh air, beautiful morning sunrise, and being in charge of eight men had won me over. The men on the team showed immediate kindness I instantly felt that I found my place at Cal State Long Beach.

The responsibilities of a coxswain are easier said than done. It’s been a challenge for me, but it’s an incredible feeling to be able to take control of a boat and motivate the guys to give me all that they have left in them during a race. The 5:30 AM practice each morning consist of much hard work, commitment, and dedication. The sport has a high demand for team effort. Being surrounded by a team, who all has the same ambitions to be at their fullest potential as a rower, or for myself as a coxswain, is what helps us grow mentally, physically, together as one.

The bonds that I have made with the team have been absolutely amazing. I have made the best of friends that I will cherish for the rest of my life. Crew is my second family, like having older brothers that I’ve always wished I had, and being able to be with them not only at practice, but also at school, and on our free time. Joining the team has definitely made a true college experience. I am truly blessed to be part of the Beach Crew experience and am excited for the years to come.

Stephanie Baesa
Men’s Novice Coxswain

The fall semester at Cal State Long Beach has come and gone. Beach Crew prides itself, not only on the water, but in the classroom, and the community. These two novice oarsmen below are just experiencing the life-long impact that will follow them for the rest of their lives. Their efforts and commitment are commendable, to them and the entire team.

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The term “Beach Crew” stands for more than it’s perceived. When most students hear it, they think of the group of rowers. We know it means much more than that. Going into my first day of practice in September, I had no idea what to expect or what I was getting myself into. Days passed by and grew into weeks. It didn’t take much longer and I learned that these men and women out here every morning before sunrise would become my best friends in college.

When the third week of the season arrived, I started asking myself each morning while laying in bed, “Why do I do this?” That never stopped me from showing up to practice because the best thing about crew is that showing up and working hard goes for everyone, not just you. The other guys are doing the same thing for you. Crew has a unique quality that there are no standouts. We all work as one. We can’t accomplish anything if everyone is not in sync. The sport is all about timing and working together. Not only is crew the hardest thing I’ve ever done physically, it is also the best choice I’ve made in my life. The past few months have been a ton of fun working hard, going to team breakfast every Friday morning at the Fantastic Cafe, traveling to Sacramento for Head of the American, and the list goes on. It is an honor to be a part of this team and I’m looking forward to many seasons ahead.

Tyler Hines
Men’s Novice Team

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From the second I joined Beach Crew, I was hooked. I was instantly impressed by the level of commitment shown by the coaches and staff which was also mirrored by the athletes on the team. We went straight into a rigorous workout on the first day of practice. This really set the tone of what was in store for the novice athletes joining the team. I joined Beach Crew to be a part of a serious and dedicated team. I was not disappointed one bit.

I can agree that my team shares the same desire to win. That effort actually became a reality twice this fall. The glory of hard work pays off. What continues to drive us through hard times is the positive attitude of all involved. All of us have bonded over the past few months, even spending time on campus with each other on campus. I believe that Beach Crew is a fantastic sport that has made my college experience ten times better. GO BEACH!

Brian Stanley
Men’s Novice Team