Rowing Season Ends Due to COVID-19 Pandemic
Rowing Season ends due to COVID-19 Pandemic
In what is being called “March Sadness”, sporting events around the country have been cancelled to help combat the spread of COVID-19.
Our rowing program is no exception.
All regattas and daily workouts have been cancelled until May 30th, effectively ending the 2020 rowing season.
Our Boat Dedication event scheduled for May 9 th has also been postponed until next fall.
The team trained hard with strong showings in the early season races.
We look forward to everyone coming back next year to take up where they left off.
We hope you, our readers, and your families are staying safe and healthy.
– Ken Glenn – BCA President
Season Wrap up - Men’s Crew
Dear Friends, Family, and Alumni of Beach Crew,
This year has been nothing less than great for Beach Crew. The dynamics of the men's team has been an amazing experience for everyone and has set a good foundation for years to build upon. Coming into the 2019-2020 season, the 9 varsity members and Coach Mike knew the possibilities and challenges the team would have, even knowing there would be unexpected crabs in the road.
We started working last May with a meeting in the Beach Crew office at the PARC and with recruiting throughout the summer 5 days/week for 8 weeks for 1 hour every day during Freshman/Transfer Student orientations. A successful barbeque recruiting event in September brought in over 4 novice boats; 2 novice boats were secured for the Fall semester. Coming into the Spring semester, the team recruited 6 additional novices, and started a successful season with the Cal Challenge Cup, in addition to good team chemistry.
The team is in exactly the position we wanted to be. Though we are saddened that this year has come to an end, we are excited for next year! Thoughts rowing around our heads this year and learning the basic operations, we're already planning for 2020-2021 and setting new infrastructure into the program. From recruiting to management, and to the goals of the team, the outlook for next year is bright!
We thank our teammates, coaches, parents and family, and our alumni for their support in creating an amazing experience and opportunities for Beach Crew! Your involvement and support are key to the success of this program. Thanks, also for enriching the lives of young adults, rower or coxswain, providing an awesome college experience, thus, make connections for future careers, and enjoying lifelong friends.
Goals for next year: grow the team to 5 boats and win some tanks.
Thank you for the opportunity of service, and I look forward to continuing in serving to uplift a quality program that provides amazing opportunities for students whom, at first thought, could not imagine waking up for 5:30am practice, where fellow novices will backsplash you with cold water!
Brayden Bruggeman
President - Men's Team
Women’s team - Editorial
By Brittany Gonzales
The outbreak of COVID-19 influence has been all round, it has significantly affected all social functions, municipal programs, recreational programs, some court sessions, public meetings, and the activities of the college women's rowing team have not been an exceptional case.
However, the college women's team has been affected by COVID-19 at a high level, as all of their rowing activities and competitions have been canceled. The team was set for the San Diego Crew Classic competition this season, which has been canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
In turn, the college women's rowing team will have to wait for next season to participate in rowing competitions. By suspending the rowing-related activities, the team has been subjected to zero practices. The season has been cut short due to further developments in the outbreak of the COVID-19, and the concerns raised over the confirmed cases in the surrounding areas.
However, the team is prepared to go back to the competitions more energetic by building up their endurance and energies. By weighing the short and long-term options for next season, the team will have an opportunity to evaluate areas they need to work on at personal levels. Individual effort leads to team success next season!
Nonetheless, the whole COVID-19 pandemic situation has left people feeling scared and frustrated, but we are very hopeful for the next season.
My Favorite Race
by Jonathan Fleitstra ‘10
To be honest, I don't remember much about the race (2007-2008). I don't know what seat I sat in. I don't know if we climbed from behind or if we coasted to a victory. I could take a stab at who we raced against, simply because I know where this photo was taken: in the LA Harbor.
USC must've been there along with some familiar others. There were probably some giant shipping containers hovering above our heads during warm-ups as well as a few dolphins and sea lions in our wake. Keeping with my honest tone, if the trophy wasn't in the picture, I don't think I would have even known we won!
So why is this my favorite race? How does this story even qualify as a worthy entry for the Beach Crew Newsletter? The answer? Coach Brett.
Coach Brett rowed at Cal-- yeah, Cal. He came to our program with some high expectations. Given his past experience, this made sense. Now, I must say, initially, there were those who were rubbed the wrong way by his passion. Some in the Beach Crew Community thought he was asking too much of a "Club Program." We weren't scholarship athletes; we were just some average Joe's in a boat! But Brett believed in us more than that. He pushed us just like we were those 6' 6" behemoth's that row for the D1 programs.
A few years ago, Brett Winfield passed away. This was my favorite race because it warranted a team photo. I was lucky enough to be standing next to coach Brett. I say "lucky," but it was intentional on my part. Coach Brett was the first coach who inspired me to go harder than I ever had before. He was slow to give out praise and even slower to crack a smile. But that day, even if it was just a few moments, I felt like we made him proud. As I reflect on the photo, I look like a young pup who just brought home the prize to his owner.
This is the only photo I have of the two of us together (taken from my mom's old flip phone). His influence on me was one of the main factors I went back to coach the Novice (2012-2015). I am forever grateful to have had the opportunity to be shaped in some way by Mr. Coach Brett R. Winfield. This was my favorite race.
Do you have a favorite race?
Alums are encouraged to reminisce about their most memorable race or team experience. Jonathan has got the ball rolling. Now it’s your turn! Keep your story to a few paragraphs. Include a picture if you have one. We will feature a story at the end of each B-Newsline.
Contact Ken Glenn with your story.
