Prior to the start of last season (Spring 2013) I knew the crew was on a big upswing from the 2012 season. I thought to myself, what is my goal and where should we expect to finish at NEIRA's.
I felt that G3 which had won bronze in 2012 would win NEIRA's, I thought that G2 had a good chance to medal and would probably place third. I hoped G1 would make the finals, and therefore be in the top 6.
As it turned out my predictions were pretty close: At NEIRA's G3 had the fastest heat by far and probably should have won the final; I am not sure why they fell to 5th. In any case, I believe they WERE a 1st place crew.
G2 met my goal of earning a medal in 3rd place; they fought super hard in very rough conditions to achieve that and I was very proud of them.
G1 showed flashes of promise throughout the season, challenging Exeter at the St. John's invitational and in line to finish 2nd until they hit a buoy with a blade which stopped their momentum. In practice they would almost always walk away from G2 in longer, sub-max pieces, and in 500's at race pace they would often take a length or more. Yet, every weekend race they seemed to be only about 5 seconds faster than G2 over 1500 meters! (Their erg scores should have given them the usual 15 second advantage over G2 as is seen in the top programs).
I was conservative with any shifts in the G2 and G1 line-ups to preserve boat unity as much as possible, but one day of seat racing 1/3 of the way through the season proved that we had the right rowers in the right boats. Two very good rowers left with injuries/illnesses 1/2 way through the season and I was sorry to lose them. I have the utmost respect for their oarsman ship and for their heart.
I believe that the only thing that prevented G1 from racing up the talent they proved on the erg and often in practice on the water, was years of rowing experience. It is only after several years of higher level racing that one can relax enough in a fast moving boat to sustain one's power output all the way to the finish. They were able to do it on the stable erg platform, but not consistently on the water, over 1500 meters. Again I am proud of their efforts and all they learned; I believe they have a very bright future.
This brings me to predictions for the 2014 season.
First off they should gain confidence in their first race; they beat both these crews last year at NEIRA's by 3 boatlengths!
At the end of the season at NEIRA's I again predict G3 will win (few if any schools have the depth we now have)
I believe G2 can and will win NEIRA's we have an abundance of talented and strong girls; most rowers are returning and G2 will be loaded!
Depending what talent Exeter , Hingham, Kent and St. Pauls have returning, our G1 could be anywhere from 1st to 4th in the final at NEIRA's.
Many of the girls have improved their 2k erg score by 15 seconds (or more?) and with last year's racing experience under their belt they will be in an excellent position to challenge any crew in the league.
I wish them the best of luck and will miss coaching them more than they know: GOOD LUCK GIRLS I am really proud of your efforts and accomplishments.
Coach Joe
