Manhasset High School Crew Team Hosts ‘Parent Learn-to-Row Day’
Friday, 23 July 2010 00:00
A sun-drenched Saturday in June under cloudless blue skies provided the perfect backdrop as the Manhasset Crew Team held its first “Parent Learn-to-Row Day,” giving moms and dads a chance to experience firsthand what it’s like to be a rower or coxswain!
The event was held at the team’s boathouse off West Shore Road and in the waters near North Hempstead Beach Park in Port Washington. After stretching and warming up by running a couple of laps, parents learned to use rowing machines—know as “ergs” or ergometers—used for training before taking to the water to try the real thing.
Special guest, North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jon Kaiman, came out to support the event. He wasn’t just a spectator, however, he fully participated in the day’s activities. “I think most of us came away with a renewed appreciation of the rowers,” he said, “not only for what they do on the water but also for the work they do before and after the races to prepare their equipment—rigging and carrying the heavy boats, loading them in and out of the water and cleaning them.”
Some Manhasset Crew alumni who are current or former college rowers also showed up, joined in the fun and raced the crews. They included Joe Calderone (Cornell ’13), Sebastian Barrera (Lehigh ‘13), Robert Leonardi (NYU ’10), Matt Savage (St. John’s ’13), Marianna Thermos (Iona College), Andrew Leonardi (Fordham ‘08), and Nick Vlahos (Temple).
The day’s rowing behind them, participants enjoyed a barbecue and shared some thoughts and laughs about their inaugural rowing experience. Parent and Friends of Manhasset Crew (FOMC) President Emily Kavourias said she could now relate to the “tremendous level of teamwork and skill needed to work together and row in unison under the direction of the coxswain and stroke seat, especially when under the pressure of a race. When you feel the surge of the boat as the crew rows in unison, it’s exhilarating.”
Dubbed a “FUN-raiser,” this event also helped raise funds for Manhasset Crew, which while considered a varsity sport, is organized as a club sport. As such, all capital expenditures and maintenance of the boathouse, shells, coach boats, trailers, and other equipment is funded solely through FOMC through dues from parents, community donations and fundraisers.
The Manhasset Crew Team took the opportunity of the inaugural Parent Learn-to-Row event to give special thanks to Mary Villani-Henry and FOMC President Emily Kavourias along with Head Coach Hugo Guardado-Henriquez, Assistant Coach Chris Mare and Assistant Coach Stephanie Doughty for organizing the successful event.
