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Rowing at UMW

photoIn nine varsity seasons after a lengthy tenure as a club sport, the rowing program at the University of Mary Washington has become one of the top programs in the nation. Each season brings new heights to the program, which saw the women’s varsity eight advance to the NCAA Championships for the first time this Spring, en route to a seventh-place ranking in the nation. The women received its fourth consecutive national ranking this Spring, with a fifth straight season yielding an All-American for the women (senior Kelley Tice, who was named All-America for the fourth straight year).

Hopes for 2007-08 are even higher for fourth year head coach Philip Schmehl, who continues to strengthen the program at UMW after coaching stints at Rivanna Rowing Club, Smith College, and Oregon State University, and rowing collegiately for four years at Bucknell University.

Rowing at the University of Mary Washington can provide a competitive, athletic opportunity for any individual, regardless of previous rowing experience. In fact, most collegiate rowers row competitively for the first time while in college. This unique situation makes rowing a very popular collegiate sport, and that is no different at Mary Washington. As a rower at UMW, you will learn the fundamentals of rowing as a novice, and have the opportunity to compete on the varsity level as well.

Rowing provides challenges for any athlete, with opportunities to compete against some of the top teams in the nation. It is also a year-round experience at UMW, with crews rowing at Lake of the Woods in both the fall and spring semesters, with individual emphasis on technique and team rowing with others in the boat.

While much of the winter months are spent training indoors, a Spring Break training trip to Georgia provides the team an opportunity to show the fruition of their hard work on the water. The trip is followed by a challenging racing schedule that includes some of the top regattas in the nation: the ECAC National Invitational in Worcester, MA; the Knecht Cup on the Cooper River in Cherry Hill, NJ, the NCAA Championships for women and the IRA National Championships for men in late May.

The benefits of rowing are numerous. While the training is strenuous, UMW rowers have the satisfaction of being in the best condition of their lives. The rewards of this hard work include an increased self esteem and a great sense of accomplishment.

Being a UMW rower and training with fellow student-athletes builds respect, cooperation, and trust among teammates - traits that predictably make crews successful. Everyone is invited to join the program, especially those with a strong work ethic, a positive attitude and a desire to be an intercollegiate athlete. As much time and energy is utilized training on and off the water during the course of the academic year, successful UMW rowers should be highly committed to the sport.

A new fitness center complete with new state-of-the-art equipment opened in 2004, to complement the weight training room already housed in Goolrick Gymnasium. The facility houses free weights, Nautilus equipment, and a championship swimming pool. The UMW training staff leads a dedicated group of student trainers that provide services for all twenty-three UMW varsity sports, including strength and conditioning programs, rehabilitation of injuries, and on-site assistance.

Like all athletes at UMW, rowers are responsible for attaining the highest standard in athletics and academics. This year, both teams ranked among the best at UMW among team grade-point averages. Rowers may have varying degrees of experience; however, quality athletes will be looked upon as the season progresses so that UMW may continue to build one of the top crews in the nation.