What is Crew?
Crew is an exciting sport involving skill, strength, coordination and endurance. Osbourn Park's team will be in boats consisting of eight rowers with a coxswain or in boats of 4 rowers with a coxswain. Both require incredible teamwork. High school races are typically 1500 meters in length.
What is Osbourn Park Crew?
Osbourn Park Crew is a co-ed, competitive rowing program that is considered a high school sport at Osbourn Park High School. Because it is not sanctioned by the Virginia High School League (VHSL), it receives its funding via membership fees and fundraising thru its Booster Organization - OP Crew Boosters, Inc.
When is the crew season?
The official crew season coincides with the high school spring sports calendar (generally beginning in mid-February and running through the end of May). The varsity rowing season may extend into June.
Where does Osbourn Park Crew practice and compete?
Official crew season practices are held at the Oxford Boathouse located in Lake Ridge Park which is approximately 25 - 30 minutes travel time from Osbourn Park High School. Regattas (official competitions) are typically at Sandy Run Regional Park in Fairfax Station.
How do the athletes get to The Oxford Boat House for practices?
This varies from season to season. Please check with the board for information for the current season.
Practice usually runs 2 1/2 hrs. Times change from year to year based on number of teams rowing. It is possible that we will conduct a split shift for practices. Weekly commitments vary according to coaching schedules/rower placement/etc. Athletes practice Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday afternoons. Regattas usually take place on Saturdays.
Missed practice?
Crew is the ultimate team sport and requires ALL athletes for each boat. Missing practice hurts your entire boat. Each athlete is expected to manage his/her academics so that he/she can commit to attending practice with few exceptions. Commitment includes spring break, as Osbourn Park Crew practices most days and expects attendance by all athletes.
How much does Crew cost and why?
Crew is sanctioned as a club sport and is not recognized by the Virginia High School League (VHSL). As a club sport, crew receives a stipend for coach salaries but no funding from PWCS, the county or the state to help support the program beyond the stipends. Osbourn Park Crew aims to keep costs low through successful fundraising and volunteer participation by all student athletes and their parents. Many hands make light work!
Am I required to participate in the fundraising activities?
Crew dues only cover about 60% of the actual cost of the program. Osbourn Park Crew encourages full participation by athletes and their families in fundraising to ensure we can meet the remaining financial requirements for the program to succeed. Crew participates in several forms of fundraising. Fundraising is a great opportunity to get connected with the team! We welcome families to help at any event and express new fundraising ideas.
Can I earn a Varsity Letter?
Crew is recognized as a varsity sport and athletes can letter.
Are inexperienced rowers welcomed?
YES! Crew is a sport most students have not had an opportunity to try until high school, therefore most athletes come in as “novice” rowers. During the summer and fall some students participate in a “Learn to Row” class offered at both Oxford Boat House and Sandy Run Marina. This gives students an opportunity to try crew, but it is not required.
Where can I learn more about Osbourn Park Crew?
Watch this site for more open house dates and fall interest meeting dates.
Send questions to [email protected]