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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Xavier boathouse?
Where is the Tempe Town Lake Marina?
Is previous rowing experience necessary?
No! Most of Xavier Prep Crew's rowers were brand new to the sport when they joined the team. Most of our crew parents were also new to rowing when their daughters joined.
Do you really row in the early morning before school?
No! Our rowers practice after school (typically four days a week 4:00-6:30 PM) at Tempe Town Lake. Our practices consist of both water and land workouts. In addition, the JV and Varsity teams meet Friday mornings for a workout at school before classes start.
Is crew a fall or spring sport?
Serious rowers say, "It's always rowing season!" Our rowers practice from September through the middle of May. March through May is our "racing season." We do not require rowing in the summer.
With daily practices, how do the rowers get their homework done?
Although our sport practices throughout the school year, the crew team practices just as much as the volleyball, golf or any other athletic team at Xavier. Xavier Prep Crew works hard for success on the water AND in the classroom. Our Varsity girls manage to average a weighted GPA of over 3.9! And our Novice girls average over 3.5. We are very proud of our rower's academic achievements. Our rowers learn to use their time wisely...a life lesson that will serve them well forever!
Does Xavier Prep Crew own its own boats?
We currently own seven boats, called "shells." Depending on the size, our shells hold either 8 rowers plus a coxswain or 4 rowers plus a coxswain.
What's a "coxswain?"
A coxswain is typically a small and loud team member...someone who knows how to lead and motivate others. The coxswain steers the boat, helps the rowers keep "pace" and most of all, motivates the rowers to squeeze out the very last bit of energy and strength needed to win the race. The coxswain is just as essential in the boat as the rowers themselves. It's a tradition in crew that the rowers toss the coxswain into the water after a victory.
How do I get my daughter from school to the lake every day?
It's easier than it sounds! Almost all of our rowers belong to carpools. Neither the team nor the school provides transportation to practices. But don't worry...you'll find a carpool to help your rower get to and from the lake every day.
In January 2009, several of our team members began riding the light rail to practice. It's an easy way to get to the lake! There's a station very close to Brophy...and then again very close to the Xavier boathouse.
When and where do you race?
Races are on Saturdays and Sundays. There are three regattas in Tempe every year: Hot Head Regatta in October, Desert Sprints in March, and Arizona Junior Rowing Championship in May. Our team also travels to San Diego, Newport Beach, Marina del Rey, Long Beach, northern California and even Seattle occasionally to compete. Our season finale is the Southwest Junior Regional Championship in Sacramento, CA every May.
Is there practice during Spring Break?
Yes. Crew practice is mandatory during Spring Break. We do not practice on Good Friday. Since Spring Break is at the height of our racing season, our rowers can not afford to take a week "off" from rowing and training. Our coaches work hard to make practices "extra fun" during Spring Break.
Does Xavier Prep Crew offer scholarships?
Yes. We have scholarship money available. Please see the Scholarship Policy and applications forms in our Handbook. You may contact our president, Jim Andrews (president@xavierprepcrew.net), for confidential questions.
What is an "Erg-A-Thon?"
Ergometers are rowing simulators that our rowers use as part of their land training. An Erg-A-Thon is an event at which the entire team rows a predetermined distance on ergometers, demonstrating their endurance and strength. We use this event to seek financial support from our community. The event also offers excellent team building. As with most rowing clubs, this is the largest fundraising event for Xavier Prep Crew. We usually host our Erg-A-Thon in mid February.
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