All,

The coaches just want to take the opportunity to clarify some nomenclature for our program.

We as coaches will no longer refer to both a "JV" and "Varsity" girl's program.  That works in other sports, but is not correct in ours.  In the sport of rowing, there is only "Varsity" or "Novice".  At the Varsity level, most regattas will typically offer four races in the 8+'s and 4+'s.  This includes the Senior, the Second, the Junior and the Lightweight.  But the key is they are all considered "Varsity" events.  On our program, Coach Garofalo will coach two of the boats and Coach Scholz will coach the other two.  Without speaking for them, I believe the plan is for Coach Garofalo to coach the Senior and Second 8+'s and Coach Scholz will coach the Junior and Lightweight 8+'s.  Although that is subject to change as needed.

To help all understand, per the New York State Scholastic Rowing Association (NYSSRA), here are the definitions and/or requirements of each:

SCHOLASTIC SENIOR 8+/4+
The athletes must be from the same school and of high-school age.

SCHOLASTIC SECOND 8+/4+
The athletes must be from the same school and of high-school age and the team must also have at least one entry in the Senior, Junior or Lightweight events.

SCHOLASTIC JUNIOR 8+/4+
The athletes must be from the same school and currently enrolled in the 9th, 10th or 11th grade (no seniors).

SCHOLASTIC LIGHTWEIGHT 8+/4+
The athletes must be from the same school and of high-school age and be at or below a maximum weight.  No boy over 155lbs and no girl over 130lbs.

Hopefully, this helps clarify.  Also, you will note all the definitions include the phrase "of high-school age" so we cannot have 8th grades on the team.  So from now on, it is safe to assume that when we reference the Varsity Girl's, we mean all those not rowing Novice.

Thanks.

David J. Cusano
Head Coach
Fayetteville-Manlius H.S. Crew
www.fmcrew.org
Treasurer
New York State Scholastic Rowing Association
www.nysrowing.com