David Schnall

Head Crew Coach

Fayetteville-Manlius Crew Club

 

Dear Participants and Parents:

 

I would like to welcome back all of our returning athletes and our newest recruits to Fayetteville-Manlius' third Crew season.  We have seen tremendous growth over the past three years and expect our numbers this year to be over twice what we had our first year. Our crew program owes its success to no one individual alone, but rather to the combined efforts and dedication of all our athletes, coaches, school administrators and parents.  Our coaching staff wishes to thank all of our new and returning athletes alike for their dedication and commitment to the sport of rowing.  The 2006 spring season promises to be a most exciting one. 

 

Our first scheduled meeting for ALL athletes interested in participating in crew will take place on Monday March 13th at the House II Science Lecture room.  The meeting will begin at 2:30pm and conclude by 3:30. For our Varsity hopefuls, the meeting will conclude by 3pm, and you will break out with your coaches for practice.  All novices will remain until 3:30 to go over the spring seasons expectations and discuss our practice and race schedule.  This was announced over FM TV over the past three days.  If unable to attend please contact one of our coaching staff directly for information on the first week of practice.

 

 

HANDBOOK: At Monday's meeting we will review and hand out the Parent/student handbook, which will need to be both signed by the athlete and parent or legal guardian.  If you are not able to make this meeting please contact one of the coaches, or the school activities office for a copy.  As many of our returning athletes are aware of this process from last year,  I would expect that all of you will return the handbook and any other forms that need to be signed by the first week.

 

PHYSICALS: All athletes must have a physical completed by the school or have an updated exam from your personal doctor in order to participate in the spring season. You may bring this to the meeting or to your coach during the first week of practice. Please note that if you have already participated in a sport earlier this year you do not need to have another physical, but are asked to provide the coaching staff with a copy of your physical from earlier in the year. 

 

COPAY: The school requires a copay of $250 for all athletes who plan to participate in the sport this season.  The check should be brought to practice during the first week of the season.  Checks should be made payable to "Fayetteville-Manlius Schools".  Those of you who have questions regarding the fee may contact either myself or the school activities director Robert Hughes at (692-1943).  Please note that any family with financial concerns about the fee may speak directly with Mr Hughes.  The school has assured us that no interested athlete will be turned away due to any financial hardship. 

 

SCHEDULE:  The spring schedule will be handed out at the first meeting.  The race and practice schedule is subject to change as we look to firm up last minute details. Athletes should be prepared to stay in close contact with their teammates for updates and any time changes.   For the most part the dates for away regattas are firm.  Please note that not all athletes will travel to all away regattas.  For more information please contact me at (637-7944) for more details.  

 

PARENT GROUP:  The Crewsters have established themselves as our support group for all regattas.  If any parent is interested in volunteering and/or assisting in these events please contact either Crewster President Bob O'Leary, or Vice President Dr. Richard Konys for more information.

 

This first notice of the season in no way encompasses all the information that will need to be communicated to the parents of our athletes.  Therefore, we plan to schedule a parent meeting later this month.  At that meeting we will have representatives from the Crewsters to share with you important dates and information outside of the competitive schedule.  I hope all of you will join me and the coaches in welcoming back our returning team with all the enthusiasm that we have seen in previous seasons.

 

I look forward to seeing all of you this season and wish you all the best this year.

 

EVERYONE PLEASE REMEMBER  THAT THE STATE CHAMPIONSHIP IS ONLY 64 DAYS AWAY.  IT WILL BE HERE BEFORE YOU KNOW IT.  YOU CANNOT CONTROL YOUR COMPETITORS TRAINING SCHEDULE, BUT YOU CAN CONTROL YOURS.  WORK HARD AND BE READY TO SUCCEED.