Oct 042024
 

The team got back on the water on August 19th with 16 returning athletes. A new face around the boathouse is interim head coach Bernard Aparicio (Aztec rower 2011-2015) and Olympic hopeful (2019 – 2024), making his coaching debut for the team. Recruiting efforts yielded 48 potential new athletes. To start off this large new group the team hosted a “Learn to Row” day at the boathouse on 9/7/24, while concurrently holding an equipment maintenance work party attended by current team members and multiple alumni.

Throughout September the team has been developing their rowing skill, athletic agility, and strength. Over the course of the month, Coach Bernie has been impressed with the MV8 and MN4+, both of which have shown good endurance. The WV4+ shows promise as well, and the MN8 and WN8 are developing as planned. In a welcome turn of events, the team has three high school rowers joining the novice crews, which is relatively unique for our historically walk-on program.

Unfortunately, the large set of novice rowers brought in from the team’s recruiting efforts has resulted in a few “good problems”. First is the limitation of having a single coach, which makes managing 60 students on the water impossible. The second issue is the current quality of the equipment. Due to significant boat wear and tear, the team currently has 32 working seats, with a possible capacity, following repairs, of 48 seats. Over the next year, we plan to make a larger, more competitive team possible.

Currently, the team has stabilized to 36 consistent rowers and 6 coxswains on the water each practice. While Coach Bernie is working on the rowing form, the team culture is excellent. The students are learning that consistent, focused work makes boats move. They’ve definitely taken on challenging workouts with enthusiasm.

Through October, the focus will shift from technique into fitness and target speeds. The stroke will continue to be refined, but a primary focus for practices will be hitting their target goals for the workout, and working towards hitting the “stretch” goals that will take the team to the next level.

Head Coach Search Update

The search for a permanent head coach continues. The H Del Beekley Foundation, in accordance with our founding principles, has given the team a significant grant to supplement the salary of a head coach. We feel that we will get more and better candidates with a higher pay package.

Aztec Rowing Centennial Season

The 2024 – 2025 school year will mark the 100th anniversary of Aztec Crew’s founding. Multiple special events are in the works, but the preeminent development is a centennial fundraising push. Keep your eyes open for the email.

Fall Alumni Row

Mark your calendars for the Fall Alumni Row, set to take place October 26th @7:00AM on Mission Bay. Come jump into a contemporary racing shell and get a light workout with the current crew. This event is a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with fellow alumni and support the current team. Email info@beekleyrowing.org to get more info and reserve your spot! You can find more information here.

Alumni: Where Are They Now?

Congratulations to Kris Corley and his wife Brynne, who were married September 28, 2024 in New Jersey. Kris rowed for the Aztecs from 2012-2015 and is the current HDBRF Secretary. Many spirited Aztec alumni were in attendance.

 Posted by at 4:46 PM

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