2008 Woodie Awards
Crew Keeps On Rowing
Jackie Connolly
Issue date: 9/18/03 Section: Sports
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When new and returning members of the Assumption Crew got together two weeks ago to meet with their new coach, they were missing one thing: The coach.
Steve McKiernan, Assumption class of '95, was slated to be the coach for the 2003-2004 year. However, after being offered a teaching job elsewhere, he was unable to fill the position, leaving many teammates wondering if they would have a coach or a rowing season at all.
"I was frustrated that there wasn't a coach," said Varsity Junior Charles Dobrowski, a junior. "I was angry that Steve didn't tell the team he quit. He could have at least called the team."
About a week later, last year's Head Coach Michael O'Coin, '99, and Assistant Coach Heather Devine, '96, stepped up to lead this year's fall line-up.
"We weren't sure who our coach was for a while, but Mike and Heather decided to come back for the fall season because they know how hard we work and they want us to have a good season," said Varsity rower Megan Chenaille, a junior.
With the small obstacle out of the way, the team, with a healthy showing of new freshmen and sophomores, began practice. The varsity girls practiced on Lake Quinsigamond for the first time last week.
Last spring, the group moved across Lake Quinsigamond to the DRC boathouse on Lake Road in Shrewsbury. They also purchased a new black Vespoli 4-seater racer. The sleek and lighter design of the shell makes maneuvering the boat easier.
"We're right next to Holy Cross and Worcester Polytechnic Institute," said varsity rower Ivy Stabell, a junior. "They both have huge rowing teams, so it's great competition."
The team is now figuring out who is going to be in which boat. The group has been switching sides, port and starboard, to see who rows best together.
"It is a little rough at first because we are making adjustments, but it looks like we will have a good season once we get our boats situated," said Chenaille. "We have the potential for having a great season. We have some very dedicated people holding our team together."
Steve McKiernan, Assumption class of '95, was slated to be the coach for the 2003-2004 year. However, after being offered a teaching job elsewhere, he was unable to fill the position, leaving many teammates wondering if they would have a coach or a rowing season at all.
"I was frustrated that there wasn't a coach," said Varsity Junior Charles Dobrowski, a junior. "I was angry that Steve didn't tell the team he quit. He could have at least called the team."
About a week later, last year's Head Coach Michael O'Coin, '99, and Assistant Coach Heather Devine, '96, stepped up to lead this year's fall line-up.
"We weren't sure who our coach was for a while, but Mike and Heather decided to come back for the fall season because they know how hard we work and they want us to have a good season," said Varsity rower Megan Chenaille, a junior.
With the small obstacle out of the way, the team, with a healthy showing of new freshmen and sophomores, began practice. The varsity girls practiced on Lake Quinsigamond for the first time last week.
Last spring, the group moved across Lake Quinsigamond to the DRC boathouse on Lake Road in Shrewsbury. They also purchased a new black Vespoli 4-seater racer. The sleek and lighter design of the shell makes maneuvering the boat easier.
"We're right next to Holy Cross and Worcester Polytechnic Institute," said varsity rower Ivy Stabell, a junior. "They both have huge rowing teams, so it's great competition."
The team is now figuring out who is going to be in which boat. The group has been switching sides, port and starboard, to see who rows best together.
"It is a little rough at first because we are making adjustments, but it looks like we will have a good season once we get our boats situated," said Chenaille. "We have the potential for having a great season. We have some very dedicated people holding our team together."