What is Crew?  
Crew is an exciting sport involving skill, strength, coordination and endurance.  Colgan's team  will most often be in 8 boats consisting of eight rowers with a coxswain, and require incredible team work.   Colgan does sometimes have a small number of experienced rowers who will participate in smaller boats. High school races are typically 1500 meters in length.

What is Colgan Crew?  
Colgan Crew is a co-ed, competitive rowing program that is considered a high school sport at Charles J. Colgan High School.  Because it is not sanctioned by the Virginia High School League (VHSL), it receives its funding via membership fees and fundraising thru its Booster Organization - Colgan Crew Association, Inc.

When is the crew season?  
The official crew season coincides with the high school spring sports calendar (generally beginning in mid-February and running through the end of May). The varsity rowing season may extend into June. The team will be offering winter conditioning to prepare athletes for the official season. Winter conditioning usually starts in November and runs until the official start of the season. Athletes are strongly encouraged to participate in winter conditioning. 

Where does Colgan practice and compete?  
Winter conditioning will be offered at Colgan HS to prepare athletes for the official season. Official crew season practices are held at the Oxford Boathouse located in Lake Ridge Park which is approximately 15-20 minutes travel time from Colgan. Regattas (official competitions) are typically at Sandy Run Regional Park in Fairfax Station. We may also compete on the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers in the District and travel to one or two meets in Virginia and / or Maryland.

How do the athletes get to The Oxford Boat House for practices?  
It is the responsibility of parents to arrange transportation to and from practice. 

Practice usually runs  2 1/2 hrs.  Times change from year to year based on number of teams rowing.  It is possible that we will conduct a split shift for practices. Weekly commitments vary according to coaching schedules/rower placement/etc. Athletes practice Monday – Friday afternoons including Saturday mornings until regattas start. Regattas usually take place on Saturdays.  

Missed practice?  
Crew is the ultimate team sport and requires ALL athletes for each boat. Missing practice hurts your entire boat. Each athlete is expected to manage his/her academics so that he/she can commit to attending practice with few exceptions. Commitment includes spring break, as Colgan Crew practices most days and expects attendance by all athletes.

How much does Crew cost and Why?  
Crew is sanctioned as a club sport and is not recognized by the Virginia High School League (VHSL).  As a club sport, crew receives a stipend for coach salaries but no funding from PWCS, the county or the state to help support the program beyond the stipends.  Please see the Handbook for the most up-to-date cost information. Colgan Crew attempts to keep costs low through successful fundraising and volunteer participation by all student athletes and their parents.  We all PULL TOGETHER!

Am I required to participate in the fundraising activities?  
Crew dues only cover about 60% of the actual cost of the program.  Colgan Crew encourages full participation by athletes and their families in fundraising to ensure we can meet the remaining financial requirements for the program to succeed.   Crew participates in several forms of fundraising.  Please contact the fundraising coordinator.  Additionally, we promote online fundraising with e- Scrip, as well as 3-5 restaurant fundraisers per season.  We also hope to bring in several corporate sponsors.  Fundraising is a great opportunity to get connected with the team!  We welcome families to help at any event and express new fundraising ideas.

Can I earn a Varsity Letter?  
Crew is recognized as a varsity sport and athletes can letter.  

Are inexperienced rowers welcomed?  
YES!  Crew is a sport most students have not had an opportunity to try until high school, therefore most athletes come in as “novice” rowers. During the summer and fall some students participate in a “Learn to Row” class offered at both Oxford Boat House and Sandy Run Marina.  This gives students an opportunity to try crew, but it is not required.  

Where can I learn more about Colgan Crew?  

• Watch this site for more open house dates and interest meeting dates.
• Send your e-mail address, name and grade to begin to receive newsletters from Colgan Crew: [email protected]
• Send questions to [email protected]