Although the loss of the 2020 spring season was disappointing, the Hill School Boat Club continued to look forward. The program has been looking to expand into the fall for a few years and, with the cancellation of the  spring season, now was the perfect time. This is the first year that fall crew will be offered as a full-time activity. 

Last fall, a select few rowers dedicated extra time after their other commitments to be a part of the school’s first appearance in a head race at the Head of the Schuylkill. A typical fall season would consist of head racing, which is around 4-5k (unlike the 2k races in the spring).

 However, COVID-19 is making this first fall season look very different. Previously, the program had always been focused on team boats, whether that be 2, 4, or 8 rowers per boat. Due to team boats being not ideal for the need to social distance, the program has purchased singles. They are one-person boats that require the rower to scull which is using two oars instead of one. 

With around ten new singles and innovative scheduling, each single will be able to be safely used by 2 to 3 rowers. This will allow for a new and exciting experience for most of the team. Rowing in a single is much harder and takes a lot of balance and concentration from the athletes. It helps to teach proper technique, the finer points of rowing, and, as Program Director Stephen Ciraolo would say, “boat ballet.” It also offers the coaches an opportunity to take different teaching approaches that will have a necessary carry over value for team boats as well.

After hearing about this addition, alumni Ethan Hempel ’19, who is now rowing at Lehigh University, said, “A single is an amazing tool that can be used to teach technique that cannot be attained in a 4 or an 8. I wish the HSBC had singles during my time at Hill as it would have added a whole new level to my high school rowing experience.”

Another different aspect to this upcoming season will be the team’s training mentality. All previous seasons have had one main goal in mind, to win races during our championship season. But with most regattas cancelled and the future of racing in team boats unknown, the team will shift its training focus. Instead of concentrating on hard and fast race pieces, the rowers will work on maintaining their cardiovascular endurance with longer and low rate rows. The coaches also hope to provide a more freeing and relaxing feel at practice due to the unprecedented school year ahead.

Jace White ’22 said, “I’m really excited to be able to continue rowing in a single this coming school year. I am very grateful that we have gained access to these boats, because it may be the only way we are allowed to practice and race this year.” 

While there are still many logistics to be figured out due to the difficulty of navigating the virus, the team is excited to be back together, on the water, and in the new boats.