5/7/2008        Sorry for the confusion earlier this week about the Freshmen crew going to States.  The decision to scratch

                        the 4 was not easy for the freshmen coaches. 

 

                        The heat sheet finally made it on the website this morning - www.racetrak.com .  I posted the race times if

                        you follow the link above. 

 

                        The forecast calls for rain on Friday.  Saturday and Sunday cloudy...but no rain.  Make sure if you have

                        Wellington's that you bring them because it may be muddy.

             

                       

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5/1/2008        The Bennett Regatta link above is updated with race time schedules information.  See you then.

 

                        Information on States is coming on Monday.  The FRESHMEN 4 ARE GOING TO STATES!!!!

 

4/29/2008      We are sending an e-mail to the families so please check your e-mail.

 

4/21/2008      The water schedule has changed and we are now on Schedule B as detailed below.  In summary we are

                        practicing 5:30am mornings and the weekend - Friday is our rest day.  The John Bennett is this weekend

                        followed by the NYS Championships the following weekend.  More information is forthcoming on NYS.

 

4/20/2008      The entire team, coaches, athletes and parents are very sorry for the passing of a great mother, wife and

                        friend to this HAA community.  Barb Hoodmaker will always be remembered by HAA and this team. 

 

4/2/2008        AIM has the the current schedule so please make sure you are checking that for last minute changes.  We

                        are understanding if the schedule changes at the last minute it may effect you at home in getting athletes

                        to where they need to be.  We appreciate your flexibility and know that we all work together to make things

                        happen.

 

                        Novice crews are not cleared to row at UB until next week (as we are told).  An updated schedule will be

                        posted once we know they are cleared.  The water is extremely cold and there are logs in the creek that are

                        potential hazards to all crews but especially novice crews.  I know they are eager to get on the water but

                        we need to wait for the green light to go!

 

                        Reminder - week of the 14th - 18th we are on the water every morning for those that are not on vacation!

 

                        Regattas: the club has not determined what regattas they are committing to this season.  We are at

                        the mercy of the club in terms of where we go.    There is a coaches meeting next Tuesday and we hope

                        that a clear decision has been made.  The NYS Championships in Saratoga is a definite regatta this year

                        and we have reservations at the Saratoga in place already.   

 

3/21/2008     The docks are in at the UB boathouse and the trailer is being loaded this week.  Provided temperatures are

                        keeping in the 40+ range we will be on the water next weekend Saturday.  We will confirm that as the week

                        progresses.

 

                        There is no practice Sunday.  Happy Easter and have a safe holiday.

 

3/12/2008      The club has responded extremely well with scheduling water practices at the alternate site on Tonawanda

                        Creek.  This can get confusing but think of it in terms of three practice schedules:

                                    Schedule A - at WS no water access - same schedule we are currently on. Tues, Thurs, Sat & Sun.

                                    Schedule B - at WS with water access - Mon - Thurs 5:30am, Sat & Sun 9-11. (Mid - late April)

                                    Schedule C - at Tonawanda Creek (UB's boathouse)

                                         Tuesday 5:30pm-7:30pm, Saturday 11:30-1:30 and Sunday 9:30-11:30. (starting March 22nd)

                                         April 14 – 18 practice is 7am-9am each day (during haa spring break). 

 

                                    Depending upon conditions we will need to jump between schedules.  The most effective means of

                                    communication with the team on any changes will be via the haacrewcoach AIM away message.

 

3/2/2008        The last ergatta for the season is over and another good performance with 8 out of 11 athletes having

                        new PR's -  Amanda Draksic, Ashley Prentiss, Amanda Stessing, Emily Nugent, Ellen Boland, Hannah

                        Greene,  Claire Hoodmaker and Julia Griffith - Congrats.

           

                        The WB Bash final tally of monies raised will be posted soon.  Thank you for the Awesome effort!  

 

                        We just purchased (3) ergs for the HAA athletic center.  We have a goal of outfitting HAA with 10 ergs and

                        ultimately training at HAA during the winter months.

 

 

2/26/2008       Results for the CRASH-B ergatta have been updated.  4 girls set new personal best to include:

                            Monica Miranda, Ashley Prentiss, Katie Rusch and Emily Nugent. - Congrats.

 

2/18/2008       Results for the CHS ergatta have been updated.  4 girls walked away with medals:

                            Amanda Draksic, Mark Kate Frauenheim, Ashley Prentiss and Katie Rusch - Congrats.

 

2/13/2007      Waiting on results for the CHS ergatta this past weekend, I will post the results as soon as I get them.  The

                        next ergatta is at CRACH-B's in Boston on February 24th.  The following athletes will be in this event:

                        Mary Kate, Amanda and Jess Draksic, Monica Miranda, Ashley Prentiss, Katie Rusch and Emily Nugent.

   

                        On March 2 is the Ontario Indoor rowing Championships and registration is $10 and is due 2/25.  Please

                        click on the link and download the form that needs to be turned into me by Tuesday 2/19 at practice so I can

                        send via US Mail to Canada.  link>>>>

                       

 

2/7/2008        Updated information:

                           

                                    -     Thursday am practice.  Thursday evening 7:30 setup for Party (parents and athletes welcome).

                                    -     Crewsader Ergatta - Junior and novice atheletes be at Canisius H.S. on Delaware at 8am.

                                                                              - Senior athletes be at CHS by 8:30.

                                                                               - Event is over by Noon.

                                                                               - Top 5 Lightweight scores will be weighed after race.

                                                                               - Event is $20 per athlete...checks payable to Canisius HS Rowing...or cash.

 

                                    -     Next week 2/11 & 2/13 in am, 2/16 2pm. YOGA.  Practice will remain in session on Tuesday pm.

                                           V-day is a Thursday - PRACTICE OFF.  Saturday am practice is on...YOGA at 2.

 

 

1/29/2008      February 8th @7pm at Westside is our Winter Blues Bash!  Enjoy the coming together of crew parents,

                        friends and family by the icy waters of the Niagara.  There will be plenty of food, drink and fun items to bid

                        on...come sit by the fire, meet some new friends and support your favorite crew team!

 

                        Canisius High School decided to host an ergatta again this year after we made plans to go to Toronto. 

                        We told the girls last week that we will not be attending the Toronto ergatta & we will enter in the CHS

                        crewsader erg challenge.  February 10th is the ergatta at CHS on Delaware Ave.  Cost is $20 per athlete.

                        All athletes are to compete in this ergatta including freshmen.  We will submit entries, please bring $20 in

                        before the ergatta.   If you submitted money for the Toronto ergatta please do not submit money for the

                        CHS ergatta fee.  We apologize for any inconvenience.

 

 

12/31/2007   Happy, safe and prosperous New Year to you all! 

                        Reminder the $425 dues are due January 1.  Contact us if you have any questions.

                        Save the date  - MARCH 3rd is our Anderson's night!  Thanks Maria for setting this up again! 

 

                               

 

12/24/2007    Merry Christmas everyone!  Have a safe and happy holiday.

 

12/17/2007    Glad to see all of you ladies again as spring (winter) training begins.  Sore muscles are the major issue

                         but that is to be expected for a little while.  We managed to get practice in on Saturday with the snow and

                         the threat of more snow coming.  (CB's did not practice).

                         Looking forward:

 

                            This week: practice 12/18 - Core workout and Cardio circuit.

                                                                12/22 - A run is the plan (dress with multiple layers)...if below 25 we will not run!

                                                                12/23 and 12/25 - OFF -Merry Christmas.

                                                                check hhacrewcoach for schedule update too.  thursday 12/27 7:30pm @ WS.

 

12/3/2007      Winter training will be broken into (2) groups: HAA Crew and CRASH-B's.  We are expecting the following

                        athletes to participate as follows:

 

                                HAA Crew: Longo, Ellen, Leiber, CH, AJ, Stessing, Sondel, Schaus, Sam, + Novice.

                                    practice schedule is at WS - Tuesday 7:30pm-9:00pm, Sat & Sun 9am-11am.

                                    please bring your $50 check payable to WS at first practice.

 

                                CRASH-B: AD, MK, M&M, AP, BP, SO, JD, EN, KR.

                                    practice is at WS starting Tuesday December 4th at 5:30pm.  Coach is Frank Becht.  

                                    please bring your $50 check payable to WS at first practice.  AP I turned yours in already so ur set.

 

                                For the month of December -Saturday - all athletes together...HAA crew and CRASH-B's @ WS.

                           

                               

11/5/2007      It was a very productive and successful fall season.   Everyone broke PR on 4k's and the technical aspect

                        of our rowing was much improved. The goal of this fall was to build solid technique and metal toughness.

 

                        Three aspects of the fall -

                            Volume - the club, parents getting kids to the club, the school -all translate to water and erg time.

                            Quality - the coaches quality workouts and drills that foster good mental strength and technique.

                            Effort - the athlete!  Athletes need to come to WS motivated to win...our job is to sustain that motivation.

                                           

                        The coaches are very please with our results from the HON regatta.  In the Women's Four we placed 2nd

                        to the Buffalo Seminary National Four.  Or final time was 16 seconds behind first.   We beat Mercy by 64

                        seconds and more importantly we beat Nardin by just under 2 minutes.  The Wms Lt Eight placed 4th out

                        of 5.  We placed 37 seconds out of 3rd, 55 seconds out of second and 1min 18 seconds out of first.  Mercy

                        finished 38 seconds behind us. 

 

                        The Novice Eight did a great job to place second in the 1000 meter race.  Jess Miranda was missed in this

                        race and I know the other girls pulled for her all of the way.  Special thanks to Ellen and Sam for making

                        the race go off...that was huge.   Congratulations Novice for completing your first season.

 

 

 10/29/2007   The weekend in Philadelphia...one to remember. 

 

                        Thanks to the Anthony and Deb, Mark and Maria, and Pat Frauenheim for their help in making the exciting

                        weekend memorable. 

       

10/23/2007   Congratulations to Mary Kate Frauenheim for an amazing race in Boston this weekend.  Placing 5th

                        earned the 8 a medal.  It is a prestigious race that has a great history...not nearly as long as the Henley but

                        of the caliber in terms of competition.  We welcome MK back to us for the race in Philly.  You were missed

                        MK.  The other day we had the four out and Emily was in your place and we did a hard 20 for you at HOCR

                        and a hard 20 for Moni for her commitment to HAA this season (once we crossed the Henley painting on

                        the wall).  You bring not only the the victory but the experience to share at HAA.  Momentum - add to it.   

 

                        Check the regatta schedule link above for the dates of the next (2) regattas please.

                        Novice will race at the Hogan Fries and Pull the plug.  Information to follow.

 

 

10/19/2007   Practice on Sunday has been changed to accommodate Mother Daughter breakfast.  Time is 7-8:30am.

                        Information on the Schuylkill is available on the link above.  More information is forthcoming on departure

                        time actual directions to the hotel and to the course.  e-mail me if you have any concerns.

   

                        MK is rowing at the Charles on Sunday!  www.hocr.org if you are interested in looking into the history of the

                        event.  It is an honor to row in it.   

 

10/11/2007   The Head of the Genesee (HOG) was a bitter sweet regatta; we rowed without a junior oarswomen that

                        has earned a seat in the Head of Charles Boat that won in her Eight at the HOG...we are excited for MK but

                        we really missed her for this regatta.  We had a great technical race for both 4's we entered.  Competition is

                        difficult and stiff against club stacked boats.  Finish times are under the results link.  Very impressed with

                        the second 4 to make the adjustments of have Jess Draksic fill in for Katie Rusch; the entire boat moved

                        seats to accommodate the last second change.

   

                        Practices on Thursday mornings are now shifted to Saturday from 12:30 - 2:30 in an effort to have more day

                        light to practice with.  Mornings are near impossible to accomplish anything significant on the water.  This

                        change in days will also eliminate one of the 2 days per week we are missing three girls for drivers ed.  We

                        are managing our time effectively and we appreciate the cooperation from parents and athletes to shift

                        times and days around.

 

                        Next regatta is the Head of the Schuylkill in Philadelphia.  http://www.hosr.org/.  We are still selecting

                  what boats to take and we will have that information by the weekend.  Date: Sept 27, 2007.  The

                  HOSR is on a Saturday and races would be in the early morning 8-10'ish.  hotel reservations have

                  been made already thanks to Pat Frauenheim.  We will provide the hotel information early next week.

                    Hotel we are staying at FRIDAY NIGHT ONLY - The Marriott in the city.  If you would like to

                    stay another night you will need to contact Pat ASAP.  I would say that the regatta will be over

                    for us by 2:00 the latest (that is when the girls can leave).  This regatta has multiple docks to

                    launch from and we need to coordinate the location of the WS trailer.  With that said information is

                    forthcoming.  In terms of food this is a short regatta and girls should come to the regatta ready to

                    race not eat.  After the race a snack with water is adequate until they get lunch. 

 

 

10/3/2207      The Head of the Koin Regatta has been cancelled (Oct 13th) by the organizing club.  This weekend is the

                        Head of the Genesee and it is a very nice venue.  On Sunday some top name colleges will be racing on the

                        same course...Harvard, Williams Smith, Colgate, Syracuse, University of Conn, University of Pennsylvania.  

 

10/1/2007      The 4k test went very well with the majority of athletes breaking previous PB's.  Moni broke 17 with 16:55,

                        Ashley -amazing,  Katie Rusch is sub 18 with a 17:45...omg.  Beth is on the door step of breaking 18 as

                        well as Jessica.  Sally and Giuliani made huge improvements and raised the bar for themselves.  Emily

                        is a 4k away from breaking 18, maybe.  No history on Emily but she is working very hard.  Sam & Ellen 

                        broke their PB too.  Amanda the captain, well yeah she broke hers too with a 16:52.  Breaking a 4k PB as a

                        Junior is difficult, as a senior even more difficult.  Congratulations to you all. 

 

9/24/2007      Very nice technical piece from this new lightweight 8.  This was Christa's first head race ever and she did

                        a stellar good job.  Steering an 8 on a new course and in a borrowed racing shell is very complicated.  The

                        borrowed shell was a good size for us but the shoes were extremely large for our girls...men's 13.  The

                        girls only came out of them a few times during the race.  The business end of the race was what we

                        were looking for and that was in (2) areas - Technical and mental toughness.   Technically they looked very

                        good and the feedback from the seasoned varsity rowers was positive.  In terms of toughness, 4 new

                        girls to varsity had to battle with the 5400meter race and kept pulling to the point of tears.  They encouraged

                        each other on the course and learned to fight as a team.  We are impressed with the race.  50 seconds out

                        of first place, 25 seconds out of 2nd place...a few too many turns of the rutter over 5400 meters can make

                        the difference between 1st and 3rd.  Christa coxied a fine race and this is the experience in racing she

                        needed!  I hope you are proud of your girls...I am of mine! (I can now say that again!)

 

9/20/2007      A Lightweight Varsity 8 will be going to a regatta this weekend please see the link above for more info.

 

                                A waiver must be signed and given to coaches if you are racing...print form from link WAIVER.

 

9/17/2007      We have selected the 2007-2008 Captains for the crew team.  As long members of the HAA crew team

                        Catey Dines and Amanda Draksic have demonstrated the leadership and mentorship that defines HAA.

                        Congratulations ladies.

           

9/14/2007      I think we are set - all Sunday practice times are 9-11am.  Varsity and Novice together.

 

                        The first regatta is coming next weekend in Fairport, NY.  Lift Bridge Regatta. We are taking 1 Varsity 8.

       

9/12/2007      Novice Practice - please see the 8/27/2007 entry for correct practice times.

 

                        There was an error on the Coaches West Side schedule for the Welland Regatta...there is a conflict now

                        forcing the club not to send a trailer to Welland on the 22nd.  There is a trailer going to the Lift Bridge

                        regatta in Rochester on Sunday the 23rd.  Please be advised and adjust your schedule.  The club

                        passes along their apologies!  Fortunately there is a lightweight category for us...different competition tho.

 

9/6/2007        First practice for the Novice crew is at West Side on Sunday 9/9 from 9-11am.  Please be prepared to run

                        and exercise.  There is no experience needed to row, we will teach you everything this great sport has to

                        offer.  The practice schedule is below.  The Sunday practices are joint practices with Varsity.  As always,

                        bring bottled water and sneakers!  If you have any questions please feel free to contact Katie Kinder at

                        909-2363 or Brie Anna Schultz at 874-1066.  Hope to see you then.

 

                        Varsity - 4k test on Sunday, water pieces long ss locks to gap.   Great job today with the 30min pcs and the

                        8 on the water. 

 

 

8/27/2007      Pre-season camp final week: 8/27 - 8/31 - Mon, Wed, Thurs and Fri 1-3pm @ WS.

                        Official practice schedule:

                           

                            VARSITY

                            Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 5:45am and Sunday 9-11am (we will not be changing to 8-10)

                            (Wednesday and Saturday are days off).

                            Monday 9/3 - no practice, holiday

                            Friday 9/7 - no morning practice, first day of school

                   

                            NOVICE

                            Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 5:30 - 7:30pm and Sunday 9-11am (we will not be changing to 8-10)

                            (Tuesday, Friday and Saturday are days off).

                            Sunday 9/9 9-11am first practice...all are welcome!

 

8/17/2007     The pre-season camp is scheduled and is starting this Monday 8/20 at WSRC.  The camp is for all Varsity 

                        rowers and coxies; you are strongly encouraged to attend.  Make sure you are checking the AIM profile.

                        I hope you are all excited about another season getting started.  Bring water and start hydrating.

                   

                    Note the times are different.  Team meeting on Thursday w/ parents...see below.

 

8/13/2007      Fall information is on the above link.  Parent meeting 8/23 at 6:30pm, WSRC.

                         Pre-season camp starts week of August 20th.    New incoming freshmen parents are encouraged to

                        attend meeting with your child so you can see the club.

 

8/13/2007      The Buffalo News this weekend featured an article of the Henley win for Westside.  This event each year is

                         what all WS'ers work for.  The opportunity to row in the Henley is very selective, to be in the finals at

                         Henley is a rare opportunity, winning Henley is a dream.  We all are extremely proud of Monica Miranda

                         & Mary Kate Frauenheim for achieving that dream.  In the tank room at WS is a sign on the wall facing the

                        athletes as they practice...it reads HENLEY GOLD.  Monica and MK are among the few that understand the

                        feeling of winning Henley.  HAA represented 25% or one quarter of the crew that won in the Eight.  This was

                        victory on many fronts; Monica and MK brought Gold back to HAA.  Awesome!!!

 

                        I have been preparing an e-mail for the fall season and you will see that sometime today. 

 

                        It is important to note that all of our girls rowing for WS this summer worked extremely hard.  Personally I

                       am very proud of each of you.  I have been keeping in touch with many of you and following your progress. 

                        You have represented the school, our HAA crew team and your HAA coaches honorably.

                        Amanda, Ashley, Beth, Kristen, Mary Kate and Monica thank you for your commitment!

                        The Jr. C's - Jessica, Christa, Rusch, Claire, Ellen, Taylor and Longo thank you for your commitment!

 

8/10/2007      Henley GOLD for Westside Junior B Women Eight.  The hard work of the fall, winter and spring training

                        leads to a relentless goal in the summer for Henley gold.  A long summer of hard work has brought the

                        gold to Westside and our two HAA girls.  You trained like a champion and you are a CHAMPION!

 

                        It has been 20 years since a WS Girls Eight has won Henley!  Congratulations in being  part of very long

                        history of great rowing at Westside. 

                      

 

7/25/2007      Amanda Draksic places first at the SCRC Invitational last weekend!  This may be a preview of the boat

                        at the Henley in August.  Very proud of Amanda and all of the girls racing.  The other HAA girls did a great

                        job representing WS and HAA.  I had the opportunity to sit in the grandstand and watch all of the HAA girls

                        race Saturday.  I know the weeks leading up to Henley are going to be difficult...keep your focus!  

 

                        Ashley started her weeks leading up to Henley with an amazing PR of an 8:03!  Moni beat her best 2k this

                        year with an 8:05.  Beth, Amanda and MK are maintaining their performance levels after crushing their last

                        2k's.  You are all taking advantage of the opportunities to perform and I am so impressed.

 

                        The update on C' is that Jessica, Christa, Katie Rusch, Claire, Ellen, Taylor and Giuliani are working

                        equally hard and are managing to have fun too.   The injury report - Claire hurt her ankle and Kristen is out

                        with a cut foot and will return in a week.  Kristen I hope to see you at Henley coming across the finish line

                        so you better get well soon!  Take care rowers and coxies!

 

 

7/11/2007     This past weekend was the West Side Invitational with competition from Canada and Rochester.  Some of

                        our HAA girls raced and here are the results from their races:

                                Jr. Women Lightweight 8 - Amanda Draksic - First Place

                                Jr. B Women 8 - Mary Kate Frauenheim and Monica Miranda - First Place

                                Jr. B Women 8 - Kristen Eagleton and Beth Prentiss - Third Place

                                Jr. B Women 4+ - Mary Kate Frauenheim, Monica Miranda and Ashley Prentiss - Second Place

 

                        Congratulations girls!  The girls are now training and will be aggressively competing for a seat at Nationals

                        and for the Henley Regatta in the forthcoming weeks.  I will have pictures of the races put up later today. 

                        Thanks to Patty Frauenheim for the picture above of the girls.

 

                       

7/06/2007      New pictures of the trailer with the HAA crew logo are now posted!  Thanks Anthony Prentiss for getting that

                        done...it looks great, nice job. 

 

 

7/05/2007     Coaches are really impressed with not only the turnout of HAA girls at summer crew but the level of

                        performance given so far.  The 2k's have been approaching personal bests and for Beth a new PB! 

                        Congrats Beth!  Kristen has made huge efforts and is moving toward her PB, Moni's shoulder is healthy

                        and is not holding her back on the ergs and her PB is coming.  MK continues to impress on all fronts...a PB

                        is in reach for her!  Amanda is leading the way and working hard on A's...top ltwt ergs score so far.  On the

                        water...it is up to you to show your best and earn a seat for a race.  A race is a(n) (earned) privilege!  

 

                        Continue to feed off each others success and perform your best at every given opportunity you have.  I

                        know you are all working hard, not only for yourself but for HAA, your parents, your teammates and all of the

                        coaches.  Looking forward to the race this weekend. 

  

6/26/2007      Practices have started for B's and A's and I am thrilled with the HAA turnout.  We know the summer is

                        a precious time for having fun and just hanging out at the beach or at a friends house...or hanging out at a

                        very cool restaurant!  Three things: Focus, Intense but in control and quality every practice.  I am anxious

                        to see how the week turns out for the B's and A's and eager for the frosh kids to get going next week! 

                        Coach Katie is at most of the practices and is available to help you if needed.

 

6/19/2007      If you plan on rowing in the summer, as we strongly encourage you to, here is some information for you.

                        There is a link below from a 5/31 posing...but this should summarize that.

                        

                           Coach Katie is holding practice sessions: 5:15pm - 6:45pm @WS - 6/17, 6/18, 6/19.

                                  

                                     Development camp - or Jr. C's as they are called starts on July 2nd at WS...exact times click link.

                                    Junior B's - there is a tryout period from June 25th (first day of practice) through July 2nd.  Typically

                                        the tryout is based on your erg score...and you will perform a 2k test within that first week.  In the

                                        past they are looking for an erg score of an 8:20 or less.  If you feel that you are in that range then

                                        I strongly suggest you consider trying out.  Please do not let the 8:20 scare you...the mix of kids

                                        this year may be strong or it may be weaker than in years past.  Your objective is to do your best

                                        with each workout and make each practice measurable by get closer to your potential.  For the

                                        the FROSH kids - if you feel you want to tryout for Jr. B's then do it.  Katie Rusch and Jessica you

                                        both have the potential right now; so make the June 25th practice, run the week out and let Aileen

                                        tell you directly that you are not ready for Jr. B's.  At that point you can go to Jr. C's for the July 2nd

                                        practice.  If you have any questions please feel free to call me, Katie or Aileen.  Best of luck!