McLean crew vs TBC

[Anonymous]

My daughter is considering joining a crew program. She likes the year round TBC program but is uncertain of passing up on the McLean program. Anyone have pro/cons they can help me with. My husband and I aren’t versed on understanding high school sports. Any other club programs to consider?

[Anonymous]

I think that she should at least give McLean a shot through winter training, meet the team, coaches, etc.

The McLean girls program has a pretty new coaching staff, but their head coach is a TBC fall/summer coach. I think scholastic rowing has many benefits like being with classmates, more regattas, and a smaller team that is more close knit.

[Anonymous]

OTOH, the McLean program is a slog and they make you give up Spring Break entirely.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OTOH, the McLean program is a slog and they make you give up Spring Break entirely.

True of most crew programs. Your point is?

[Anonymous]

Typically high school students who want to row year round will row for their high school in the spring and for a club in fall and summer.

[Anonymous]

But isn’t that disruptive— why not just row with the club for spring also? What’s the gain to switch back and forth?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:But isn’t that disruptive— why not just row with the club for spring also? What’s the gain to switch back and forth?

Not really. Rowing with your HS (if it has a decent program) is always the path of least resistance in terms of schedule etc.

Also, the scholastic spring season is the most competitive and high profile racing of the year (if those things matter to you). As a club team, TBC is ineligible to compete in many of those events.

[Anonymous]

DD rowed at TBC and MHS. I'd encourage her to row HS.

Beyond the HS community aspect (DD found her high school best friends via crew), not having to figure out transportation downtown every day all spring makes your life easier (though somewhat offset by the volunteer requirements of MHS Crew).

[Anonymous]

Most of the kids we know row for their school team in the spring and other programs like TBC in the summer and fall. I think it's nice to have some variety in your coaching.