Novice crew offers more relaxed attitude

As varsity rowers deal with rigorous schedules and the pressures of winning, most can look back fondly on their days in the novice program.

While the varsity crew teams, both men's and women's, are reserved for upperclassmen and experienced rowers, novice crew is the stepping stone that all potential team members and enthusiasts alike must pass through.

Rather than gearing up towards winning regattas and defeating particular teams, the novices are focused more on learning the sport and refining skills. And after a winter spent working out in the gym, the team is itching to get wet.

"The river thawed early and the racing season starts in a few weeks, so there is lots of excitement to get out of the gym and on the water," women's novice assistant coach Jennie Dapice said.

"It's a really exciting time," freshman novice rower Mackenzie Moffat said. Of course, not everything could be perfect. "It'd be more exciting if it were warmer," she said.

Complaints about the weather aside, this group looks to be more than the typical group of rookies, according to men's varsity coach Chris Mitchell, who coached the novices for the fall season.

"This is the fastest group I've been around in the last decade," Mitchell said.

For now, some novices might just be learning or rowing for the fun of the laidback, club-like atmosphere. But for those who stick with it, the coaches expect their beginner's talent to translate into more polished varsity members down the line.

"I think all of NESCAC has been getting faster and stronger, and we're staying right with them," Mitchell said. "I think the varsity needed a shot in the arm, and this group is more than capable of taking the Tufts crew program to the next level. I think we have a chance to become a force in NESCAC."

Overseeing the farm system of novices for the twelfth consecutive season will be coach Gary Caldwell. With this experience at the helm, one can expect many of these fledgling rowers to become hardened veterans by the end of the spring.

As for those who may be tempted to join the novice team in search of a cohesive community, the squad welcomes them to participate.

"I would definitely recommend this to everyone," Moffat said. "The [people] are great, it's fun, and very rewarding as well."