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As the sun went down, freshman Maxime Lefebvre practiced his stroke as his boat glided through the water. On Mar. 10, the team put in the work at practice to get ready for their upcoming competitions and goals for their inaugural season.

“This is the first year of Gulliver rowing, and everyone is getting all of the basics down so we can crush it at states. My goal for my teammates and myself is to win as much as we can and most importantly have fun doing it,” sophomore Eden Alfi said.

Since this is the first year of rowing, coach Franky Viacava taught techniques on how to prepare the beginner rowers. It was important to go over the basics to create a strong competitive team.

“The skills we teach during the first year of rowing that have the greatest impact on their competitive success are the importance of teamwork in and out of the boat, rowing technique, strength development, and a winning mindset. All of these factors work together to make a successful team,” coach Franky Viacava said.

Going over the rules and basics of rowing is just as important as getting in the right winning mindset. More experienced rowers help their teammates both in the shell with the technique and also with the mental aspects of the sport.

“Before a race, I always try to clear my mind. I try to stay positive and implement confidence before getting on the water. I teach my beginning teammates to get stronger and to get the technique down so that we are ready and prepared to race. Little by little our goal is to improve until we are at the top,” junior Ellie Alfi said.

Viacava and his team feel confident that they are putting in the work to create a foundation for a successful team in the fall and the years to come. There is excitement about a new sport at the school and the opportunities it will provide students during high school and into their college years.

“Our main objective this season is to set the groundwork for future competitions this fall. I hope that everyone will continue training in the summer for this fall’s competitive season. One of our regattas is at the Head of the Charles Regatta in Boston where all the best teams from America and the world come to compete. It is where 2,000 rowers compete, and 30,000 spectators enjoy the races where all of the major college coaches come to recruit,” Viacava said.

Story by Paige