My time at Medford Rowing was an irreplaceable experience. The dedication and hard work both on and off the water was truly awe inspiring. Joining the program as a 7th grader changed my life. I was a recent graduate from North Medford Little League and looking for something to do with my time. I had heard an announcement about the high school program and how a middle school program was being integrated into the McGlynn and Andrews Middle School.
Joining would change my life forever.
Long story short, the program helped me become who I am today. I learned acceptance, the definition of teamwork, focus, sportsmanship, and how to check my ego at the door (or boatyard gate?).
"My seniors" when I was a freshman taught me all this, and the incoming freshman's seniors (my juniors) did the same for them and so on and so on. Then it was the Class of 2019's turn.
Since I was president and had a lot of things going on, I could not let my coach rely on me for boats. So instead, I joined as a "team manager" and helped out behind the scenes. I would fill in for absent rowers, coxswains, and / or be in land help (fixing oars and other maintenance needs, making sure the team could run smoothly, even with hardware issues).
Sure, I was not the best athlete, but what I took away from the program mentally is unmatched. I learned how to be a leader and how to help my team to the best of my ability. For this, my senior year, I was honored with the Michael McGlynn award which states: "Awarded yearly to a member of the Medford High School Men's Crew Team who has shown extraordinary commitment to his team and teammates".
One thing I learned from rowing for sure is that if the eight rowers in the boat do not row at the same time, the boat does not move. Funny analogy, but true.
Joining would change my life forever.
Long story short, the program helped me become who I am today. I learned acceptance, the definition of teamwork, focus, sportsmanship, and how to check my ego at the door (or boatyard gate?).
"My seniors" when I was a freshman taught me all this, and the incoming freshman's seniors (my juniors) did the same for them and so on and so on. Then it was the Class of 2019's turn.
Since I was president and had a lot of things going on, I could not let my coach rely on me for boats. So instead, I joined as a "team manager" and helped out behind the scenes. I would fill in for absent rowers, coxswains, and / or be in land help (fixing oars and other maintenance needs, making sure the team could run smoothly, even with hardware issues).
Sure, I was not the best athlete, but what I took away from the program mentally is unmatched. I learned how to be a leader and how to help my team to the best of my ability. For this, my senior year, I was honored with the Michael McGlynn award which states: "Awarded yearly to a member of the Medford High School Men's Crew Team who has shown extraordinary commitment to his team and teammates".
One thing I learned from rowing for sure is that if the eight rowers in the boat do not row at the same time, the boat does not move. Funny analogy, but true.