Saratoga's World of Rowing

It’s All About the Team in Saratoga’s World of Rowing

WRITTEN & PHOTOGRAPHED BY THERESA ST. JOHN

“Eight hearts must beat as one in an eight-oared shell, or you don’t have a crew!”- George Pocock

Imeet the varsity girls’ assistant coach, Ashley Johnson, at Saratoga Rowing Association’s parking lot, located on Union Ave. The team is already working well together, bringing several rowing shells down the embankment, over the line of piers to the calm waters of Fish Creek and Saratoga Lake. “One of my good friends from high school started rowing and begged me to join the team with her,” Ashley tells me a few weeks before when we’re chatting over coffee. “I was playing soccer, basketball, and swimming at the time.” Once trying out this sport, Ashley explains, she was hooked and never looked back. That was 11 years ago. She rowed throughout high school, then four years at Syracuse University, and the past two years for SRA’s ARION Elite team. “What made you decide to become a coach?” I wonder out loud. She smiles with her answer. “Honestly? I’ve been interested in coaching from the get-go. In college, I spent my summers coaching and rowing for various programs. In March of 2020, I chose to step away from my rowing career so I could focus more on coaching these young athletes.” She stretches out her arms and points to the young people gathered near the water’s edge. The two of us climb into the coaching boat, along with her adorable puppy, Scout, a golden doodle, dubbed ‘assistant coach’ by the team. The little guy cracks me up – sitting at attention – as if ready to call out training drills to the varsity team over the bullhorn himself.

I take a series of photos and several video clips, listening to Ashley engage with the rowers as we make our way through Fish Creek. I watch closely as they all listen intently to her direction. Eventually, we circle back and head out into the open water of Saratoga Lake. The sun is setting; that golden orb mixed in with purples and pinks of the overhead sky. It’s a stunning end to their last evening row before winter. I enjoy the smooth sound of oars cutting across the water’s surface – every rower working in unison to make the most of each powerful stroke. Coaches from other boats wave to each other along the way. Each has the same idea; make these athletes the best they can be. Ashley says she hopes her team loves the sport and camaraderie of the boathouse as much as she does. “I believe there are so many life lessons we can learn from being part of a unit – I want to help create an atmosphere around rowing, one which works to promote that. This sport is hard work, don’t get me wrong,” She laughs. “But the skills learned during months of intense training are worth so much more than any moments of agony we complain about.” When I talk with Isabelle Johnson, she echoes the same thoughts. “It’s funny,” she tells me. “I joined a book club in seventh grade, and we read ‘Boys in the Boat.’ When we finished, SRA members came to class so we could talk about the sport. I was so interested in trying it out for myself. When I first began rowing, I wasn’t very focused. Over time that changed, and now every time I’m out on the water, I feel both challenged and empowered.” Isabelle explains that it takes a great deal of mental strength to be a rower. “No matter what we’re practicing – whether it’s easy or hard, you have to be 100% in it – for yourself and your teammates. Rowing has helped me grow in many aspects of my life – I can see myself finishing my academic and athletic career in a D1 program.” When I catch up with Carly Fay, she’s more than happy to talk about her love of rowing. It’s hard for me, at 62, to think about a young person falling in love with anything at the tender age of 12. But, it seems like most of the athletes I meet say the same thing; “I wanted to meet new people.” “I wanted to try a new sport.” “I thrive on competition.”

Carly also tells me she’d recommend the sport to anyone who asked. “Rowing has not only made me physically stronger,” she looks out over the lake as she continues. “But by working at this sport - and I’ve worked hard - I believe I can accomplish anything. Even my grades have improved since starting.” Clare Hegener shares how her sister was into rowing for several years before being sidelined due to an injury. Clare had watched how intense the sport was and how happy her sister felt when rowing. Clare began rowing herself at the start of 7th grade, 2017. “When I joined the rowing team, I wanted to become more physically active and was hoping to make connections with people who’d feel more like family - I can honestly tell you I got all that and then some!” When asked, all the rowers tell me they wish they could be on the water year-round. Because I adore the water as well, I understand and sympathize. They also express their joy in ‘being part of something bigger than themselves.’ And, of course, there’s nothing like the thrill of winning a race using the skills they learn from Ashley and Coach Scout. “Look, it’s simple; Everyone’s here because they want to be here. We share similar interests and many of the same goals,” Ashley says in parting. “I always tell my team – when you get to the start line of a race, trust your training. That’s how much I believe training is tantamount to their success.” For more information about the Saratoga Rowing Association and all they offer, please visit saratogarowing.com. SF