Men's Crew Season Preview

Williams Sports InfoBy Ken Sluis
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WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. - The men’s crew hit the ground running. On the first day of classes, two days of fitness testing began. The team performed a 6k piece and a 3-mile run in preparation for an exciting season.

The results looked very encouraging for the crew. Captain Cameron Skinner 2010 remarked, “the preliminary testing results look promising, it seems everyone really kept up this summer and we hope to translate these gains to the water."

This season also reunites the rowers with Coach Peter Wells 1979. Wells was away on sabbatical in Australia and other locations. He observed different rowing programs and added to his extensive mastery of the sport.

The prospects for the rest of the fall season seem quite great, but, “Coming off of an impressive season where we ended Trinity's streak of wins since 2005, we realize that we have a big target on our back. Winning the Head of the Charles yet again will be the big goal of the fall season. Otherwise, we hope to lay a foundation for the winter and spring seasons to reassert ourselves come May at the New England Championships and ECACs,” said Captain Greg Ferris 2010.

He continued, “with a solid group of incoming freshmen and only graduating three rowers last year, we are ready to get back to work.” This year brings seven experienced freshman to the crew. Freshman Coach Colin Regan he success of the frosh group will really lie in work ethic throughout the year. We have more experience than last year and if that experience can be combined with the enthusiasm and tenacity of last year's frosh, I believe they can be very competitive.“

The varsity Eight stands to lose only two members from last years graduating class, seven experienced rowers arrived with the class of 2013. The crew remains largely similar to last year.

In the few weeks since the beginning of formal training, the emphasis has been split between developing a unified technique, seat-racing for spots in the Varsity Boats, and general boat-fitness.

The team will continue to enjoy training on Lake Onota in Pittsfield this year in preparation for the Head of The Charles Regatta. On October 17 or 18 the crew will race up the Charles River in Boston with the first competition berth. Trinity will be launched a few seconds behind, and the boat with the fastest adjusted time will win. As always, the crew is welcoming to any athletes willing to prove their mettle.

Just yesterday the team practiced a few simulations of the Head of the Charles race in preparation for the regatta just two weeks away. The boats have not been set as of yet due to encouraging competition.

Next week, the crew will race at the Head of the Housatonic in the IRA or highest category event.
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St. Stan's Students Spread Holiday Cheer at Williamstown Commons

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Students from St. Stanislaus Kostka School  in Adams brought the holiday spirit to Williamstown Commons on Thursday, delivering handmade Christmas cards and leading residents in a community caroling session.
 
"It honestly means the world to us because it means the world to them," said nursing home Administrator Alex Fox on Thursday morning. "This made their days. This could have even made their weeks. It could have made their Christmas, seeing the children and interacting with the community."
 
Teacher Kate Mendonca said this is the first year her class has visited the facility, noting that the initiative was driven entirely by the students.
 
"This came from the kids. They said they wanted to create something and give back," Mendonca said. "We want our students involved in the community instead of just reading from a religion book."
 
Preparation for the event began in early December, with students crafting bells to accompany their singing. The handmade cards were completed last week.
 
"It's important for them to know that it's not just about them during Christmas," Mendonca said. "It's about everyone, for sure. I hope that they know they really helped a lot of people today and hopefully it brought joy to the residents here."
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