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Men’s Rowing and Syracuse PAL Host Learn to Row
11/5/2023 4:57:00 PM | Men's Rowing
On Sunday afternoon the Syracuse men's rowing program worked with the Syracuse Police Athletic/Activities League to host a 'Learn to Row' session at the Sanford Family Rowing Performance Center. Children from the City of Syracuse from all backgrounds were able to attend and learn about rowing. It was the first time many of the young kids had heard of the sport.
Syracuse University student-athletes demonstrated technique while the coaching staff, Syracuse Head Coach Dave Reischman and assistant coach Connor Walters, explained the history, terminology and basic form of rowing on both an ergometer (rowing machine) and in the rowing tank at the Sanford RPC which the Syracuse rowing team has trained in for the past 100 years.
"It started about a year and a half ago with alumni and Olympic rower Tom Darling and Barry Weiss," Jimmy Oliver, Director of Community Engagement for the Syracuse Police Department said. "They were like 'what do you think about the PAL partnering and doing their own program' and I was like 'absolutely, anything different than our traditional sports to expose our kids to. And so, Reilly [Eagan] and Connor [Walters] circle back and I was like, yeah how can we make it happen."
Sunday's two-hour session featured nine kids various ages who were eager to learn the fundamentals of rowing. Another session with the same group, to further develop their skills is already scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 12.
"I thought it was really exciting today," Eagan said. "It's something we've been trying to get going for a while with the PAL. I thought it was really great. We had some kids who had never rowed before or been exposed to the sport that came down to try it our at our facility Sanford."
"The kids that represent the Syracuse City School District come from different backgrounds," Oliver added. "We are just really planting those seeds that there are other opportunities if you don't want to do a basketball, baseball or football. In rowing, you've got to be coordinated, you've got to be in sync, you've got to take directions, and I think all those things can help our kids tomorrow in school."
After hearing from Coach Walters about the history of Syracuse men's rowing and watching a replay of the Orange race at the Henley Royal Regatta in England this past summer, the kids hopped on the ergs and were instructed by Reischman on the four main positions of rowing.
"We started them on the ergs and taught them the fundamentals then we were able to get them in the rowing tank and put the oars in the water," Eagan said. "By the end of it they were really getting the hang of it. They were moving together and having fun and it was exciting for us to expose new people to the sport and see them having fun with it.
It was super rewarding. As athletes here at Syracuse we get a ton of support from the local community when we are out and about, and people learn we are athletes. So, it is always fun to interact with the community and give back while showing appreciation for their support."
For more information on the Syracuse Police Athletic/Activities League (PAL) visit the Syracuse PAL Facebook Page or follow them on social media @SyrPAL44.
To stay updated on the Syracuse men's rowing team, follow @CuseMRowing on social media.
Syracuse University student-athletes demonstrated technique while the coaching staff, Syracuse Head Coach Dave Reischman and assistant coach Connor Walters, explained the history, terminology and basic form of rowing on both an ergometer (rowing machine) and in the rowing tank at the Sanford RPC which the Syracuse rowing team has trained in for the past 100 years.
"It started about a year and a half ago with alumni and Olympic rower Tom Darling and Barry Weiss," Jimmy Oliver, Director of Community Engagement for the Syracuse Police Department said. "They were like 'what do you think about the PAL partnering and doing their own program' and I was like 'absolutely, anything different than our traditional sports to expose our kids to. And so, Reilly [Eagan] and Connor [Walters] circle back and I was like, yeah how can we make it happen."
Sunday's two-hour session featured nine kids various ages who were eager to learn the fundamentals of rowing. Another session with the same group, to further develop their skills is already scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 12.
"I thought it was really exciting today," Eagan said. "It's something we've been trying to get going for a while with the PAL. I thought it was really great. We had some kids who had never rowed before or been exposed to the sport that came down to try it our at our facility Sanford."
"The kids that represent the Syracuse City School District come from different backgrounds," Oliver added. "We are just really planting those seeds that there are other opportunities if you don't want to do a basketball, baseball or football. In rowing, you've got to be coordinated, you've got to be in sync, you've got to take directions, and I think all those things can help our kids tomorrow in school."
After hearing from Coach Walters about the history of Syracuse men's rowing and watching a replay of the Orange race at the Henley Royal Regatta in England this past summer, the kids hopped on the ergs and were instructed by Reischman on the four main positions of rowing.
"We started them on the ergs and taught them the fundamentals then we were able to get them in the rowing tank and put the oars in the water," Eagan said. "By the end of it they were really getting the hang of it. They were moving together and having fun and it was exciting for us to expose new people to the sport and see them having fun with it.
It was super rewarding. As athletes here at Syracuse we get a ton of support from the local community when we are out and about, and people learn we are athletes. So, it is always fun to interact with the community and give back while showing appreciation for their support."
For more information on the Syracuse Police Athletic/Activities League (PAL) visit the Syracuse PAL Facebook Page or follow them on social media @SyrPAL44.
To stay updated on the Syracuse men's rowing team, follow @CuseMRowing on social media.
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