It seems Heritage students will not be rowing any time soon regardless of student interest. Though there has been past interest among members of the student body for the formation of a rowing, or crew, team here at Heritage, numerous issues preclude administration and the athletic department from developing a school-sponsored team.
According to athletic director Mrs. Karen Stearns, a group of students approached administration several years ago with the idea of creating a crew team.
“They brought Mrs. Blum a fact sheet with costs, where they would practice, and how,” Stearns said.
After some deliberation among Mrs. Blum, Mr. William Laurie and other members of administration, the opportunity was passed over due to the high cost and other logistical issues.
“The issues associated with establishing the team outweighed any interest students may have possessed, unfortunately,” Stearns said.
Among the issues named were a lack of sufficient funds to purchase the racing shells, or boats, and to rent storage for the shells off-campus. Additionally, the Heritage campus does not have sufficient aquatic space for a crew team to practice, necessitating a search for an off-campus practice site.
“In that case, we would need to transport students and coaches to the site, likely very early in the morning, as well as the racing shells,” Stearns said. Other issues include the high liability associated with crew, and the fact that crew is not a Florida High School Athletics Association (FHSAA)-sanctioned sport. As a result, there is no clear rule oversight or officiation, and the school must seek out meets rather than have them organized by FHSAA. Ultimately, money is the defining factor in the school’s willingness to create a crew team. “Storage for the shells would cost at least $2,000 per month,” Stearns said.
For those looking for a crew team, an independent team is their best bet. Heritage, unfortunately, isn’t likely to have one in the near future.
