Gloucester Rowing Association: Get to know GHS Crew

GLOUCESTER, Va. — With renewed energy from committed coaches, dedicated families and determined athletes, the Gloucester Rowing Association (GRA), known also as GHS Crew, came back last school year ready to bring recognition to their community and promote opportunities for Gloucester’s youth.

Here’s a peek into some stats on the team and what coaches, families and athletes want the community to know about this local sports group that is making waves in its competitions.

Facts About Gloucester Rowing Association (GRA)

Mission:

The goals of the GRA/GHS Crew are to provide young adults the opportunities to learn and practice the skills necessary to row well and compete successfully at the youth/junior level. Through consistent, rigorous training, and guidance, members of the GRA/GHS Crew will learn discipline, leadership skills, and how to work well in a group setting towards a common goal. Members will also live and learn the sportsmanship ideals while participating in the sport of rowing.

Years in Action:

GRA was founded in 2000 and after a brief break due to the pandemic was back in 2023 with new rowers.

Head Coach:

Zach Moore

Assistant Coach:

Rachel Witt

Mens Captains:

Josh Littlefield and Cooper White

Womens Captain:

Danielle LaCosa

Noteworthy Wins:

Last school year GRA had the first middle school boat to win regionals for Gloucester.

Goals for the Future:

This year GRA is hoping to have multiple boats medal at regional and states and for its Men’s Novice Four team (an 8th grade team last year) to retain their title.

Coach’s Corner: What Leaders Want to Share

Head Coach Zach Moore, who participated with the GRA as an athlete in high school and then continued rowing into college at Liberty University, has supported the team as coach for four years. He took some time to answer a few questions about the dedication and determination of the team and what he hopes for in years to come.

What are some things the team does in training that are part of their key to success?

Zach Moore: Rigorous endurance training and creating a family-like bond.

What has motivated the team to reach their goals?

Moore: The drive to be the best they can be. This team has pushed harder in my opinion than any team in this area. This has shown them that although they are much younger than the competition, we can stay in the fight no matter the event.

What are some of the most memorable games/tournaments/championships your team has won?

Moore: Gloucester Rowing has received multiple state championships and top three placements during my time rowing with and coaching the team.

How do you encourage the team after a disappointing loss?

Moore: There is no disappointing loss, only the realization that my team needs to focus on the task at hand and train harder than the competition.

What has been one of your proudest moments as a coach?

Moore: This year my proudest moment was training a group of middle school boys who could go on to win regionals for the middle school events and the high school novice events.

What is the biggest life lesson you’ve learned from being a coach?

Moore: No matter what background the athlete is coming from they can achieve greatness through effort and perseverance.

What legacy do you hope to leave as a coach?

Moore: The legacy that I hope to leave (many years from now) is that of making Gloucester Rowing not only a small-town rowing team but a nationally recognized team on the highest level.

Family Reflections: What Caregivers Have Noticed

“Being a member of the crew team with Gloucester Rowing Association has been an incredibly positive experience for my son, Mason. It is something he looks forward to every day, and the impact of rowing on his life has been nothing short of transformative. Mason has grown into a stronger athlete, student, and a more well-rounded individual through his dedication to rowing.

Rowing has instilled in him a strong sense of responsibility and commitment to his team and the sport. The camaraderie among the crew members has created friendships and a strong support system, fostering a sense of belonging and encouragement. He has learned to handle both success and setbacks with grace, nurturing resilience and mental toughness.

I am immensely grateful to GRA for providing Mason with such an enriching and supportive environment. The coaches and fellow team members have played a crucial role in his growth as an athlete and as an individual. We feel fortunate to be part of such a wonderful community.” -Jenna Dominguez, mother of rower Mason Dominguez

“My son, Cohen, started on the JV GHS Crew team in Spring of this year. It was completely a new sport to us and honestly we didn’t know quite what to expect. We had just heard it was hard work and that Cohen’s tall, thin build would be perfect for the sport. After his first practice, he came home sore all over his body but excited for the next practice.

He built confidence throughout the season and trust with his teammates. With crew, if one rower is out of sync, so is the whole boat! Coach Moore, Whit and Jack led the team to thrive as a whole. They learned to work together, listen to the coxswain, cheer each other on and the rigging and unrigging of the boat.

The teamwork didn’t stop with the rowers, it was with the parents too. We all worked together to support the food for the regatas and transportation for practices. It truly is a crew family.” -Kim Ogle, mother of rower Cohen Ogle

Athlete Reflections: What Teammates Have Experienced

“To be a part of Gloucester Rowing Association you have to dedicate 90% of your time and put your all in until the last meter. A lot of people take crew as an odd sport and think it’s easy but they haven’t cried because they were one second off from a “PR” or felt the adrenaline you get when you’re head to head with another boat. I joined thinking that and I was wrong but I made unforgettable memories and learned so much.

To join GRA you have to have the strength to put your all in no matter how tired you are; to follow and pull until you hear the beep. GRA is not only a team but a strong working family and teaches its athletes responsibility, discipline and most of all teamwork.” -Braxten Abelar

“Growing up I never felt like I fit in any sports, that was until I found crew. This sport has helped me physically and with my teamwork abilities. I look forward to building this team from the ground up and making a name for the Gloucester Rowing Association. And my goal for this team is to help those other kids who haven’t felt fit for any other sports find their second family just like I did.” -Joshua Littlefield

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