The Importance of Teammates

Rowing truly is the ultimate sport. It's the ultimate team sport and it's the ultimate workout. I could go on and on about rowing, but if I had a mere five minutes to convince someone to join, I'd focus on the importance of the team as a whole. Rowing isn't like basketball, or soccer where a few people from the team play for a certain amount of time. There are no substitutes in rowing. The team works together 100% of the time. No questions asked.

Not only does rowing provide you with the chance to work together with every one of your teammates, it also brings everyone together. Your team becomes your second family, and your boathouse becomes your home away from home. You practice with your teammates, you travel with your teammates and you race with your teammates. Everyone becomes very close. You can't necessarily get that with any sport you join.

I decided to write a post about the importance of teammates in spirit of the season. Christmas is a time for all to enjoy family time and to respect what is given to us. It is the same with your rowing team. Enjoy the presence of each and every one of your teammates, because the most unique thing about crew is that everyone works together. There are no all-stars or MVPs. If one person doesn't work, it hinders the whole boat. With rowing, athletes obtain a true sense of the meaning of teamwork, and with it, many life lessons are taught.

Today, I leave you with a blessing for a very happy holiday season.

Have a very merry Christmas/holiday season, and a wonderful and prosperous New Year.

Be sure to check back on the first Friday of the New Year for a special addition of the monthly top 10!

(Photo courtesy of clker.com)