Laker
Reviews
Title: The
Red Rose Crew
Author: Dan Boyne
Laker Reviewer: Tom Filep
Laker Rating: 
On a
recent flight to Beijing, I read a most remarkable account of teamwork,
dedication and conquering obstacles - The Red Rose Crew.
The Red
Rose Crew comprised the first U.S. Women's National Team in 1975,
coached by Harry Parker, legendary Harvard crew coach. With
a 16-year-old, 98-pound coxswain and eight diverse, well-accomplished
and motivated oarswomen ages 22 to 34, The Red Rose Crew broke
boundaries into a sport previously reserved in the U.S.
"For Men Only". One member of the crew, Gail
Pierson, was the first woman to single scull at The Head of the
Charles.
This
book is highly recommended reading for Lakers and for
Laker kids, especially those who currently compete or intend
to compete in regattas. Fundamental life lessons are
exemplified such as courage, resilience, consistent training
habits, mental and physical toughness, even if you don't always win,
don't quit - if you work hard to achieve tangible goals, you're still a
winner. We can't do it alone - crew is a team sport, teamwork
is critical, especially in the eight shell. Without top-notch
coaching and a program which fosters excelling as one, time
and efforts are wasted. Even if you are not the biggest,
strongest or most gifted athletically, do you possess what's needed
"between the ears" to achieve greatness?
A
section of the book describes common attributes among rowers
in different seats from bow to stern...it was fun to visualize who
rows for CLRA in which seat. Do you match "your
seat" as described in this book? Whether man or woman, do some
of the winning qualities inherent in The Red Rose Crew remind
you of you? As a Laker, are you in the A Boat? If
you are, what do you need to do to help make the A Boat great?
If you're not, how can you challenge yourself to get there?
If you enjoy
reading inspirational, non-fiction success stories as I do, especially
about the amazing sport we got sucked into, read this book.
I donated this book to the Laker Library since good books, like
everything else in life, are meant to be shared. Hope you like
The Red Rose Crew!
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