Trailer Monkeys

Surely it looks like I could up my game when it comes to posting. I supposed I haven't been feeling that inspired to write. I have been moving apartments and offices, and can tell you when my physical space isn't in order, I can't expect my head to be in the right place either.

I am a huge proponent of keeping equipment organized. I give Coach Jim some serious praise for the order he has kept our shed in. Not only does he know where things are, but it isn't difficult for any team member to find something that they need.

Susquehanna also has the tradition of having a leader to load the trailer. The position goes by many names, but is a nod to the art of learning just how everything can fit onto the trailer. I like to think of this position as being an apprenticeship of sorts, passed down from one Varsity rower to the next. It takes a lot of stress off of coaches and puts more of the responsibility onto the rowers for their own equipment.

Spring Break 2005 - Sarasota, Florida at the Osprey Oars Rowing Club

I think it is funny how people tend to naturally fall into several categories on derigging days:

• Organizers - they are the ones that know if the bow numbers are packed, where the electrical tape is, which oars still need to be loaded, which riggers belong to which boat, and where the tarp gets strapped. They are the ones others look to in order to keep the loading going. They are the question answer-ers and the ones usually able to keep others in line.

Rachel Fetrow, Tim Barnes, Rachael Gebely, Ashley McConnaughhay, and Andrew Addison - March 2005

• Trailer monkeys - the first ones to climb the trailer when the boats are being loaded. The ability to stay balanced while holding expensive equipment, dangling from a metal frame is most desired. Usually eager and good spirited, but the ability to crack jokes is optional.

Andrew Addison, Tim Barnes, Brian Nalls, and Brendon Wirth - March 2005

• Brute force - the first ones people look to in order to get the eights on the highest racks. These are usually the rowers most likely to be seen in the weight room and are some of the most competitive team members.
  
• Worriers - someone who has to double check the shed to make sure everything was loaded, double check the straps to make sure the boats are secured, and reminds everyone what time the bus is coming. Coaches can be both thankful for and worried by such behavior.
  
• Go with the flow'ers - always willing to lend a hand, grab a wrench, or carry a boat. Often these are your novice rowers, who are interested to learn, but aren't yet able to discern the priorities of what needs to be done first.

Katie Messler and Nick Fritz loading oars - Spring 2009

• "I'm trying to look busy, but I'm not really doing anything" - these are the team mates who skillfully avoid work and dirtiness of any kind. If a motor needs to be carried, suddenly their shoelace is untied. They conveniently have to go to the bathroom when boats are being loaded, or have to review some paperwork or go talk with the coach during an informal boat meeting.

Joe Klass, Chris Chizeck, and Christine Magee (Boat Mastress) - Spring 2009