Where is here?
Here is with me and the many other ithaca College alumni, parents, friends, and team members who understand the enduring value of the IC Crew program, and who get that participating is even better than understanding alone! By joining our efforts together, we make the difficult easier, the distant closer, and the sometimes unreasonable delivered!
The IC Crew Endowment began back in the late 1990's and grows every day. We have big goals: top notch equipment for our athletes, dependable support equipment for our coaches, and someday, in the not too distant future, a IC boathouse that fully serves the demands of a first class collegiate rowing program.
All these goals have an associated cost, but who among us does not share the experienced willingness to take on some piece of any effort or cost in order to achieve the goals we with commitment set before us? Perhaps above all else, this capacity in our community defines the character and the spirit of the crew.
This past weekend I had the pleasure of seeing a handful of my teammates together in Ithaca. In some cases decades had passed since we had seen each other, let alone cruise down the Inlet (be it glassy water or raging headwind). The feeling was superb as I again realized that together we had shared irreplaceable life and adventure, and, that I would still do anything for them, because I know that they feel the same in return - the unspoken deal sealed in our youth with sweat and countless oar-strokes.
This feeling is not reserved by me for a select few team members, but for all of you who have hoisted a boat, frozen your fingers on an icy Cayuga morning, numbed your muscles on the ergometer, and reached inside yourselves further than maybe your expected ever possible in order to be that IC team.
After 40 years, we each have over 1000 teammates. Most we don't know directly. in fact, most we have never even seen. I met some current IC rowers this past Spring who were not even born until well after my graduation from IC. Does that matter? Not to me. I would put my earnest back to the oar for the Freshman '09 as I would have for the guys in my Freshman boat in "77. I suspect that you would, too.
That is why I can persistently commit myself to giving to this endowment - not a ton at any given moment, but something, consistently, with dedication and persistence. That's the message; that is how as alumni we can participate and honor our teammates. I ride vicariously in an IC shell every day since 1981, and plan to do so for as long as I am in physical attendence (and then I shall let the residual gains in the endowment continue for me ad infinitum).
We know each other, you and I. When you are invited to give to the IC Crew, I hope you will not hesitate to do so - they'd do it for you!
Thanks.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Monday, May 11, 2009
Wind
Man, any of you following the ECAC races already know that the wind ruled the day. It's sort of like getting the chair pulled from underneath you; hard way to end the season for the Men's boats especially.
Anyhow, tomorrow is the banquet and I am sure that a little more cash in the hat would go a ways towards making them all feel like the outrageous bunch of athletes that they are!
I'm going in another $50 - how about you?!! Today is the last day, so it's now or never (till next year)!
Thanks to all!
Pete '81
Anyhow, tomorrow is the banquet and I am sure that a little more cash in the hat would go a ways towards making them all feel like the outrageous bunch of athletes that they are!
I'm going in another $50 - how about you?!! Today is the last day, so it's now or never (till next year)!
Thanks to all!
Pete '81
Thursday, May 7, 2009
This is when...
This is when I begin to get anxious about knowing just how far and wide the message for the Hat appeal has gotten! Hopefully it has gotten to you and you have responded with a very appreciated contribution to the Crew Endowment.
Busy weekend coming up for the teams traveling to NJ for the ECAC's. When they get back to Ithaca, lets have amassed a nice little Hat-full! Don't wait, take the plunge, make a gift, and join the hip crowd!
Busy weekend coming up for the teams traveling to NJ for the ECAC's. When they get back to Ithaca, lets have amassed a nice little Hat-full! Don't wait, take the plunge, make a gift, and join the hip crowd!
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Off to a fine start!
I know, I was going to write another story, but it'll have to wait - I am too tired! But, I did want to let you know that some folks have jumped right into action in filling the Hat, and I (speaking for everyone else) really, really appreciate your willingness and participation - that's what makes it fun! Jumping in and making a difference!
I will get to writing emails to each of you directly with thanks, but for the moment, a blanket thank you.
More tomorrow.
I will get to writing emails to each of you directly with thanks, but for the moment, a blanket thank you.
More tomorrow.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Funny Memory
Ok, so back in the early days, Bob Tallman was still coaching the Men's Heavyweights and every other year the Dad Vails would conflict with IC graduation, so we would head out to Bookbinder's in Philly for a dinner after the races and it was a blast and a half. Parents, students, coaches all together in a socially active environment; real sense of extended family.
In fact, it was at Bookbinder's my freshman year that I was treated to a phrase that I still use today spoken by Coach in regard to a minor lapse in student judgement from an earlier point in that season (trying to not be too colorful, I will give rough indication and you can guess the rest): Coach Tallman, smirking and shaking his head speaks "Jes-- Cr---, that is what I call Sh-- for brains!"
Now, you really have to know the whole story to appreciate the full depth of the comment, but you'll have to buy me a drink and get me talking at some event someplace to get the whole story. For those of you who already know the whole story, tell me that you are not grinning from ear to ear right now! ( can also attest to the laser-like accuracy of the comment!)
Anyhow, we were perfectly imperfect and a happier bunch of folks you'd never see (unless you went to the boathouse or a race these days and you'd see the same happy folks all around the IC trailer and tent)!
IC Crew is great; write 'em a check!
Tomorrow I'll write a Ward story!
In fact, it was at Bookbinder's my freshman year that I was treated to a phrase that I still use today spoken by Coach in regard to a minor lapse in student judgement from an earlier point in that season (trying to not be too colorful, I will give rough indication and you can guess the rest): Coach Tallman, smirking and shaking his head speaks "Jes-- Cr---, that is what I call Sh-- for brains!"
Now, you really have to know the whole story to appreciate the full depth of the comment, but you'll have to buy me a drink and get me talking at some event someplace to get the whole story. For those of you who already know the whole story, tell me that you are not grinning from ear to ear right now! ( can also attest to the laser-like accuracy of the comment!)
Anyhow, we were perfectly imperfect and a happier bunch of folks you'd never see (unless you went to the boathouse or a race these days and you'd see the same happy folks all around the IC trailer and tent)!
IC Crew is great; write 'em a check!
Tomorrow I'll write a Ward story!
Day 2 HAT
Actually, day one, as the emails just went out this morning! That gives 24 less hours to get the word out and put together a good showing for the week!
I just got the crew newsletter yesterday. It is interesting when I see photos of boatloads of IC rowers; I can just glaze my eyes a bit and I see the hoard of folks who have peopled those boats over the years. In fact, I remember my freshman novice 8 just as it were yesterday (a stretch given that 1978 was not yesterday)!
I'll have more to write this evening
I just got the crew newsletter yesterday. It is interesting when I see photos of boatloads of IC rowers; I can just glaze my eyes a bit and I see the hoard of folks who have peopled those boats over the years. In fact, I remember my freshman novice 8 just as it were yesterday (a stretch given that 1978 was not yesterday)!
I'll have more to write this evening
Monday, May 4, 2009
Monday test
OK, great morning. Up with Karina at 4:45 and hit the road by about 5:35. It was pretty chilly to start (45*), but we did fine. We live on a hill, so the first .5 miles was downhill, then we had about another mile of down/flat before the hill began for real (UP-hill).
Pretty much the road to Charlemont is uphill from cummington, through plainfield and on until you get to the far side of Hawley. From downtown Cummington, that means about 10 miles of up. From the Hawley bog until you hit Berkshire East Ski area is steep down, that was cold.
Karina and I switched on and off the recumbent to a regular touring bike, though she rode 80% there on the recumbent. She was incredible, no complaints, persistent, good natured. She got to school about 8:15.
The rule for the day was to not push much at all as we are trying to acclimate our bodies in a way that is not damaging, but strengthening. Plus, there is still a lot we need to learn about the recumbent; how it rides, what the gearings feel like, handling, etc. The recumbent is a borrowed machine and it is a little different that what we will eventually be riding.
We should know tomorrow what the toll was for todays efforts!
I am writing my check for 150 smashers, it'll be heading to the endowment with the evening mail! Hope you all do the same!!
Pretty much the road to Charlemont is uphill from cummington, through plainfield and on until you get to the far side of Hawley. From downtown Cummington, that means about 10 miles of up. From the Hawley bog until you hit Berkshire East Ski area is steep down, that was cold.
Karina and I switched on and off the recumbent to a regular touring bike, though she rode 80% there on the recumbent. She was incredible, no complaints, persistent, good natured. She got to school about 8:15.
The rule for the day was to not push much at all as we are trying to acclimate our bodies in a way that is not damaging, but strengthening. Plus, there is still a lot we need to learn about the recumbent; how it rides, what the gearings feel like, handling, etc. The recumbent is a borrowed machine and it is a little different that what we will eventually be riding.
We should know tomorrow what the toll was for todays efforts!
I am writing my check for 150 smashers, it'll be heading to the endowment with the evening mail! Hope you all do the same!!
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Snap
Another fast weekend has shot past. I am eager to hear the news from Whitney point.
I saw everyone last weekend up in Pittsfield. Organized lightly with Dan and Becky to crash at their house on the way through Ithaca. We'll be heading through there on June 18/19. We'll definitely make the trip down to the boathouse, check in with Ward!
The boathouse is the same, and it is different. I guess going back to '81, there should have been plenty of changes. One change that is great is the selection of new and superb racing shells that fill the racks! It really is outstanding.
Also, I should mention that if you haven't been to a race in a while, it is a great treat and I highly recommend going sometime. Between the team members and the host of parents and friends that organize and operate the food tents, wow! Races, convivial atmosphere, good food and great folks - what is better than that?!
I saw everyone last weekend up in Pittsfield. Organized lightly with Dan and Becky to crash at their house on the way through Ithaca. We'll be heading through there on June 18/19. We'll definitely make the trip down to the boathouse, check in with Ward!
The boathouse is the same, and it is different. I guess going back to '81, there should have been plenty of changes. One change that is great is the selection of new and superb racing shells that fill the racks! It really is outstanding.
Also, I should mention that if you haven't been to a race in a while, it is a great treat and I highly recommend going sometime. Between the team members and the host of parents and friends that organize and operate the food tents, wow! Races, convivial atmosphere, good food and great folks - what is better than that?!
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Hat's ON!
HI All,
As I write this, the teams are getting ready for their second day of racing at the State's. They all have one more week left in the season and that means one week for us all to do our part to send them off with a bang. Make a donation to the IC Crew Endowment today!
Monday morning, 5am, Karina and I will set off on bikes to her school; that's about 22 miles from here and definitely not flat! With just six weeks left until we leave for the big trip, we are ramping up the training and looking to pack in a little pre-departure stress and misery (so we are better prepared for some of what could come later!). I always am thinking and remembering my training with the crew and that helps a ton. I'll report on how we fare.
Also, I will try to keep news up to date on the Hat progress and any fun stuff that I come across this week. Talk to you again tomorrow!
As I write this, the teams are getting ready for their second day of racing at the State's. They all have one more week left in the season and that means one week for us all to do our part to send them off with a bang. Make a donation to the IC Crew Endowment today!
Monday morning, 5am, Karina and I will set off on bikes to her school; that's about 22 miles from here and definitely not flat! With just six weeks left until we leave for the big trip, we are ramping up the training and looking to pack in a little pre-departure stress and misery (so we are better prepared for some of what could come later!). I always am thinking and remembering my training with the crew and that helps a ton. I'll report on how we fare.
Also, I will try to keep news up to date on the Hat progress and any fun stuff that I come across this week. Talk to you again tomorrow!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Seven Weeks
That's it! Seven more weeks of life as I have known it before Karina and I hit the roads for our "Summer-o-Sweat"!
Activity and anxiety are picking up. The list is long and the time is short. Somewhere in here I have to find time to get a summer's worth of home projects in order before exiting stage left. Then there is the organizing, the packing, the training, the kids school projects, work, etc. Sound familiar?!
In addition, I am getting prepared for the annual "Pass the Hat" for the Crew Endowment, coming your way May 3 - 11. I will not be shaving my head or donning a dress this year, but I will be at the gym! Maybe I will shave my head and don the dress in San Francisco after we finish the ride - I'll let you know.
Activity and anxiety are picking up. The list is long and the time is short. Somewhere in here I have to find time to get a summer's worth of home projects in order before exiting stage left. Then there is the organizing, the packing, the training, the kids school projects, work, etc. Sound familiar?!
In addition, I am getting prepared for the annual "Pass the Hat" for the Crew Endowment, coming your way May 3 - 11. I will not be shaving my head or donning a dress this year, but I will be at the gym! Maybe I will shave my head and don the dress in San Francisco after we finish the ride - I'll let you know.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Let's get this party started!
So, we are doing what?!!
We: Pete; father, 51 (that is 2-19 year old and a 13 year old in one package), IC '81 Crew Major, and Karina; daughter, 13 (really 13), tough as nails with her mother's good looks, are undertaking to travel across the USA, from CT to CA this summer riding a pair of recumbent trikes! Our trip begins formally on June 14th and will end when we get to San Francisco, on or about the 22nd of August. On paper it is 3,900 miles of who knows what!
Beyond having a huge adventure, we wanted our efforts to be both shared with others and to be productive beyond our personal experiences. And, by now you should all be very familiar with what I fancy as my favorite productivity target - the Ithaca College Crew Capital Endowment!
I will be blogging, or at least attempting to, every day of the trip. We'll post up some video stuff, photos, will tell some good stories and now and then press you guys to get in the game and give.
I have a dream, that one day all 1000+ of you crew alumni (40 years worth!!!) will make a gift together, a fundraising Tsunami! Just imagine the uproar we would cause by pulling that one off. Safely, it is something that would be the envy of any organization, anywhere in the world! Now the folks who raise money for a living tell me that I am nuts, but I say "Hey, what's the point of stating the obvious!" No, really, it is the inspiring words of the great comedian Flip Wilson that drive me forward, who said "You never know what you can get away with until you try!"
Make a pledge of just one penny a mile for each of us (that's 78 bucks), and if you all did only that, the endowment would increase by over $80,000! Two cents a mile, spitting distance to $200,000! Some can give more, some can give less, but you get the idea - everybody give something. Oh, there is such power in teamwork!
The two of us are in training now at the gym, while we wait for the snow to melt and the mud to change back into dirt. What's it going to take to do this? I have no idea, but I am willing to find out!
To get your attention and motivate you in the past, I have challenged, bribed, shaved hair, impoverished myself, dressed as Vannah White, and generally harangued you annually for your contributions to "the Hat". I am raising the bar and will be hot, cold, wet, burned, smelly, dirty, tired and sore for the entire summer; all this just for you and the things we can do for the IC Crew! It really is a beautiful thing when we all pull together!
So, check in often to see where we are and what the epic du jour might be, just to get a quick update on my sunburn, what is numb, sore, or Karina's mental health resultant from having to spend continuous time with me (and I know there are a few of you out there who know what that can do to a person!). If we raise some jaw dropping sum of money by the end of the journey, you'll sure know about it.
more....
We: Pete; father, 51 (that is 2-19 year old and a 13 year old in one package), IC '81 Crew Major, and Karina; daughter, 13 (really 13), tough as nails with her mother's good looks, are undertaking to travel across the USA, from CT to CA this summer riding a pair of recumbent trikes! Our trip begins formally on June 14th and will end when we get to San Francisco, on or about the 22nd of August. On paper it is 3,900 miles of who knows what!
Beyond having a huge adventure, we wanted our efforts to be both shared with others and to be productive beyond our personal experiences. And, by now you should all be very familiar with what I fancy as my favorite productivity target - the Ithaca College Crew Capital Endowment!
I will be blogging, or at least attempting to, every day of the trip. We'll post up some video stuff, photos, will tell some good stories and now and then press you guys to get in the game and give.
I have a dream, that one day all 1000+ of you crew alumni (40 years worth!!!) will make a gift together, a fundraising Tsunami! Just imagine the uproar we would cause by pulling that one off. Safely, it is something that would be the envy of any organization, anywhere in the world! Now the folks who raise money for a living tell me that I am nuts, but I say "Hey, what's the point of stating the obvious!" No, really, it is the inspiring words of the great comedian Flip Wilson that drive me forward, who said "You never know what you can get away with until you try!"
Make a pledge of just one penny a mile for each of us (that's 78 bucks), and if you all did only that, the endowment would increase by over $80,000! Two cents a mile, spitting distance to $200,000! Some can give more, some can give less, but you get the idea - everybody give something. Oh, there is such power in teamwork!
The two of us are in training now at the gym, while we wait for the snow to melt and the mud to change back into dirt. What's it going to take to do this? I have no idea, but I am willing to find out!
To get your attention and motivate you in the past, I have challenged, bribed, shaved hair, impoverished myself, dressed as Vannah White, and generally harangued you annually for your contributions to "the Hat". I am raising the bar and will be hot, cold, wet, burned, smelly, dirty, tired and sore for the entire summer; all this just for you and the things we can do for the IC Crew! It really is a beautiful thing when we all pull together!
So, check in often to see where we are and what the epic du jour might be, just to get a quick update on my sunburn, what is numb, sore, or Karina's mental health resultant from having to spend continuous time with me (and I know there are a few of you out there who know what that can do to a person!). If we raise some jaw dropping sum of money by the end of the journey, you'll sure know about it.
more....
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