T.C. Rowers Trade Oars for Shovels to Dig Out Neighbors and Raise Funds for Team

T.C. Williams Girls Crew Team traded their oars for shovels in the aftermath of winter storm Jonas to support their community and raise funds for their team during a two-day shoveling marathon last Sunday and Monday.

With only two days’ notice, Gracie Barbara, a former Titan rower who now serves as Assistant Girls Coach for T.C. Williams, organized the effort to raise funds for the team.

“The girls were quick to jump on board with the shoveling. Some girls even did some on their own before I sent them out to shoveling appointments. We did this with only two days of planning, yet it was still a great success!” Barbara said.

More than 20 rowers fanned out across the city in small teams and put their grit to work on behalf of homeowners, digging out more than 30 homes. True to the commitment, strength, and teamwork that have made the girls formidable competitors on the Titan Crew Team, the group raised about $5,000 for T. C. Williams Crew to help support their spring season.

Olivia Anthony, a junior at T.C. Williams High School, met up with her teammates to shovel snow in the Beverly Hills and Northridge neighborhoods.

“We were shoveling snow to earn money for Alexandria Crew Boosters.  This group helps to support our crew team when we compete in the spring,” said Anthony.

“Two smiling and energetic girls showed up and took over our shoveling duties. They were soon joined by an additional rower and managed to free our car and dig down to the driveway asphalt.  Thanks T.C. Titan Girls Crew!” said Alexandria resident Donna Munoz.

The rowers are currently training for the 2016 MidAtlantic Erg Sprints to be held at T.C. Williams on Saturday, January 30. The spring season begins with practice on February 22 and a first scrimmage on March 19.

“The girls did a fantastic job.  Feedback from homeowners has been outstanding.  I am always impressed by the dedication our girls bring to everything they do,” said Patrick Marquardt, Head Coach for the T.C. Girls Crew Team.

T.C. Williams has a long tradition of excellence in rowing, regularly earning state, national and even international medals.  Last year, Titan boats won four state championships, national medals, and a gold medal at the Canadian National Championship.  Learn more about opportunities for rowing in Alexandria at www.tcwcrew.org.

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ACPS, Alexandria City High School, Sports