By Gene Galin
Jordan Lake, NC – On Saturday morning at Jordan Lake in Chatham County, coach Austin Work of the University of North Carolina’s men’s crew team shared insights into the intricacies of collegiate rowing, the importance of teamwork, and the rigorous training regimen that has shaped his athletes. With the team practicing at Jordan Lake, Work emphasized the technological advancements in boat design and the personal connections that define the crew’s culture, all while highlighting the journey of developing young men into competitive athletes.
The Legacy of UNC Crew
The men’s crew team at the University of North Carolina has a rich history, having been established 55 years ago. Originally part of a combined program with the women’s team, the men’s crew has evolved into a competitive club program. This club rowing team competes in ACRA, the American Collegiate Rowing Association, a league for rowing teams that are not fully funded by varsity sports. The team gets funding from an endowment fund that alumni contribute to. Campus recreation at UNC also contributes funding to the team.
Coach Austin Work, who has been with the team for four years, emphasizes the importance of both the sport and the development of the athletes. “I love coaching guys in boats and moving boats,” Work said, reflecting on his passion for the sport and the students he mentors.
The Mechanics of Rowing
Rowing is a sport that relies heavily on teamwork and precision. The boats used by the UNC crew team are impressive feats of engineering, measuring 61 feet long and weighing approximately 205 pounds. Constructed from carbon fiber, these boats cost between $50,000 and $65,000 each. “They are remarkable technological advancements over the last 150 years of boat building,” Work noted, highlighting the shift from traditional wooden boats to modern designs that enhance performance. The technological advancements in boat building over the past century have transformed the sport, making these vessels remarkable machines.
The process of preparing for competitions is intricate. Each time the team travels, they must disassemble the boats, transport them, and reassemble them at the new location. “It’s a lot like Legos,” Work explained, emphasizing the care and teamwork involved in handling the equipment.
Honoring Team History
Names on the boats signify important figures in the program’s history, including coaches and former athletes. Each boat carries the name of individuals who have made significant contributions to the program, whether through donations or personal dedication. For instance, one UNC boat is named in memory of Adam Cottrell, a former rower who tragically lost his life in a training accident while serving in the Marine Corps. Naming boats after significant contributors not only honors their legacy but also fosters a sense of community and continuity within the team.
The Lifespan of a Boat
The average lifespan of a boat for the UNC crew team is between 10 to 15 years, but the competitive lifespan is often shorter due to the need for stiffness and performance. “We want them to be as stiff as they can be so that we are going as fast as we can,” Work explained. Stiffness is crucial for performance, as it allows the boat to glide smoothly through the water without unnecessary flexing. As boats age, they begin to lose their structural integrity, necessitating a planned replacement cycle to maintain competitive standards.
The team would like to maintain a six to seven-year replacement cycle to ensure optimal performance. Retired boats often find new homes with high school teams or other programs looking for affordable options.
Recruitment and Team Composition
The team primarily recruits walk-on athletes, with about 95% of the roster coming from students who may not have prior rowing experience. Work and his coaching staff actively promote the program through signs around campus and information sessions. “We will get folks who love being outside. Folks who love to train. They are looking to do something new in college,” he said, emphasizing the inclusive nature of the program.
The team dynamic is essential for success in rowing, where synchronization and teamwork are paramount. “There’s no rugged individual in rowing,” Work emphasized, highlighting the importance of operating as a cohesive unit.
Currently, the team has 46 members, including 40 rowers and five coxswains, who play a crucial role in steering and guiding the boats. Coach Work notes that the coxswains are the ones who really run the show, highlighting the importance of leadership within the team.
Training Regimen
Training for the crew team is rigorous, consisting of nine practices per week. Five of these are on-water practices, while the remaining four include strength training and rowing machine workouts. Each practice lasts between 60 and 90 minutes, focusing on cardiovascular conditioning and muscle endurance. “We structure our training to ensure we are improving throughout the season,” Work explained, noting that each practice is designed to build cardiovascular conditioning and strength.
The rowing stroke engages 89% of the body’s muscles, making it essential for athletes to maintain a balanced training regimen. The training is designed to build the athletes’ strength and stamina while ensuring they peak at the right time during the competitive season. Work emphasized the importance of not only physical training but also managing the athletes’ academic responsibilities, as they are primarily students at UNC.
Competitive Season and Race Strategy
Although men’s collegiate rowing is not officially an NCAA sport, the UNC men’s crew competes at a high level against both varsity and club teams across the nation. The crew team participates in a variety of competitions throughout the year, with five scheduled races in the spring and four in the fall. Competitions are held in various locations, including Boston and Oakridge. Coach Work described their approach to selecting races, aiming for a mix of challenging and competitive events to facilitate growth and improvement. “We want to ensure that there’s an increase in quality and speed of racing throughout the year,” he said.
“Each competition is an opportunity to learn,” Work noted. The coaching staff carefully chooses races that will push the athletes while also allowing them to showcase their skills against similar programs. This strategic planning is crucial for the team’s development and national ranking.
The Role of the Coxswain
An integral part of the crew team is the coxswain, who steers the boat and keeps the team on track. Coach Work explained that coxswains must possess strong leadership qualities, as they are responsible for guiding the rowers and making split-second decisions during races.
While the rowers power the boat, the coxswain plays a crucial role in steering and directing the crew. Coach Work describes the coxswain as the “boss” of the boat, responsible for maintaining course and communicating strategy. Typically smaller in stature, coxswains must possess strong leadership skills and the ability to motivate their teammates. The relationship between rowers and coxswains is built on mutual respect, as both parties recognize the importance of their roles in achieving success.
Personal Growth and Development
Beyond the physical training, Coach Work is deeply invested in the personal growth of his athletes. He shared a story about one individual who joined the team three years ago with a laid-back attitude but has since transformed into one of the top rowers in the country. This kind of development, both on and off the water, is what motivates Work to continue coaching.
“I love being around the guys and sharing in that competition,” he said, underscoring the joy he finds in mentoring young athletes. The bonds formed during training and competition create lasting memories and friendships that extend beyond the sport.
A Commitment to Excellence
Under coach Austin Work’s guidance, the crew program continues to thrive, fostering a culture that values hard work, respect, and personal growth. The journey of these athletes is not just about competing; it is about building character, resilience, and lifelong friendships. As Coach Work aptly put it, “We like to win, but it’s more fun to work with these guys every day.”
Watch our discussion on YouTube – UNC men’s crew coach Austin Work at Jordan Lake – 3.8.25
00:14 Coach Austin Work discusses crew program logistics and boat technology.
- Coach Austin Work explains his background and involvement with UNC’s men’s crew team.
- The process of assembling and traveling with high-tech carbon fiber boats is detailed.
02:01 The significance of naming boats in UNC men’s crew team.
- Boats are often named after significant contributors to the program, including past athletes and coaches.
- The average lifespan of a racing boat is 10-15 years, with plans to cycle them every 6-7 years for competitive performance.
03:38 Coach Work discusses crew material, recruitment, and program dynamics at UNC.
- The importance of stiffness in crew boats for optimal performance and durability was detailed, emphasizing the use of carbon fiber.
- Coach Work explains recruitment strategies, highlighting a predominantly walk-on team and the appeal of outdoor training and competition.
05:16 UNC crew coach highlights team accountability and competitive spirit.
- Last spring marked a significant improvement with the team’s results and engagement in training.
- Coaching brings joy through shared competitive experiences on the water each morning.
07:03 Role and importance of coxswains in rowing teams.
- Coxswains steer the boat, using technology like GPS, and are essential in guiding the team.
- They must be assertive and commanding, often displaying high levels of competitiveness and respect from rowers.
08:46 UNC men’s crew employs a rigorous training and competition strategy.
- The team trains nine times weekly, combining on-water sessions with strength and rowing machine workouts.
- Competitions are strategically chosen to enhance learning, ensuring progressive quality and speed throughout the season.
10:23 UNC men’s crew trains comprehensively for speed and endurance improvements.
- The program incorporates full-body workouts daily, focusing primarily on leg strength due to the demands of the rowing stroke.
- Athletes’ training adapts throughout the season to ensure continuous performance enhancement while balancing academic responsibilities.
12:01 UNC men’s crew coach values team chemistry and individual development.
- Training at Jordan Lake enhances water volume and provides a refreshing environment for the team.
- Coach Work highlights the significant transformation of a team member, Jac, showcasing the importance of personal growth.