Cole DiManno '24 Recruiting Profile

Heading to a 1600-person, four-year-old high school in 2020-21 was like approaching a pre-pandemic buffet. Lots of choices, but how would I find what I liked? When a friend mentioned the school was starting its first-ever crew team, I decided I wanted to be part of it. Before starting the program, I knew very little about crew, so I was determined to change that. Through the program, I learned how to handle the equipment, communicate effectively with others, rig a boat, set a boat, and establish and improve my form. Taking these initiatives was fun and confirmed that this was the right sport for me. Through the season, as a new team, we worked harder than any other team to accomplish our goals. We caught up and rose to the top. Of five boats in competition, we won two state championships with undefeated records.

Spring 2022 brought record levels of flooding to Virginia, and with them, new challenges to our high school crew team. Some days, as we navigated through murky, waist-high water over what-used-to-be paths to the dock, I wondered if we could even launch the shell. Facing muddy docks covered in sticks, I knew we had to overcome it all, forfeiting no practice time whatsoever, to do well at states. Still excited by my high school’s inaugural crew team’s Virginia Scholastic Rowing Association (VASRA) State Championship Novice Men’s 4 win, I was both proud and nervous to be the only sophomore assigned to second varsity eight. The challenges associated with a larger boat and a team that doubled in size were inevitable. Setting a boat with eight second-year rowers proved daunting. Managing different boats, oars and launches along with novice rowers and coaches also contributed to the general sense of chaos. Whoever said “it gets easier over time” clearly was not talking about the sport of rowing. Although not “easier over time,” rowing teaches life skills and instills a lifelong love of the sport, which I look forward to continuing to pursue in college. The Varsity Men’s Second 8 boat proudly took Silver Medal in the 2022 Virginia Scholastic Rowing Association (VASRA) State Championship.

One of my favorite things about being part of a crew team is having the opportunity to both learn and teach at the same time. My second year brought new opportunities to be more actively involved with the team. My pre and post-event commitment resulted in coaches recognizing my quick-learning, self-discipline and dedication and awarding me additional responsibilities. Also, this year brought levels of proficiency that helped me to guide others, teaching proper hand placement, maintaining timing, and reinforcing the importance of proper body control.

Next season, I will campaign for the captain position. I will continue to build on this experience, lead by example, train off-season, educate new rowers and improve my personal skills. I will support my team to be the best rowers they can be while enjoying the challenge of participating in this sport we love.